Species delimitation in the bear scarabs: using GIS tools to clarify the Paracotalpa ursina (Coleoptera) species complex

Abstract

Distributions and environmental conditions for the western North American Paracotalpa ursina (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Areodina) species complex are assessed using niche modeling. This species complex occurs mainly in the California Floristic Province and includes as many as nine morphotypes. Its high phenotypic variation could be influenced by mechanisms associated with the complex topographies of the Californian landscape such as dispersal barriers and climate. Comparison of factors that influence the distribution of the highly variable P. ursina populations with less variable sister species populations may help to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to intraspecific variation.