Neuroptera diversity, seasonality, and habitat distribution in the arid landscapes of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents an arid environment that supports a diverse insect fauna adapted to extreme climatic conditions. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the Neuropteran fauna of the UAE, based on extensive field surveys and an analysis of three decades of specimen records from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Invertebrate Inventory Project and published literature. The objectives were to document species diversity, analyse habitat associations, and assess seasonal activity patterns across eight major habitat types. A total of 97 species were recorded, representing 40 genera and seven families. At the regional scale, 250 species from 45 genera and nine families are documented across the Arabian Peninsula. The results indicate that 25% of Neuroptera families are associated with mountainous, rocky, and wadi habitats, while sand sheets and dunes support the highest diversity (85% of species). Gravel plains and inland standing water habitats exhibited lower richness, with intertidal habitats showing minimal abundance. Seasonal activity peaked among antlions (Myrmeleontidae) during April and May, with a marked decline in January. These findings provide new insights into the ecology, distribution, and habitat specialization of Neuroptera in arid environments, supporting ongoing biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning in the UAE.