Insect (Hexapoda) Diversity in the Oceanic Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Scenopinidae (Diptera)

A rare discovery of window flies (Scenopinidae) in the remote Brazilian archipelago of Fernando de Noronha extends known insect distributions, linking the island's fauna to mainland Brazil. The study documents only 16 specimens—three males and 13 females—of Scenopinus schulzi, highlighting its low abundance. Researchers suggest this species likely colonized the islands from the continent, challenging assumptions about oceanic archipelago isolation. By analyzing these findings, the study contributes to understanding insect dispersal in isolated ecosystems, offering insights into biodiversity patterns in UNESCO-listed marine reserves.

Rafael, J. A., Ale-Rocha, R., & Limeira-de-Oliveira, F. (2022). Insect (Hexapoda) Diversity in the Oceanic Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Scenopinidae (Diptera). Biota Neotropica, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2021-1282