Assessing the Diversity of Ant-Associated Silverfish (Insecta: Zygentoma) in Mediterranean Countries: The Most Important Hotspot for Lepismatidae in Western Palaearctic

The Mediterranean Basin is considered one of the most important hotspots biodiversity in European region. Many taxa exhibit high levels speciation and endemicity this area. This case myrmecophilous insects families Lepismatidae Nicoletiidae (Insecta: Zygentoma) that are further assessed study using unpublished bibliographic data. A complete checklist all ant-associated silverfish occurring presented, together with an updated identification key interesting new records for several countries. Considering described Zygentoma species, area represent 28% species world about 35% studied Even scarce knowledge other biogeographic areas insufficient sampling continents, we conclude region, neighbouring Western Palaearctic, hotspot (about 30% family so far), while highest diversity Atelurinae linked to tropical regions.