On the diversity of Neotropical Hymenoptera

Abstract

Hymenoptera is globally one of the most diverse groups of insects. There are no recent estimates nor sound data on the size of the fauna of this order in the Neotropical Region. Based on printed or digital catalogs, lists, as well as reviews of monographs, and other sources, the Neotropics comprises 26 superfamilies, 92 families, 3162 genera, and over 33 640 species of Hymenoptera. Hymenoptera diversity in the Neotropics is greater than in the Nearctic, Palearctic and Australian regions. The Neotropics is probably the richest region in the World in families, genera, and species of the order, with the majority of taxa endemic to this region.