Integrative taxonomy and vertical distribution of Tabanidae species (Diptera: Brachycera) in the Amazon Rainforest

Abstract

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world, implying extensive retention of a large volume of carbon and immense biodiversity. In forests, different vegetation strata vertically form distinct ecosystems, generating resources and conditioning patterns of insect diversity and abundance distribution patterns. The Tabanidae family (Diptera: Brachycera) comprises around 4,500 species worldwide, and its diversity also varies among forest strata. Several known Tabanidae species in forests are rare and restricted to the canopy. At least half of Tabanidae species and individual numbers are more common in forest canopies than on the ground. The complexity of Tabanidae taxonomic composition in tree canopies is still not fully understood, largely due to difficulties accessing material. Scarce material also implies limited knowledge of intraspecific variation in some species, leading to delimitation issues. Combining morphological and molecular approaches in integrative taxonomy provides solutions for more precise delimitation and identification. It is noteworthy that in the Neotropical Region, there are no studies with molecular data for Tabanidae identification. This project will deal with Tabanidae family material in the Thematic Project to: (1) identify all species from available material; (2) describe new species that may be found; (3) describe the distribution patterns of Tabanidae fauna in the vertical structure of the forest; (4) test the effectiveness of integrative taxonomy in recognizing and delimiting Tabanidae species.