Lack of congruence between fundamental and realised aridity niche in a lineage of water beetles

Coping with aridity is a physiological challenge for all organisms, including freshwater ones. Aridity shapes distributions of aquatic species at fine and large geographical scales. Specifically, beetles, the desiccation resistance adults potential constraint colonisation arid regions. We assessed congruence between fundamental realised niche in eight Palearctic lineage water beetles (subgenus Lumetus, genus Enochrus, family Hydrophilidae). also estimated relative explanatory capacity aridity-related versus other environmental variables distributions. Most species, even those most sensitive to stress laboratory experiments, occur areas high within region. Our results suggest lack association (desiccation resistance) distance matrix (realised niche), or either these phylogenetic distances. Aridity-related had generally similar explaining distribution than non-related indicate that has not been an important environments by this clade non-physiological factors are more shaping their along gradients. The studied beetle might conserve basal from relatively recent terrestrial ancestors, which could have provided advantage areas. Further research shed light on whether unexpected common groups insects living particular group beetles.