Tyloperla, Sivec & Stark, 1988

Zeng, Liang-Liang, Huo, Qing-Bo & Du, Yu-Zhou, 2025, A new species of Tyloperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China, with a supplementary description of T. bimaculata Li & Kong, 2020, Zootaxa 5661 (4), pp. 567-572 : 571

Distribution of Tyloperla species

The genus Tyloperla exhibits a distribution centered in southwestern China (Sichuan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Guangxi), extending northward to temperate climatic zones (Shaanxi) and southward to southeast Asia ( Thailand and Vietnam), demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse geographical environments ( Table 1 ). Its widespread occurrence across subtropical-tropical transitional zones (Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan) is facilitated by humid climatic conditions and heterogeneous topographies (karst landforms and montane forests), which provide ecologically diversified habitats ( Fig. 5 ).

The geographical proximity between southeast Asia and southwestern China creates natural dispersal corridors, as evidenced by the shared distribution patterns in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Yunnan-Guangxi border regions, reflecting a pronounced preference for tropical-subtropical climates. The overall distribution is driven by subtropical humid climate regimes and strongly correlates with geographical connectivity features, particularly mountain range alignments and fluvial systems (Yangtze River, Red River, Mekong River). This biogeographic pattern corresponds to the genus' ecological requirements: larvae exhibit strict dependence on pristine aquatic environments, while adults inhabit riparian vegetation, indicating high sensitivity to water quality and habitat integrity.

Figures

FIGURE 5. The distribution of Chinese Tyloperla species in southeast Asia.