Updating distribution of Borbo borbonica (Boisduval, 1833) in southern Iberian Peninsula (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae): Potential and future distribution models

Abstract

The Borbo Skipper (Borbo borbonica) (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) is one of the European butterflies with a more restricted geographical distribution. It has been observed in several localities of southern Spain next to the Strait of Gibraltar, in an area that includes the southernmost latitude of continental Europe. In this paper we update the current known distribution of the species by compiling bibliographic data and our field data, demonstrating the status of resident and current colonization of south-western Iberian Peninsula. We model the potential distribution of this species with Maxent using both bioclimatic, topographic and land use variables obtaining a 99% success rate (AUC value). We also predict further expansion of this species in southern Spain in a climate change scenario for 2050. These models can be effective tools for monitoring and management in possible future actions for the conservation of the discussed species.