Conjugated Mapping of the Population of True Bugs (Heteroptera) in the Eastern Part of the Upper-Angara Depression

This study presents integrated mapping of plant associations and cenotic groups of true bugs (Heteroptera) in the eastern part of the Upper-Angara depression. Based on expedition data, which includes over 250 geobotanical descriptions and entomological collections, distribution patterns of 116 bug species from 16 families and 79 genera are identified. The highest species diversity is observed in intrazonal complexes such as grass–forb meadows, meadow–swamp communities, and steppe areas, where 25 or more species are found, whereas alpine tundras and sparse woodlands are characterized by poor faunal diversity (4–10 species). An original map of the cenotic groups of true bugs (scale 1 : 50 000) is developed for a key area near Lake Irkana. A distinctive feature of the methodology is grouping 32 plant associations into 16 comprehensive categories of cenotic groups of bugs based on similarities in species composition. This approach reveals specific zoogeographical patterns that do not always align with vegetation units. Such discrepancies are attributed to the trophic specialization of insects and their ecological flexibility. Intrazonal plant communities, despite their relatively small distribution within the study area, are found to be particularly important for maintaining regional biodiversity. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach to integrated mapping, where vegetation maps serve as a foundation but not a rigid template for identifying cenotic insect groups. This work fills a gap in the study of the regional Heteroptera fauna and highlights the importance of comprehensive analysis in zoogeographical mapping. The findings are significant for both fundamental ecological research and applied biodiversity conservation efforts.