Track analysis of the species of Lampetis (Spinthoptera) Casey, 1909 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in North America, Central America, and the West Indies

Abstract

Based on the comparison of 29 individual tracks, distributional patterns of species of Lampetis (Spinthoptera) in North and Central America, and the West Indies were analyzed by a track analysis. Fifteen generalized tracks and six nodes were found. Three generalized tracks were found in the Nearctic region, six in the Mexican transition zone, and eight in the Neotropical region (two in the Antillean dominion and six in the Mesoamerican dominion). Nodes were located in the Mexican transition zone (Sierra Madre del Sur and Transmexican Volcanic Belt biogeographic provinces) and the Neotropical region (Mexican Gulf and Mexican Pacific Coast biogeographic provinces). Two nodes were located in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which represents a key area to the understanding of the biotic evolution of Mesoamerica.