Flower beetles across the Guineo‐Congolian forest: Intra‐ and interspecific habitat use at two spatial scales

Abstract The Guineo‐Congolian forests, extending from Sierra Leone to Uganda, are recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Species distribution in these forests follows distinct patterns, including interconnected species with minimal genetic differentiation, species complexes with distribution gaps, and species with continuous ranges undergoing speciation. This study explored distribution patterns in the flower beetles of the genus Dicronorhina , especially D. cavifrons , D. m. micans , and D. johnstoni . From field surveys conducted in Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Sudan, we examine adult phenology, habitat characteristics, and the biogeographic implications of these species. We examine habitat use at both sighting and landscape scales using geographic information system–based spatial analyses, detrended correspondence analysis, and linear mixed methods. We show that within this species complex, D. cavifrons and D. m. micans display similar ecological traits. At the same time, D. johnstoni has distinct adaptations, including a broader habitat range and reduced reliance on mature forests. Rainfall positively influenced the activity of D. cavifrons and D. m. micans , though its effect on D. johnstoni was unclear. Intraspecific variation was minimal, while interspecific differences highlighted divergent ecological pathways. Biogeographically, the Volta River was hypothesized to act as a barrier, isolating D. cavifrons from D. m. micans , while D. johnstoni occupies a unique niche.