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Barcoding Megadiversity: An Arthropod Database from Sites in the Neotropical Eastern Pacific Bioregion
Ana B García-Ruilova1, David A Donoso2, Yves Basset3
1Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Quito, Ecuador. ana.garcia@biodiversidad.gob.ec.
Scientific Data
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces the first arthropod diversity dataset from the Neotropical Eastern Pacific. It reveals high biodiversity and abundance, establishing a baseline for future research.
Area of Science:
- Biodiversity research
- Ecology
- Entomology
Background:
- The Neotropical Eastern Pacific Bioregion is under-surveyed for arthropod diversity.
- Establishing baseline data is crucial for understanding ecosystem health and conservation needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first comprehensive dataset of arthropod diversity from ten terrestrial sites across the Neotropical Eastern Pacific.
- To document arthropod specimen counts, BINs (Barcode Index Numbers), and taxonomic distribution.
- To identify key sites and taxonomic orders with high diversity and abundance.
Main Methods:
- Collected arthropod specimens from ten terrestrial sites over 1-7 years.
- Documented 952,087 specimens and 45,812 BINs.
- Classified specimens across phyla, classes, orders, families, and genera.
Main Results:
- Documented 952,087 arthropod specimens and 45,812 BINs across 25 datasets.
- Identified Mashpi (Ecuador) and Guanacaste (Costa Rica) as hotspots for unique BINs.
- Found highest arthropod abundance at Quetzales and Baru (Costa Rica).
- Diptera and Hymenoptera were the most abundant orders.
Conclusions:
- The dataset provides an unprecedented baseline for Neotropical arthropod biodiversity.
- Highlights the significant diversity and abundance of arthropods in the studied region.
- Supports future ecological and conservation research in the Neotropical Eastern Pacific.
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