Research Article
Print
Research Article
A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
expand article infoSebastian Salata‡, Lech Borowiec‡
‡ University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland

Corresponding author: Sebastian Salata ( sdsalata@gmail.com )

Academic editor: Brian Lee Fisher
© 2018 Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: Salata S, Borowiec L (2018) A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 789: 139-159. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.789.27022
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0E40808C-D9E6-43D6-AA8E-D17DD66B63A8
Open Access

Abstract

Lasius tapinomoides sp. n. from Crete, Greece, is described and illustrated. It belongs to L. turcicus complex and is well characterized by very small body, extremely shallow metanotal groove and presence of suberect to erect setae on the apical part of scape. New records of Cretan members of the genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 are provided, their checklist is updated, and the key to their determination is presented.

Keywords

Endemic species, Greece, Lasius , Mediterranean

Introduction

The genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 is widely distributed throughout the Holarctic. Within its range, it is one of the most abundant of all Formicidae genera and its species are very often dominants of local myrmecofauna (Janda et al. 2004). Forty-three Lasius species are known from Europe and Mediterranean area (Borowiec 2014, Talavera et al. 2015, Seifert and Galkowski 2016), divided in five subgenera (Maruyama et al. 2008). The most numerous is the nominotypical subgenus Lasius s. str. Ruzsky, 1913 – 23 species, followed by Chthonolasius Ruzsky, 1913-13 species, Cautolasius Wilson, 1955 – 3 species, Dendrolasius Ruzsky, 1913 – 2 species, and Austrolasius Faber, 1967 - 2 species (Borowiec 2014, Talavera et al. 2015, Seifert and Galkowski 2016). Most of these species are characterised by possessing a wide geographical range. Only a few representatives of the subgenus Lasius s. str. are known from narrow area and could be considered as endemic species. Among these are Lasius karpinisi Seifert, 1992, known from Mt. Timfristos in the Greek mainland, Lasius balearicus Talavera, Espadaler & Vila, 2015 described from Mallorca and Lasius casevitzi Seifert & Galkowski, 2016 inhabiting Corsica.

Crete, as one of the largest Mediterranean islands, with very diverse, mountainous landscape (Grove and Rackham 1993), has poorly known myrmecofauna and requires more detailed study. Based on the literature, seven Lasius species are known from this island (Forel 1886, 1889, 1910, Neuenschwander et al. 1983, Legakis 2011, Borowiec and Salata 2012). However, presence of some of them requires confirmation. During our fieldwork, performed in different parts of Crete, new ant material was collected. Together with material deposited in the Natural History Museum of Crete it was used to review Cretan Lasius species. As results of this research a new species has been discovered and few other species have been recognised as new records for Crete. Below we describe Lasius tapinomoides, a new Cretan endemic, provide detailed occurrence data of other Cretan Lasius species, and present an identification key.

Materials and methods

Ants were sampled between 2007 and 2014 from sites in different parts of Crete. The method was direct sampling (hand collecting). Individual specimens and nests were collected on the ground, in leaf litter and rock rubble, under stones and tree trunks. All specimens were preserved in 75% EtOH. Study was supported with material deposited in the Natural History Museum of Crete (Iraklion, Greece).

Examined specimens are housed in the following collections:

BMNHNatural History Museum, London;

DBET Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Taxonomy, University of Wroclaw, Poland;

HNHMHungarian National History Museum, Budapest, Hungary;

MSNGMuseo Civico di Storia Naturale, Genova, Italy;

NHMBNaturhistorisches Museum, Basel;

NHMCNatural History Museum of Crete, Iraklion;

SMNGSenckenberg Museum für Naturkunde Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany.

Specimens were compared using standard methods of comparative morphology. Photos were taken using a Nikon SMZ 1500 stereomicroscope, Nikon D5200 photo camera, and Helicon Focus software.

All given label data are in original spelling, presented in quotation marks; a slash (/) separates data on different rows and double slash (//) separate labels.

Specimens of Lasius tapinomoides sp. n. were compared with all other known Cretan species of the genus Lasius and type material of members of the Lasius alienus group listed below. Type specimens photographs of the Lasius alienus group members are available online on AntWeb (www.AntWeb.org) and are accessible using the unique CASENT or FOCOL identifying specimen code. Moreover, we compared them with samples of members of the Lasius alienus group from other Greek regions. Data concerning distribution of Greek Lasius samples used in the comparison is provided in series of regional checklists (Borowiec and Salata 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017a,b, 2018, Bračko et al. 2016). Therefore, we see no reason to repeat this information. The list of Cretan Lasius species, together with their occurrence data on the island is provided below. This study was also supported by data published in recent revisions of Lasius s. str. (Seifert 1992, Talavera et al. 2015, Seifert and Galkowski 2016).

We decided to list all other ant species collected from the same localities where the new species has been found. In our opinion it provides valuable information about ecosystem structure and species diversity characteristic for habitats preferred by this species. Distribution maps of all recorded Lasius species were created in DivaGis 7.5 (Hijmans et al. 2011).

Measurements:

EL eye length; measured along the maximum vertical diameter of eye;

EW eye width; measured along the maximum horizontal diameter of eye;

HL head length; measured in straight line from mid-point of anterior clypeal margin to mid-point of posterior margin; the head must be carefully tilted to the position with the true maximum; excavations of posterior margin reduce HL;

HTL hind tibia length; maximum length of hind tibia;

HW head width; measured in full-face view directly above the eyes;

ML mesosoma length; measured as diagonal length from the anterior end of the neck shield to the posterior margin of the propodeal lobe;

PNW pronotum width; maximum width of pronotum in dorsal view;

SL maximum straight-line scape length excluding the articular condyle.

Indices:

HIHW/HL * 100;

SI1SL/HL * 100;

SI2SL/HW * 100;

MIHTL/ML * 100;

EI1EW/EL * 100;

EI2EW/HL * 100;

TIHW/HTL * 100.

Abbreviations:

q. gyne;

w. worker.

Pilosity inclination degree applies to this used in Hölldobler and Wilson (1990). The adpressed (0–5°) hairs run parallel, or nearly parallel to the body surface. Decumbent hairs stand 10–15°, subdecumbent hair stands 30°, suberect hairs stand 35–45°, the erect hairs stand more than 45° from the body surface.

Type material of taxa compared with Lasius tapinomoides sp. n

Lasius alienus (Foerster, 1850), neotype (w.) (FOCOL0754): ‘‘GER: Eifel, 7.9.1991 / 37km SE Aachen / Schleiden / leg. Seifert // Formica aliena / Förtser 1850 / Neotype / des B. Seifert 1992’’ (SMNG);

L. austriacus Schlick-Steiner, Steiner, Schödl & Seifert, 2003, paratype (w.) (CASENT0916646): “#11055: Feldberg near / Pulkau, Austria (15°51’E/ / 48°40’N), 360 m / a.s.l., 06.08.2002. // leg. B.C. Schlick-Steiner & / F.M Steiner // Lasius austriacus / Schlick-Steiner / 2003 / PARATYPE” (HNHM); paratype (q.) (CASENT0916647): “#11055: Feldberg near / Pulkau, Austria (15°51’E/ / 48°40’N), 360 m / a.s.l., 06.08.2002. // PARATYPE / Lasius austriacus / design. Schlick-Steiner, Steiner / Schödl & Seifert 2003” (HNHM);

L. neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrasfalvy, 1990, paratype (w.) (CASENT0903220): ‘‘Lasius neglectus // HUNGARY / Budapest / 1.VII.88 / JJ. Boomsma // ANTWEB / CASENT / 0903220 // BMNH(E) / 1016243 // PARA- / TYPE’’ (BMNH);

Lasius paralienus Seifert, 1992, paratype (w.) (FOCOL0751): ‘‘Germania: Kr. Bautzen / 2 km S Weißenberg; N066 / 11.7.1991, leg. Seifert // Lasius paralienus / Seifert / Holotypus’’ (SMNG);

Lasius psammophilus Seifert, 1992, holotype (w.) (FOCOL0752): ‘‘GER: Kr Weißwasser / 4 km N Steinbach: N 135 / 30.7.1991 leg. Seifert // Lasius psammophilus / Seifert / Holotype’’ (SMNG);

Lasius turcicus Santschi, 1921, lectotype (w.) (CASENT0912297): ‘‘Lasius / turcicus / Santschi / Type / SANTSCHI det. 1920 // lectotype / desig. by / E. O. Wilson // Asie min. / Angora / G. d. Kerville // Sammlung / Dr. F. Santschi / Kairouan // ANTWEB / CASENT / 0912297’’ (NHMB).

Results

Lasius tapinomoides sp. n.

http://zoobank.org/412DD1F4-21DA-4A85-B4CB-5031FC049560
Figs 1–2, 3–5, 6–7

Type material

Holotype (w.): ‘‘Lasius / tapinomoides sp. nov. / HOLOTYPE // Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR00976 // GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Antonios Spilia Gorge / 35°15.245 N,24°34.220 E / 11 V 2013, 342 m / L.Borowiec // CASENT0845075’’ (DBET); paratypes (6w.,1q.): data same as holotype, CASENT0845076 to CASENT0845082 (DBET, NHMC, NHMB); paratypes (15w.), CASENT0845460 to CASENT0845474: ‘‘GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Kato Malaki / 35.28333 N,24.4 E / 15 V 2013, 235 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET, NHMC, BMNH).

Non-type material

2w. (pin): ‘‘Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR00467 // GREECE, W Crete, 339 m / Plemeniana n. Kandanos / 35.31666 N,23.71666 E / 2 V 2011, L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin): Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR01420 // GREECE, Crete, Rethymno / Orthes Gorge, 318 m / 35.3336 N,24.6848 E / 28 IV 2014, S. Salata’’ (DBET); 2w. (pin): ‘‘Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR00993 // GREECE, Crete, Rethymno / n. Argioupolis / 35.28333 N,24.33333 E / 13 V 2013, 197 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET); 1w. (pin): ‘‘GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Preveli Beach / 35.16666 N,24.46666 E / 7 V 2013, 10 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET); 7w. (pin): ‘‘GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Road to Preveli Beach loc. 1 / 35.16666 N,24.45 E / 7 V 2013, 58 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET; 12w. (EtOH), Crete, Lasithi Prov., Gorge of Richtis, 35.16667N, 25.98333E, 245m, 08.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Orthes Gorge, 35.3336N,24.6848E, 318 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Antonios Spilia Gorge, 35°15.245 N,24°34.220, 342m, 11.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), road to Preveli Beach loc. 1, 35.16666N,24.45E, 58m, 7.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET).

Etymology

The name refers to the similarity of this species to species of the Tapinoma genus, caused by a very shallow metanotal groove.

Description

Worker.

Measurements: see Table 1.

Head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster uniformly coloured, brown to dark brown. Antennae, tibiae and tarsi bright brown to orange (Figs 1–4).

Table 1.
Download as
CSV
XLSX

Measurements and indices: L. tapinomoides and L. turcicus.

Measurements and indices L. tapinomoides N = 10 L. turcicus N = 10
HL 0.707 ± 0.02 (0.679–0.749) 0.891 ± 0.06 (0.782–0.983)
HW 0.578 ± 0.03 (0.525–0.637) 0.798 ± 0.06 (0.682–0.905)
SL 0.668 ± 0.02 (0.625–0.715) 0.836 ± 0.04 (0.743–0.95)
EL 0.179 ± 0.008 (0.167–0.19) 0.214 ± 0.012 (0.201–0.235)
EW 0.132 ± 0.004 (0.123–0.136) 0.157 ± 0.015 (0.123–0.184)
ML 0.791 ± 0.04 (0.726–0.827) 1.06 ± 0.08 (0.935–1.18)
HTL 0.709 ± 0.02 (0.682–0.76) 0.892 ± 0.05 (0.799–0.961)
PNW 0.417 ± 0.018 (0.38–0.447) 0.558 ± 0.04 (0.48–0.631)
HI 81.8 ± 3.3 (73.4–85.0) 90.2 ± 1.8 (87.2–92.8)
SI1 94.5 ± 1.5 (91.4–96.3) 93.9 ± 2.9 (87.8–98.7)
SI2 115.7 ± 4.4 (112.2–127.6) 104.7 ± 3.6 (97.3–109.3)
MI 89.0 ± 3.1 (84.8–95.5) 84.5 ± 3.0 (81.1–91.9)
EI1 74.0 ± 3.6 (68.7–80.2) 73.3 ± 4.6 (61.2–78.3)
EI2 18.9 ± 0.9 (17.0–19.9) 17.8 ± 1.3 (15.0–19.8)
TI 82.0 ± 2.6 (75.8–85.2) 89.2 ± 2.2 (85.4–93.8)
Figures 1–2. 

Lasius tapinomoides sp. n., holotype. 1 Lateral view 2 Dorsal view. Scale bar: 0.5 mm.

Head oval, 1.2 times as wide as long, lateral surfaces above eyes convex, occipital margin of head slightly convex (Figs 3–4). Clypeus shiny and smooth, its anterior margin convex, lacking median anterior notch, covered with sparse, decumbent to erect pubescence, average distance between setae longer than three fourths of their length. Masticatory border of mandibles with 7–8 teeth. Eyes medium-sized, oval, 0.25 times as long as length of the head. Antennal scape long, straight or slightly curved on its anterior part, 0.9 times as long as length of the head, exceeding beyond occipital margin of head, in apex gradually widened. Pedicel more than 2.0 times longer than wide, average 2.5 times longer than second segment of funiculus. Other funicular segments from 1.5 to 2.0 times longer than wide (Figs 3–4). Surface of scape with very fine microreticulation, shiny. Its surface covered with thin, dense, adpressed setae, on its apical part several suberect setae also occur.

Figures 3–5. 

Lasius tapinomoides sp. n. 3 Holotype, head with antennae 4 Holotype, head 5 Gyne, head. Scale bar: 0.5 mm.

Genae with few adpressed to suberect setae (Figure 3). Underside of head with thin, dense, adpressed setae and a few long, suberect to erect setae (Figure 1). Whole frontal head surface covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as three fourths of their length (Figs 3–4).

Mesosoma short, 1.9 times as long as wide. In lateral view, promesonotum low and flattened, metanotal groove very shallow, propodeum very low, propodeal dorsum slightly convex, propodeal declivity convex, less than twice length of propodeal dorsum (Figure 1). Whole mesosoma surface shiny with sparse microreticulation, covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence, and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as half of their length, metapleuron below the level of the propodeal spiracle with more than 5 setae (Figs 1–2).

Petiole scale low, in lateral view with slightly convex sides, its dorsal crest thick and arched (Figure 1). Gaster with very rare and fine microreticulation, shiny, bearing pilosity similar to this covering mesosoma. Legs long, shiny, with fine microreticulation. Surface of tibia and femora with thin, dense, adpressed to subdecumbent setae, extensor profile without erect setae (Figs 1–2).

Description

Gyne.

Measurements and Indices (n=1): HL: 1.03; HW: 1.2; SL: 0.9; EL: 0.3; EW: 0.24; ML: 2.3; HTL: 1.3; PNW: 1.4; HI: 116.5; SI1: 87.4; SI2: 75; MI: 56.5; EI1: 80; EI2:23; TI: 92.

Head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster dark brown. Antennae, tibiae and tarsi bright brown to orange (Figs 5–7).

Figures 6–7. 

Lasius tapinomoides sp. n., gyne. 6 Lateral view 7 Dorsal view. Scale bar: 0.5 mm

Head trapezoidal, 1.1 times as wide as long, lateral surfaces above eyes convex, sides of occipital margin of head slightly convex, its central part concave (Figure 5). Clypeus shiny and smooth, its anterior margin convex, lacking median anterior notch, covered with decumbent to erect setae, average distance between setae longer than one third of their length. Masticatory border of mandibles with seven teeth. Eyes medium-sized, oval, 0.3 times as long as length of the head. Antennal scape short, curved on its anterior part, 0.9 times as long as length of the head, slightly exceeding beyond occipital margin of head, in apex gradually widened. Pedicel more than 2.0 times longer than wide, 2.0 times longer than second segment of funiculus. Other funicular segments from 1.5 to 2.0 times longer than wide (Figure 5). Surface of scape with very fine microreticulation, shiny. Its surface covered with thin, dense, adpressed to decumbent pubescence, on its apical part a few short, suberect setae also occur. Genae with thin, dense adpressed pubescence and a few suberect setae (Figure 5). Underside of head with thin, dense, adpressed pubescence and a few long, suberect setae (Figure 6). Whole frontal head surface covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as three fourths of their length (Figs 5–6).

Mesosoma long, 1.6 times as long as wide. In lateral view moderately high, its dorsum slightly convex, propodeal dorsum slightly convex, propodeal declivity convex (Figure 6). Whole mesosoma surface shiny with very sparse microreticulation, covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence, and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as half of their length (Figs 6–7).

Petiole scale low and wide, in lateral view with slightly convex sides, its dorsal crest wide and deeply concave in central part. Gaster with moderately thick and fine microreticulation, shiny, bearing pilosity denser than this covering mesosoma. Legs long, shiny, with fine microreticulation. Surface of tibia and femora with thin, dense, adpressed to subdecumbent setae, extensor profile of tibia with erect setae (Figs 6–7).

Differential diagnosis

Worker. As a member of the L. alienus group it is characterized by dorsal plane of scape, genae, and extensor profile of hind tibiae lacking or having very few erect or suberect setae and, in all species known from Crete, presence of >15 erect setae on the occipital edge of the head. Within the L. alienus group it can be classified to the L. turcicus complex. This complex can be characterized by small number of mandibular teeth (6–8), usually lack of suberect setae on hind tibia, very sparse clypeal pubescence, and more or less shallow metanotal groove. There are three known species of this complex: L. turcicus, L. neglectus and L. austriacus. Lasius tapinomoides sp. n. differs from all of them in presence of suberect to erect setae on antennal scape covering its apical part (ca. 1/3 upper part of the scape). Additionally from first two relatives it differs also in very shallow metanotal groove and from L. austriacus it differs in more flattened promesonotum, antennal sockets set not very close to posterior clypeal margin and habitat preferences. Lasius austriacus is related with xerothermous sites (Schlick-Steiner et al. 2003, Steiner et al. 2004) while L. tapinomoides inhabits moist, closed canopy forests.

There are two other species of the L. alienus group known from Crete: L. bombycina Seifert & Galkowski, 2016 and L. turcicus Santschi, 1921. Lasius tapinomoides differs from all of them in very small body size. Nevertheless, at the first glance it can be confused with small workers of L. turcicus, from which it differs in the following measurements (L. tapinomoides sp. n. vs L. turcicus): HI: 81.8 ± 3.3 (73.4–85.0) vs 90.2 ± 1.8 (87.2–92.8), SI2: 115.7 ± 4.4 (112.2–127.6) vs 104.7 ± 3.6 (97.3–109.3), TI: 82.0 ± 2.6 (75.8–85.2) vs TI: 89.2 ± 2.2 (85.4–93.8). For more measurements data see Table 1.

Gyne. During our fieldwork we could observe several gynes of L. tapinomoides and all detected nests were monogynous. Unfortunately, we were able to collect only a single specimen, therefore we provide very scarce data. As a coherent differential diagnosis is impeded, we decided to limit it to the most visible difference. Based on the morphology, L. tapinomoides differs from L. turcicus, L. austriacus and L. neglectus in presence of erect setae on tibiae.

General distribution

Greece: Crete – endemic species.

Biology

Species inhabiting moist, closed canopy forests, which are most often located in stream valleys. Nesting in wet soil, under shallow and small rocks. Nests, most often, located in the vicinity of water sources. Workers were found in the litter or on the rocks surrounding the nest entrance. Colonies monogynous.

The following ant species were recorded in the same areas as L. tapinomoides:

Antonios Spilia Gorge: Aphaenogaster cecconii Emery, A. rugosoferruginea Forel, A. simonellii Emery, Camponotus candiotes Emery, C. lateralis (Olivier), Crematogaster ionia Forel, Messor wasmanni Krausse, Pheidole cf. pallidula, Stigmatomma denticulatum Roger, Temnothorax ariadnae Csősz, Heinze & Mikó, T. cf. graecus, T. cf. exilis, T. cf. luteus, Tetramorium caespitum (Linnaeus), T. diomedeum Emery;

Plemeniana n. Kandanos: Aphaenogaster rugosoferruginea, A. simonellii, Camponotus candiotes, C. gestroi Emery, C. lateralis, Colobopsis truncata (Spinola), Crematogaster cf. ionia, Lasius lasioides (Emery), Messor ibericus Santschi, Tetramorium caespitum;

Orthes Gorge: Aphaenogaster cecconii, A. cf. subterranea, A. simonellii, Camponotus baldaccii Emery, C. candiotes, C. jaliensis Dalla Torre, C. kiesenwetteri (Roger), C. rebeccae Forel, Crematogaster sordidula (Nylander), Lasius lasioides, Lepisiota nigra Dalla Torre, Messor cf. muticus, M. wasmanni, Tetramorium cf. caespitum, T. kephalosi Salata & Borowiec

n. Argioupolis: Aphaenogaster cecconii, A. rugosoferruginea, A. simonellii, Camponotus candiotes, C. lateralis, Crematogaster cf. ionia, Lepisiota nigra, Messor cf. muticus, M. wasmanni, Pheidole cf. pallidula, Plagiolepis pallescens sensu Radchenko, Temnothorax cf. luteus, T. ariadnae, T. cf. exilis, T. cf. graecus, Tetramorium cf. caespitum;

Preveli Beach: Aphaenogaster cecconii, Crematogaster ionia, Lasius psammophilus Seifert, Lepisiota melas (Emery), Pheidole cf. pallidula, Tapinoma festae Emery, Tetramorium kephalosi;

road to Preveli Beach loc. 1: Aphaenogaster rugosoferruginea, A. simonellii, Camponotus baldaccii, C. candiotes, C. gestroi, C. kiesenwetteri, C. lateralis, Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, Crematogaster cf. ionia, Cryptopone ochracea (Mayr), Lasius lasioides, L. bombycina Seifert & Galkowski, L. psammophilus, Lepisiota nigra, Messor ibericus, M. wasmanni, Pheidole cf. pallidula, Plagiolepis pallescens sensu Radchenko, Temnothorax cf. luteus, T. cf. graecus, T. recedens (Nylander), Tetramorium cf. caespitum;

Kato Malaki: Aphaenogaster simonellii, Camponotus baldaccii, C. gestroi, C. jaliensis, Crematogaster cf. ionia, Crematogaster sordidula, Messor ibericus, M. wasmanni, Pheidole cf. pallidula, Plagiolepis pallescens sensu Radchenko, Temnothorax ariadnae, T. recedens, Tetramorium diomedeum, Tetramorium punctatum Santschi;

Gorge of Richtis: Aphaenogaster rugosoferruginea, Camponotus candiotes, C. gestroi, C. lateralis, Crematogaster sordidula, Lasius lasioides, Messor wasmanni, Temnothorax cf. exilis, T. cf. graecus, Tetramorium cf. caespitum.

Comments

We examined several hundred specimens of Lasius turcicus from 76 samples across Greece and western Turkey (including initial nest samples), also numerous samples from Crete (see new material listed below). In none of these samples did we find specimens with such a shallow metanotal groove like in L. tapinomoides. This character is constant in all examined specimens and is always correlated with very small body size of workers and preference to humid habitats. Across all the sampled area within Greece and Turkey, where we collected species of the L. turcicus complex, we have not found workers or nests with workers similar to L. tapinomoides. Moreover, L. tapinomoides is the only known member of the L. turcicus complex that have suberect to erect setae on the apical 1/3 part of the antennal scape. This has prompted us to hypothesize that Cretan samples represent a new species.

New records of Cretan members of the genus Lasius

Lasius bombycina Seifert & Galkowski, 2016

GREECE, Crete: 2w (EtOH), Omalos, 35.31667N,23.9E, 1122 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (pin), 03.v.2011, Omalos Plateau, 35.33333N,23.88333E, 1034 m, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Potamida n. Mythimna, 35.46666N,23.68333E, 37 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), W of Georgioupoli, 35.36666N,24.25E, 17 m, 02.v.2007, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 8w. (EtOH), Zaros Lake, 35.13333N,24.9E, 409 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kato Symi loc. 3, 35.05N,25.48333E, 818 m, 16.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Lasithi Platou – Plati, 35.16667N,25.43333E, 831 m, 01.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Orino, 35.06667N,25.9E, 523 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (pin), Ag. Joannis Forest loc. 1, 35.23333N,24.4E, 448 m, 06.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Ampelakiou, 35.26666N,24.46666E, 464 m, 10.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Fourfouras, 35.21666N,24.71666E, 578 m, 14.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), n. Velonado, 35.25N,24.36667E, 373 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), n. Vilandredo, 35.25N,24.31667E, 354 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), road to Preveli Beach loc. 1, 35.16666N,24.45E, 58 m, 7.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Selli-Oros rd., 35.28333N,24.5E, 473 m, 11.v.2013, leg. S. Salata, (DBET); 1w. (pin), Spili-Gerakari rd. loc. 2, 35.21987N,24.57144E, 804 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Asi Gonia, 35.25N,24.26667E, 716 m, 29.v.2001, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Niato plateau, 35.28333N,24.13333E, 1200 m, 19.vii.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Therisso to Kaloros Mt., 35.35N,23.95E, 1130 m., 31.xii.2013, leg. Simaiakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Therisso to Kaloros Mt., 35.3667N,23.9833E, 1134 m., 19.Vii.2013, leg. Simaiakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Diplori, 35.1667N,24.9333E, 1350 m., 19.x.1999, leg. Nikolakakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Dikti Mt., 35.11667N,25.4667E, 1450 m., 9.i.2001, leg. Simaiakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Tigania, 35.28333N,24.7333E, 1100 m., 7.iv.2000, leg. Nikolakakis (NHMC).

Lasius myops Forel, 1894

GREECE, Crete: 3w. (pin), 3w. (EtOH), Anopoli, 35.26667N,24.06667E, 1780 m, 22.vii.2006, leg. Chatzaki M. (NHMC, DBET).

Lasius illyricus Zimmermann, 1935

GREECE, Crete: 6w. (pin), Limnakarou platou, 35.13333N,25.46667E, 1130 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Limnakarou platou, 35.13333N,25.46667E, 1130 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Dikti mt., 35.1N,25.46667E, 1750 m, 05.viii.2000, leg. M. Chatzaki (NHMC).

Lasius lasioides (Emery, 1869)

GREECE, Crete: 1w. (pin), Agia, 6 km SW Chania, 35.46666N,23.91666E, 22 m, 03.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 5w. (pin), Askifou, 35.26666N,24.16666E, 730 m, 01.v.2007, leg. L. Borowiec & M.L. Borowiec (DBET); 7w. (EtOH), Diktamos Gorge n. Stilos, 35.43333N,24.1E, 160 m, 04.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kalives river, 35.45N,24.13333E, 26 m, 01.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), Kourna Lake, 35.31666N,24.28333E, 95 m, 03.v.2007, leg. L. Borowiec & M.L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Koutsomatados-Mili rd., 35.38333N,23.66666E, 308 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Omalos, 35.31667N,23.9E, 1122 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), Plemeniana n. Kandanos, 35.31666N,23.71666E, 339 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Potamida n. Mythimna, 35.46666N,23.68333E, 37 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 17w. (EtOH), Therisso Gorge, 35.43333N,23.98333E, 320 m, 01.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Ganies–Kalamaki road, 35.28333N,24.93333E, 439 m, 16.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Iraklion city-walls, 35.31667N,25.11667N, 46 m, 03.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kastelli 1 km E, 35.2N,25,33333E, 363 m, 15.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Katofigi, 35.08333N,25.4E, 560 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Miamou, 34.96667N,24.93333E, 494 m, 24.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Rouvas Forest loc. 1, 35.15N,24.93333, 1316 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Rouvas Gorge, 35.13333N,24.9E, 455 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Xanias–Miliarades road, 35.08333N,25.38333E, 504 m, 13.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Dead’s Gorge, 35.08333N,26.25E, 15 m, 09.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Gorge of Richtis, 35.16667N,25.98333E, 245 m, 08.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Hristos–Mathokotsana road, 35.08333N,25.56667E, 703 m, 11.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kalami–Psari Forada road, 35.016667N,25.48333, 419 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Kato Symi loc. 1, 35.05N,25.48333E, 1206 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Lasithi Platou – Pinakiano, 35.18333N,25.45E, 806 m, 23.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Lastros, 35.13333N,25.88333E, 336 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 10w. (EtOH), Limnakarou plato, 35.13333N,25.46667E, 1130 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Merisini, 35.16667N,25.9333E, 309 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Mesa Lasithi, 35.16667N,25.5E, 838 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Moni Kapsa, 35.01667N,26.05E, 1 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Neapoli–Vrisses road, 35.2333N,25.6E, 443 m, 05.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Perma–Koutounari road, 35.01667N,25.83333E, 0 m, 11.iv.2014, S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Schinokapsala–Agios Ioannis road, 35.05N,25.85, 452 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Tourloti–Mirsini road, 35.15N,25.93333E, 266 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Voila, 35.08333N,26.1E, 578 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 12w. (EtOH), Ag. Joannis Forest loc. 2, 35.23333N,24.4E, 480 m, 06.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Chromonastiri, 35.326944N,24.510278E, 262 m, 10.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Katsifou Gorge, 35.2N,24.38333E, 57 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Kissos, 35.18333N,24.56667E, 623 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Klisidi, 35.26666N,24.63333E, 642 m, 06.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), n. Velonado, 35.25N,24.36667E, 373 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), n. Vilandredo, 35.25N,24.31667E, 354 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Orthes Gorge, 35.33333N,24.68333, 318 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Plakias, 35.191389N,24.395E, 4 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 41w. (EtOH), Plakias; Akrotiri Kakomouri, 35.16667N,24.398055E, 28 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), road to Preveli Beach loc. 1, 35.16666N,24.45E, 58 m, 07.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Spili, 35.21666N,24.53333E, 537 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Vistagi, 35.23333N,24.68333E, 563 m, 06.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Xirokambos, 35.110556N,24.558889E, 24 m, 12.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kournas lake, 35.31667N,24.26667E, 30 m, 10.vii.1997, leg. P. Lymberakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Kardaki, 650 m, 35.2N,24.61667E, 21.vii.1999, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC).

Lasius psammophilus Seifert, 1992

GREECE, Crete: 4w. (EtOH), Agia Triada n. Kalamaki, 35.0508N,25.7542E, 1 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Moni Kapsa, 35.01667N,26.05E, 1 m, 24.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Episkopi beach, 35.35N,24.35E, 0 m, 09.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), Gerakari, 35.21666N,24.58333E, 751 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Plakias, 35.191389N,24.395E, 4 m, 05.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (pin), Preveli Beach, 35.154444N,24.472778E, 10 m, 07.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Irakleio, 35.33333N,25.13333E, 10 m, 18.ix.2010, leg. E. Panagiotou (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Chamaitoulo, 35.03333N,26.2E, 06.v.2001, 180 m, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC).

Lasius turcicus Santschi, 1921

GREECE, Crete: 3w. (EtOH), Kalives river, 35.45N,24.13333E, 26 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 13w. (EtOH), Kato Daratso n. Chania, 35.5N,23.983333E, 35–40 m, 07.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (pin), Koutsomatados–Mili rd., 35.38333N,23.66666E, 308 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Potamida n. Mythimna, 35.46666N,23.68333E, 37 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Agia Triada n. Kalamaki, 35.0508N,25.7542E, 1 m, 24.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Agios Eirini, 35.26667N,25.15E, 130 m, 02.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Avgeniki, 35.18333N,25.01667E, 227 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kastelli 1 km E, 35.2N,25.33333E, 363 m, 16.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Katofigi, 35.08333N,25.4E, 560 m, 13.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Panastros, 35.11667N,24.98333E, 545 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Sfendili, 35.25N,25.38333E, 151 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Stoli–Louves road, 35.03333N,25.01667E, 197 m, 30.iii.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Xanias–Miliarades road, 35.08333N,25.38333E, 504 m, 25.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Dead’s Gorge, 35.08333N,26.25E, 15 m, 09.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Hametoulo, 35.05N,26.18333E, 520 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kalamafka, 35.06667N,25.65E, 472 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Lasithi Platou – Pinakiano, 35.18333N,25.45E, 806 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Praisos, 35.11667N,26.06667E, 193 m, 11.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Ag. Joannis forest loc. 1, 35.23333N,24.4E, 448 m, 06.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Chromonastiri, 35.326944N,24.510278E, 262 m, 10.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Frati, 35.2N,24.46666E, 297 m, 7.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Kissos, 35.18333N,24.56667E, 623 m, 09.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Kissou Kambros, 35.16666N,24.55E, 514 m, 14.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Palelimnos, 35.3N,24.41666E, 262 m, 15.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Plakias, 35.191389N,24.395E, 4 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), road to Nida platou, 35.25N,24.88333E, 1166 m, 01.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Setoures, 35.26667N,24.38333E, 305 m, 15.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Vistagi, 35.23333N,24.68333E, 563 m, 16.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Agia lake, 35.46667N,23.93333E, 40 m, 08.vii.1997, leg. P. Lymberakis (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Almyros river, 35.33469N,25.05441E, 297 m, 03.vi.2012, leg. E. Aspradaki (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Aposelemis, 35.33333N,25.33333E, 7 m, 02.viii.2000, leg. A. Trichas (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Dikti mt., 35.11667N,25.46667, 1450 m, 05.viii.2000, leg. S. Simaiakis (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Dikti mt., 35.1N,25.46667E, 1750 m, 10.v.2001, leg. M. Chatzaki (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Before Amygdali after Neapoli, 35.2N,25.58333E, 561 m, 06.viii.1997, leg. I. Stathi (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Agios Titos, 35.18333N,24.75E, 1000 m, 14.iv.2000, leg. M. Papadimitrakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Ano Meros, 35.16667N,24.65E, 750 m, 15.iv.2000, leg. I. Stathi (NHMC); 3w. (EtOH), Garazo, 35.33333N,24.78333E, 100 m, 07.iv.2000, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Tigania, 35.28333N,24.73333, 1100 m, 07.iv.2000, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC).

Figure 8. 

Distribution of L. tapinomoides sp. n. on Crete.

Figure 9. 

Distribution of L. bombycina Seifert & Galkowski on Crete.

Figure 10. 

Distribution of L. myops Forel on Crete.

Figure 11. 

Distribution of L. illyricus Zimmerman on Crete.

Figure 12. 

Distribution of L. lasioides (Emery) on Crete.

Figure 13. 

Distribution of L. psammophilus Seifert on Crete.

Figure 14. 

Distribution of L. turcicus Santschi on Crete.

Figures 15–20. 

Lateral view. 15 Lasius myops Forel 16 L. lasioides (Emery) 17 L. illyricus Zimmerman 18 L. psammophilus Santschi 19 L. turcicus Santschi 20 L. bombycina Seifert & Galkowski.

Figures 21–25. 

Head and scapus. 21 L. lasioides (Emery) 22 L. illyricus Zimmerman 23 L. turcicus Santschi 24 L. bombycina Seifert & Galkowski 25 L. psammophilus Santschi.

Key to Cretan Lasius species (based on the worker caste)

1. Maxillary palps short, not reaching midpoint between mouth and occipital foramen, body yellow to orange (Fig. 15) L. myops Forel
– Maxillary palps long, distinctly reaching beyond midpoint between mouth and occipital foramen, body brown to black or bicoloured (Figs 1, 16–20) 2
2. Scape, genae and hind tibiae only with perfectly adpressed pubescence, without setae, occipital margin of head usually with 8 erect setae at most (Fig. 21) L. lasioides (Emery)
– Scape, genae and hind tibiae often with occasional setae, pubescence not perfectly adpressed, occipital margin of head with more than 8 erect setae (Figs 22–25) 3
3. Scape with few (>5) erect setae, body bicoloured, hind tibiae with numerous erect setae, mesosoma brighter than head and gaster (Figs 17, 22) L. illyricus Zimmerman
– Scape without or with maximum 5 erect setae, hind tibiae without or with a few erect setae, body uniformly coloured or head and mesosoma uniformly coloured, brighter than gaster (Figs 18–20, 23–25) 4
4. Clypeus with dense pubescence, average distance between setae 3.5 times shorter than their length (Fig. 24) L. bombycina Seifert & Galkowski
– Clypeus with sparse pubescence, average distance between setae equal or longer than a half of their length (Figs 3–4, 23, 25) 5
5 Workers small, ML 0.726–0.827 mm, mesosoma with very shallow metanotal groove, apical part of scape with >5 suberect to erect setae (Figs 1–4) L. tapinomoides sp. n.
– Workers larger, ML 0.935–1.18 mm, metanotal groove distinct, apical part of scape without or with <5 suberect to erect setae (Figs 18–19, 23, 25) 6
6 Metanotal groove relatively shallow, propodeal dorsum flattened, hind tibia usually without suberect setae, number of mandibular dents < 7.7 (Fig. 19) L. turcicus Santschi
– Metanotal groove deeper and sharp, propodeal dorsum convex, hind tibia with few suberect setae, number of mandibular dents >7.7 (Fig. 18) L. psammophilus Santschi

Discussion

Based on the literature (Forel 1886, 1889, 1910, Neuenschwander et al.1983, Legakis 2011, Borowiec and Salata 2012) there are 7 Lasius species reported from Crete: L. alienus, L. brunneus (Latreille), L. niger (Linnaeus), L. paralienus Seifert, L. lasioides, L. psammophilus, and L. turcicus, all members of the subgenus Lasius s. str. Our study confirmed the presence of the last 3 listed species and shown 4 species new for Cretan fauna: L. bombycina, L. myops, L. illyricus and L. tapinomoides, the latter being endemic to Crete and new to science. The first records of L. alienus and L. niger come from literature published in the 19th century (Forel 1886, 1889). Seifert (1992) proved that Crete is beyond the range of occurrence of these species, thus those records probably refer to L. bombycina or L. psammophilus. Based on most recent revisions (Seifert 1992, Seifert and Galkowski 2016) Lasius brunneus and L. paralienus should be also excluded from the list of Cretan species. On Crete they are replaced by L. lasioides and L. bombycina respectively. Lasius myops and L. illyricus were recorded on Crete only from high mountains (above 1000 m a.s.l.). These two species are common on Greek mainland, and most often were recorded from lower altitudes. Cretan record of L. illyricus is so far the southernmost known place of occurrence of this species. It is worth noting that all Lasius species known from Crete manifest independent colony foundation. The updated list of Cretan Lasius is as follows: L. bombycina, L. myops, L. illyricus, L. lasioides, L. psammophilus, L. tapinomoides, and L. turcicus, six members of Lasius s. str. and one representative of Cautolasius.

Acknowledgements

Lech Borowiec would like to thank Jolanta Świętojańska (University of Wrocław) for her assistance during field trips. The authors wish also to thank the curator of NHMC entomological collection Dr. Apostolos Trichas and the NHMC technician Mrs. Ljubica Kardaki for their support and kind assistance during work on the NHMC ant collection. We would like to thank also G. Bračko, X. Espadaler, C. Karaman and one anonymous reviewer for their valuable comments and suggestions.

References

  • Borowiec L (2014) Catalogue of ants of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and adjacent regions (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Genus (monograph) 25: 1–340.
  • Borowiec L, Salata S (2012) Ants of Greece – checklist, comments and new faunistic data (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Genus 23: 461–563.
  • Borowiec L, Salata S (2013) Ants of Greece – additions and corrections (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Genus 24: 335–401.
  • Borowiec L, Salata S (2014) Redescription of Camponotus nitidescens Forel, 1889, new status and notes on ants from Kefalonia, Greece (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Genus 25: 499–517.
  • Borowiec L, Salata S (2017a) New records of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Sterea Ellas, Greece. Acta Entomologica Silesiana 25(online 020): 1–3.
  • Borowiec L, Salata S (2018) New records of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Epirus, Greece. Acta Entomologica Silesiana 26(online001): 1–22.
  • Bračko G, Kiran K, Karaman C, Salata S, Borowiec L (2016) Survey of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Greek Thrace. Biodiversity Data Journal 4(e7945): 1–44.
  • Forel A (1886) Nouvelles fourmis de Grèce récoltées par M. E. von Oertzen. Annales de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 30: clix–clxviii.
  • Forel A (1889) [1888] Ameisen aus den Sporaden, den Cykladen und Griechenland gesammelt 1887 von Herrn v. Oertzen. Berliner Entomologischer Zeitschrift 32(2): 255–265.
  • Forel A (1910) Glanures myrmécologiques. IV. Fourmis de Crète. Annales de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 54: 21–23.
  • Hijmans RJ, Guarino L, Mathur P, Jarvis A, Rojas E (2011) DIVA-GIS. Version 7.5. 0.0.
  • Janda M, Folková D, Zrzavý J (2004) Phylogeny of Lasius ants based on mitochondrial DNA and morphology, and the evolution of social parasitism in the Lasiini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 33(3): 595–614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2004.07.012
  • Legakis A (2011) Annotated list of the ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Greece. Hellenic Zoological Archives 7: 1–55.
  • Maruyama M, Steiner F, Stauffer C, Akino T, Crozier RH, Schlick-Steiner BC (2008) A DNA and morphology based phylogenetic framework of the ant genus Lasius with hypotheses for the evolution of social parasitism and fungiculture. BioMed Central Evolutionary Biology 8: e237.
  • Neuenschwander P, Bigler F, Delucchi V, Michelakis S (1983) Natural enemies of preimaginal stages of Dacus oleae Gmel. (Dipt. Tephritidae) in Western Crete. I. Bionomics and phenologies. Bollettino del Laboratorio di Zoologia Generale e Agraria 40: 3–32.
  • Schlick-Steiner B, Steiner F, Schodl S, Seifert B (2003) Lasius austriacus sp. n., a Central European ant related to the invasive species Lasius neglectus. Sociobiology 41(3): 725–736.
  • Seifert B (1992) A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic members of the ant subgenus Lasius s. str. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Abhandlungen und Berichte des Naturkunde museums Görlitz 66: 1–67.
  • Steiner FM, Schlick-Steiner BC, Schödl S, Espadaler X, Seifert B, Christian E, Stauffer C. (2004) Phylogeny and bionomics of Lasius austriacus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Insectes Sociaux 51(1): 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-003-0699-8
  • Talavera G, Espadaler X, Vila R (2015) Discovered just before extinction? The first endemic ant from the Balearic Islands (Lasius balearicus sp. nov.) is endangered by climate change. Journal of Biogeography 42(3): 589–601. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12438
login to comment