First record of Stenoterommata platensis (Araneae: Pycnothelidae) in Santiago del Estero, Argentina and niche modelling to unveil its distributional pattern

Abstract

Stenoterommata platensis is distributed in Argentina and Uruguay along the La Plata River basin, characterized by a predominantly humid climate and moist habitats. However, this contribution reports the presence of S. platensis outside its known distribution range, accompanied by an analysis of distribution models to assess the influence of bioclimatic variables on distribution patterns. This research confirms the current presence of S. platensis in the Santiago del Estero province, indicating a significant expansion of its geographic range and its ability to thrive in drier and high-temperature environments. Niche modeling under past conditions (~20000 years ago) indicated suitable areas for the establishing of this species in the Dry Chaco.