Geadephaga beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) from the sub-Antarctic Tierra del Fuego archipelago: Diversity, distribution and taxonomic key

Abstract

Abstract The Tierra del Fuego Archipelago (TFA), situated at the southern tip of South America, confronts ecological challenges attributed to human activities, leading to direct consequences on regional biodiversity. Despite certain areas within the TFA being recognized as global conservation priorities, our comprehension of its invertebrates’ biodiversity remains incomplete. Insects, particularly Geadephaga beetles, play a crucial role in natural and agricultural ecosystems due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and integral functions as predators and granivores. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive species list of Geadephaga beetles in the TFA, including a taxonomic key, illustrated images of adult specimens, and maps to enhance understanding of their distribution patterns. We report 52 Geadephaga species, including one Cicindelidae and 51 Carabidae, with ten newly recorded species and three new putative taxa. The distribution patterns of Geadephaga in the TFA indicate a higher diversity compared to other sub-Antarctic islands. Distinct patterns associated with the Sub-Antarctic Nothofagus forests, the Magellanic open moorlands, and the Patagonian steppe are identified, revealing the impact of climatic conditions on beetle diversity. This research significantly contributes to understanding the Geadephaga biodiversity and distribution patterns in the TFA, providing valuable tools for taxonomic identifications.