Citizen science databases and entomological collections: insights into environmental ranges and potential distribution of Gonzaga McLachlan, 1867 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Abstract This study investigates the geographic distribution, environmental ranges and environmental potential of Gonzaga McLachlan species (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) across the Neotropical region. Biological collections and citizen science databases were pivotal in compiling distribution records, revealing novel data for several species. For instance, Gonzaga nigriceps McLachlan was recorded for the first time in Northeastern Brazil, while Gonzaga palliceps McLachlan had new records in the Federal District and São Paulo state, Brazil. Gonzaga torquatus Navás extended its range to Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico. The study employed ecological niche models to infer the potential distribution of these species, highlighting areas of high environmental suitability in ecosystems such as moist and dry tropical forests, mangroves, and savannas. The analyses identified areas of high environmental suitability for the studied species, particularly in the Neotropical region, while also pinpointing knowledge gaps and unexplored potential habitat areas, such as in the coastal tropical areas South American and Atacama Desert. These findings are crucial for conservation, providing insights into the ecological requirements of the species and guiding preservation strategies in priority areas. The study underscores the ongoing importance of citizen science initiatives and the strengthening of biological collections for understanding and safeguarding Neotropical biodiversity, especially amidst climate change and habitat loss. This work contributes not only to the knowledge of Gonzaga species distributions but also to the application of predictive models in biodiversity, evolutionary, and conservation studies, encouraging future field research to validate the models and expand our understanding of these unique components of Neotropical biodiversity.