An overview of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in the Andean Region s.l.: A systematic review

Abstract

The Andean Region, spanning from 23° S to 55° S, including the South American Transition Zone, harbours many unique species but faces significant human-induced pressures. It encompasses two biodiversity hotspots, underscoring the importance of understanding its biota for effective conservation. Notably, the Andean Region boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of endemic geometrid moths, vital for ecosystem services and potential as bioindicators. However, limited expertise and comprehensive knowledge hinder their applications. No synthesis of this region’s Geometridae exists, unlike well-documented Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Geometridae information in the Andean Region is fragmented, mostly from small-scale studies. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA protocol, analyzing 151 scientific articles. We assessed topics in five categories: studied taxa, methodologies, evolution, biogeography, and ecology. While evolution and ecology were well-studied, there was a bias towards taxonomic and immature state studies, neglecting other ecological and evolutionary questions. Biogeographic studies were infrequent, often local. Catching methods, morphological analysis, and museological studies were predominant, being cost-effective. Emerging methodologies include genetics, population studies, phylogenetic comparisons, and geometric morphometrics. Keyword analysis revealed common concepts such as taxonomy, Geometridae, immature stages, Chile, Lepidoptera, herbivory, Ecuador, Neotropical Region, Systematics, and Ennominae. In conclusion, we urge prioritizing ecological research on geometrid moths’ interactions with other taxa, especially mutualistic and predation interactions. Enhanced efforts are needed for biogeographic patterns, phylogenetic studies, and systematic assessments of incertae sedis taxa and those assigned to Palearctic genera.