Predicting the potential distribution of Rhaphidophorinae (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) in China

Zootaxa. 2019 Oct 7;4683(1):zootaxa.4683.1.6. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4683.1.6.

Abstract

The rhaphidophorid subfamily Rhaphidophorinae, distributed from South Asian to Australia, comprises 7 extant genus and 160 species. In China, the subfamily are poorly understood. Based on the occurrence data and climate data, ecological niche model can be used as a tool for species discovery. Herein we predict the potential distribution of Chinese Rhaphidophorinae using MAXENT under R environment. The mean temperature of coldest quarter plays an important role in the distribution of true cave cricket in China. Our potential map suggested the main concentrated area of the subfamily's range is in Yunnan, while expanding to the east, there is an obviously geographical barrier in Guangxi. Considering the diversity of rhaphidophorids in China is not well known, we hope that the combining ecological niche model can serve as a guide to future survey expeditions in China.

Keywords: MAXENT, Orthoptera, environmental variables, occurrence localities, Potential geographic distribution.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Australia
  • China
  • Climate
  • Ecosystem
  • Orthoptera*
  • Temperature