Hidden global diversity and sampling gaps in Orthoptera insects revealed through distribution data

Insects are essential to terrestrial ecosystems but remain underrepresented in global biodiversity assessments. This macroecological study presents a global analysis of diversity patterns in Orthoptera (grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, and katydids), using over 830,000 georeferenced records, species distribution models, and environmental data. The analysis revealed hotspots of diversity and endemism in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Africa. Biome-level comparisons showed that moist tropical forests and Mediterranean regions harbor high richness and endemism of Ensifera, while Caelifera diversity is higher in grasslands and deserts. The two suborders exhibit contrasting biogeographic patterns: Ensifera shows a classic tropical diversity gradient, whereas Caelifera presents a bimodal pattern with wider species ranges. However, for both suborders, their high-diversity regions face rapid land-use change. By integrating biodiversity data with endemism, sampling gaps, and land-use pressures, the study produces an “emergency map” to guide urgent field surveys and conservation efforts. The work emphasizes the need to prioritize poorly studied yet biologically rich regions and highlights the importance of expert-curated databases like the Orthoptera Species File in biodiversity research and conservation planning.