Abstract Orchid bees are exclusive to the Neotropical region. This study aimed to identify Euglossini areas of endemism (AE) across the Neotropics and to compare them with existing regionalizations. We compiled 4,317 unique occurrence records for 182 species. AEs were identified using NDM/VNDM software with 3-degree and 4-degree grids, and quantitatively compared using V-measure and relative inhomogeneity. Analyses yielded 11 consensus AEs (3°) and 19 (4°). Strongest global association was found with previous orchid bee’s areas as expected. Locally, AEs strongly corresponded with Panama + Chocó, Amazon Basin, and Atlantic Forest. Local correspondence was notably weaker in the Andean region, and surprisingly, no AEs were identified within the previously suggested Paraguayan Corridor. These robust spatial patterns of endemism offer critical insights to refine current biogeographic regionalizations of the Euglossini tribe.
Bonfim et al. (Mon,) studied this question.