Habitat generalists key to preserving biodiversity in tropical mountaintops.
Insects in a mountaintop landscape in Brazil were studied to understand how their habitat preferences affect their distribution. Ants, butterflies, and dung beetles were found in forest islands and grasslands. Some insects prefer specific habitats, while others are more flexible. Surprisingly, the insects that can live in different habitats actually play a bigger role in shaping the community structure than those with specific preferences. The way these insects are distributed across the landscape doesn't seem to impact how the community is organized. This study helps us understand how different types of insects interact in changing environments and can help us protect ecosystems better.