Data from: Patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity of termites along a tropical elevational gradient

Patterns of termite richness along elevation gradients may be related to
different responses by termite functional groups to changes in
environmental conditions. We investigated the distribution of termite
species richness along an elevational gradient of cerrado and rupestrian
grasslands in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, in Brazil. Fifty termite
species were recorded, with the family Termitidae being dominant; 16
species are endemic to open areas of cerrado and 1 species, Cortaritermes
rizzinii, is endemic and restricted to mountaintop grassland habitats.
Termite richness declined with increasing elevation, with the main factors
associated with the reduction being climactic (air temperature, air and
soil humidity, and radiation) and vegetation variables. Different termite
communities were found along the elevational gradient, which were also
strongly influenced by changes in climate and vegetation. On the other
hand, the same functional groups were present at the different elevations,
although represented by different species.