Brazilian craneflies (Diptera: Tipulomorpha): the distribution and the challenges of a diverse group

Craneflies in Brazil comprise 649 species. Despite this, they remain under-sampled and understudied, with a distribution record currently lacking. This study analyzed 1,626 individual records, revealing the species’ distribution. A total of 75.2% of these species are found exclusively in Brazil. Internal distribution patterns expose biases and gaps within the biomes, with the Atlantic Forest hosting 426 species, while the Caatinga and Pantanal each have just one. Only 2.8% of species are found across more than one biome, and the Atlantic Forest records the highest level of endemism (97%). Despite the diversity, craneflies require more attention, further research, improved databases, and better integration to achieve a comprehensive understanding of this diverse group.