The diversity of moths (Erebidae: Arctiinae: Arctiini) from threatened mountain cloud forests in the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot.

Although Mexico includes a large proportion of the biodiversity of the Mesoamerican hotspot, well-documented examples of moth diversity and distributions remain limited. This lack of knowledge hinders a broader assessment of possible changes in their distribution patterns in the face of climatic and environmental stressors. Our aims were (1) to analyze the variation of diversity and community structure of moths in the tribe Arctiini along an elevational gradient (640–2450 masl) at El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve (ETBR), one of the largest cloud forest natural reserves in the Mesoamerican hotspot; (2) to identify potential indicator species associated with main habitat types along the elevational gradient, and (3) to examine the potential effect of environmental factors (i.e., temperature, precipitation, primary productivity, vegetation heterogeneity, and human-modified coverage), and geometric constraints (i.e. mid-domain effect, 'MDE') on moth diversity and spatial distribution. We recorded 112 species, 49 genera, and seven subtribes. The highest richness (N = 60) and rare species values (N = 17) were recorded at 1050 m. The highest abundance (N = 310) and species dominance (J = 0.60) were registered at 1990 m and 2450 m, respectively. Cloud forest (1990 m) included the highest number of endemic and indicator species. We found a high species turnover along the elevation gradient and a low percentage of nestedness (Bsim = 0.9 and Bnes = 0.09). Moth assemblages at low elevations (640–1640 m) were more similar in species composition than those at higher elevations (1990–2450 m). Species richness peaked below the mid elevation point, so we discarded a mid-domain model for explaining moth species distribution patterns. Both primary productivity and vegetation heterogeneity were significantly correlated with species diversity and abundance. Implications for insect conservation: This study confirms the importance of including structurally heterogeneous habitats within protected areas for maintaining and preserving moth diversity in light of increasing anthropogenic activities and climate change. Our results also highlight the importance of conserving representative habitats covering the entire elevational gradient at ETBR, including buffer zones. The community assemblages of the tribe Arctiini, a hyperdiverse group of moths in the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot were locally distinct and changed along the elevational gradient. Therefore, possible integrative conservation for moth populations and regional biodiversity will require collaboration between stakeholders, indigenous communities, citizens, and scientists, including actions for protection, sustainable management, and restoration of natural or modified ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]