UK Diptera species are undergoing range shifts, this is associated with an interaction between climate change, habitat breadth and mobility traits

This year, the UK reached an all-time high temperature of 40.3°C. Species globally are being affected by climate change across every continent and every taxonomic group. Also, species are undergoing range shifts, this has been documented in butterflies, birds, and trees to name a few. This is largely associated with climate change; species are shifting in elevation and latitude to maintain suitable climatic conditions under our warming environment. However, it is clear that there are other variables also influencing the occurrence of range shifts. Insects, particularly Diptera, are known to be sensitive to temperature changes and have been found to be dispersing. Morphological traits and habitat associations also affect the localities of various species. Diptera are undergoing range shifts, with a bias for northwards shifts. This is associated with an interaction between climate velocity, habitat breadth, wing size, and intertegular distance. A high climate velocity and intertegular distance, and a low habitat breadth and wing size, correlate with a greater range shift in UK Diptera species between 1980 and 2019. Flight muscle performance and habitat associations are particularly important factors in the process of Diptera range shifts. This is important information to predict future patterns of dispersal and what issues this may bring in terms of disease or pests from insects. For conservation, predicting future range shifts under the changing environment is essential for effective protected area creation. The climate is continuing to warm and species are predicted to continue undergoing range shifts. Further research into most groups of organisms is needed as different groups will have a variety of influencing factors which the knowledge of is required for prediction. Range shifts are associated with a complex interaction between species specific variables as well as external factors and there is huge scope for future research in this relevant field