Diversity and distribution of aphids in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau-Himalayas

1. Based on the geographic distribution database of museum specimens and published literature, the diversity and distribution of aphids in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau-Himalayas was studied using the GIS method. 2. A total of 646 aphid species/subspecies belonging to 195 genera in Adelgidae, Phylloxeridae, and 16 subfamilies of Aphididae were recorded from this region; among which Aphidinae shared the highest species proportion (343 species, 53.1%), followed by Greenidinae (63, 9.7%), Eriosomatinae (54, 8.3%), and Lachninae (48, 7.4%). A total of 326 species and 20 genera are endemic to this region. 3. The aphid fauna has diverse faunal components and shows affinity with other zoogeographic realms. It is also rich in alpine species. 4. The aphid fauna exhibits an asymmetric distribution pattern with few species found on the high surface of the plateau. Four distribution centres were mapped. These were (i) the associated mountainous areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the western Qinling Mountains and southern Gansu Province, (ii) the Hengduan Mountains Region, (iii) the eastern Himalayas, and (iv) the western Himalayas. 5. The aphid fauna of the region may have multiple origins, and has been influenced by geological and ecological factors, such as glaciers and diversified vegetation. Possible reasons for the species diversity and distribution patterns are discussed. The implications and priorities for conservation based, on these distribution patterns, are also discussed.