TY  - JOUR
A1  - Cunze, Sarah
A1  - Jourdan, Jonas
A1  - Klimpel, Sven
T1  - Ecologically and medically important black flies of the genus Simulium: identification of biogeographical groups according to similar larval niches
T2  - Science of the total environment
N2  - Highlights
• Three ecological groups were identified based on distributional patterns.
• Old assessments were confirmed with the latest occurrence data.
• For each group, we derived different population trends in times of global change.
• Global change elevates importance of vector-borne diseases. 
• Our results serve as base for effective Simuliidae monitoring.
Abstract
The black fly genus Simulium includes medically and ecologically important species, characterized by a wide variation of ecological niches largely determining their distributional patterns. In a rapidly changing environment, species-specific niche characteristics determine whether a species benefits or not. With aquatic egg, larval and pupal stages followed by a terrestrial adult phase, their spatial arrangements depend upon the interplay of aquatic conditions and climatic-landscape parameters in the terrestrial realm. The aim of this study was to enhance the understanding of the distributional patterns among Simulium species and their ecological drivers. In an ecological niche modelling approach, we focused on 12 common black fly species with different ecological requirements. Our modelling was based on available distribution data along with five stream variables describing the climatic, land-cover, and topographic conditions of river catchments. The modelled freshwater habitat suitability was spatially interpolated to derive an estimate of the adult black flies' probability of occurrence. Based on similarities in the spatial patterns of modelled habitat suitability we were able to identify three biogeographical groups, which allows us to confirm old assessments with current occurrence data: (A) montane species, (B) broad range species and (C) lowland species. The five veterinary and human medical relevant species Simulium equinum, S. erythrocephalum, S. lineatum, S. ornatum and S. reptans are mainly classified in the lowland species group. In the course of climatic changes, it is expected that biocoenosis will slightly shift towards upstream regions, so that the lowland group will presumably emerge as the winner. This is mainly explained by wider ecological niches, including a higher temperature tolerance and tolerance to various pollutants. In conclusion, these findings have significant implications for human and animal health. As exposure to relevant Simulium species increases, it becomes imperative to remain vigilant, particularly in investigating the potential transmission of pathogens.
KW  - Climatic conditions
KW  - Ecological requirements
KW  - Hematophagous arthropods
KW  - Maxent
KW  - Simuliidae
KW  - Species distribution modelling
Y1  - 2024
UR  - http://publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/82871
UR  - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hebis:30:3-828712
SN  - 0048-9697
VL  - 917
IS  - 170454
PB  - Elsevier
CY  - Amsterdam
ER  -