Global distribution of microwhip scorpions (Arachnida: Palpigradi)

Aim Historically, research on global distribution patterns has mostly concentrated conspicuous organisms and thus a large proportion of biodiversity Earth remains unmapped. We examined the palpigrades, poorly studied group low dispersive arachnids specialized to subterranean life. asked what are ecological factors driving their distributions, extent sampling bias may influence observed patterns. Location Global. Taxon Palpigrades (Arachnida: Palpigradi) in genus Eukoenenia. Methods assembled database over 1000 localities referring 57 soil- 69 cave-adapted palpigrades. tested for differences range sizes species. used variance partitioning analysis explore contribution climate, nutrient availability geology distributions. Finally, we verified potential correlation between number occurrence records palpigrades' researchers. Results Europe Brazil emerged as centres diversification Conversely, diversity soil-adapted species was distributed broader geographical expanse, mainly Southern Hemisphere. Both cave soil had narrow ranges, with median value 0.01 km2; only few parthenogenetic were multiple continents. The cave- palpigrades primarily explained by climatic conditions, secondarily habitat availability. In Alps, also bears signature historical events related glaciation cycles. observed, however, pronounced people-species correlation, suggesting that not generalizable explored areas. Main conclusions Our study highlights enormous gaps current knowledge about biogeography Even if information is largely incomplete biased, show how data can be harnessed draw preliminary picture Thus, offer jumping-off point future studies macroecology conservation known organisms.