Global geographical distribution and prediction of suitable areas in China of the genus Nosphistica Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae)

Nosphistica is one of the important genera of the family Lecithoceridae (order Lepidoptera, class Insecta). This study aims to clarify the current geographical distribution of this genus and its suitable habitat range in China.

Based on published data of Nosphistica, the global geographical distribution of its species was visually mapped. Meanwhile, the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was employed to predict and zone its suitable habitats.

A total of 22 Nosphistica species are known worldwide, 17 of which are recorded in China, 2 in Thailand, and 1 each in Sri Lanka, India, Japan, and Vietnam. In China, the genus is mainly distributed in southern regions, broadly demarcated by the Yangtze River, with species diversity generally exhibiting an increasing trend from north to south. Prediction results of suitable areas indicate that the suitable areas are mainly concentrated between 18°N and 32°N, and the high habitat suitability areas are primarily located east of the Hengduan Mountains and south of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. The monthly mean diurnal temperature range and precipitation are the main factors affecting the suitable distribution of Nosphistica.

Nosphistica is mainly distributed in China and concentrated in southern regions. This study's results contribute to revealing the geographical distribution pattern of this genus and enhancing broader understanding of it.