Assessing the distribution and conservation status of a long-horned beetle with species distribution models

摘要: Data shortfalls on species distribution affect differently, but it is frequent among insects. Species models (SDMs) are important tools to fill biogeographic deficits and provide support for practical conservation actions, particularly cryptic or hard survey species. We employed SDMs evaluate one such species, the long-horned beetle (Macrodontia cervicornis), listed as ‘vulnerable’ in IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. Given new distributional data this we applied three different to: (1) first assessment species’ potential dispersal routes; (2) effectiveness current South American protected areas system its conservation; (3) discuss distribution, well historical, biogeographical, taxonomic issues related it. Our reached fair True Skilled Statistics values (TSS > 0.5), with core area M. cervicornis located Amazon forest, although suitable were also predicted along Atlantic forest. Areas dry diagonal corridor (dry biomes Cerrado, Caatinga, Pampas) America not suitable. The preference humid high temperatures may guarantee a better physiological control dehydration, considering that large insects more affected by water loss. In general, approximately 15 % areas. disconnected be an indication existence under same classification. suggest similar studies other insect groups (e.g. butterflies, bees) should conducted properly assess their distributions, status, responses hot-humid gradients throughout America.