Holotype : major worker (CASENT0872262): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Bazoft) | 1 VII 2017, 1754 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.2969 / 49.9358 || LBC | | LBC-IR00083 (MNHW); paratypes: 12 major, 2 medium and 9 minor workers (CASENT0872263–CASENT0872285): the same data as holotype (MNHW, MHNG, USMB); 3 major, 2 medium and 4 minor workers (CASENT0872286–CASENT0872294): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Bazoft) | 1 VII 2017, 1798 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.2927 / 49.9391 || Collection L. Borowiec || LBC-IR00082 (MNHW, MHNG); three major workers (CASENT0872295–CASENT0872297): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Bazoft) | 1 VII 2017, 1886 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.4855 / 49.7472 || LBC | Formicidae | LBC-IR00079 (MNHW, MHNG); major worker (CASENT0872298): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Bazoft) | 1 VII 2017, 1738 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.3766 / 49.8594 || LBC | Formicidae | LBC-IR00079 (MNHW).

Figures 1, 2. 

Major worker of Cataglyphis bazoftensis sp. nov. 1 dorsal 2 lateral. Scale bar 2 mm.

Bicolored body combined with thick, dense, black, decumbent setae on femora and tibiae resemble characters typical for species of the Cataglyphis setipes complex. Cataglyphis bazoftensis distinctly differs from them in the cuneiform petiolar node, which is distinctly nodiform among members of the setipes complex. At first glance, large species of the Cataglyphis bucharica complex, with cuneiform petiole, resemble C. bazoftensis, but most of these species differ in femora and tibiae lacking thick, black, decumbent setae. Members of the bucharica complex with setose femora and tibiae differ in the presence of black, erect setae on the posterior part of the head. Cataglyphis kurdistanica Pisarski is the most similar to C. bazoftensis, but differs in the presence of the major soldier caste, and posterior part of head and propodeum covered with long, black and erect setae. Cataglyphis altisquamis (André) and C. foreli (Ruzsky) differ from C. bazoftensis in major workers with reddish brown to brownish black head and mesosoma; while C. bazoftensis has major workers with uniformly red head and mesosoma (only the smallest majors of C. bazoftensis can be sometimes reddish brown).

Major worker (n = 10): Measurements. HL: 2.945 (2.72–3.04); HW: 2.738 (2.42–2.88); SL: 3.600 (3.39–3.80); PW: 1.923 (1.77–2.05); PRL: 1.732 (1.59–1.78); PRW: 1.457 (1.27–1.58); PTH: 0.955 (0.81–1.05); PTW: 0.945 (0.87–1.00); WL: 4.580 (4.25–4.78); HFL: 5.308 (5.12–5.58); CI: 1.077 (1.056–1.124); SI: 1.223 (1.184–1.246); PI: 1.011 (0.931–1.114); FI: 1.160 (1.105–1.205). Color. Head, mesosoma, and petiolar node red in the largest major workers; the percentage of brown in body coloration increases in smaller major workers with the smallest major workers reddish brown. Legs most often black or black with brownish black coxa; in the largest major workers coxa and trochanters mostly reddish brown to brown with darker brown spots of diffused borders; in the palest specimens femora brownish black with reddish iridescence, tibiae sometimes reddish brown apically, and tarsi reddish brown to brown. Antennal scapus red to red-brown; only in the darkest major workers brown; funicles darker than scapus, from brown to almost black, only in the palest specimens red-brown (Fig. 3). Head. Square; approximately 1.05× as long as wide; sides below eyes almost parallel, above eyes gently convex; posterior margin of head almost straight (Fig. 3). Anterior clypeal margin convex; without central impression; clypeal plate with three or four long black central setae and a pair of moderately long basal setae; anterior clypeal margin with a row of short black setae, and 8–10 long black setae, the longest as long as 0.75 length of clypeus; some workers have long setae often worn off or broken. Clypeus shiny and densely microreticulate; covered with very sparse and short, appressed pubescence. Eyes large and oval; approximately 1.3–1.4× as long as wide. Frontal carinae short; not extending beyond frontal lobes; interocular area with thin and shiny line and a pair of long black setae. Antennal fossa shallow; opalescent and densely microreticulated. Head shiny and densely microreticulate; mostly without appressed pubescence; only antennal fossa, posterior margin of head, and gular parts covered with sparse, short, adpressed hairs. Ocellar region with 2–4 moderately long and black setae; posterior angles without black setae; rest of frontal and lateral faces of head without erect setae; ventral side with a dozen yellowish to brown setae; interocular and ocular setae often broken. Antennal scape long; in frontal view almost straight, 1.3× as long as width of the head; base without tooth; apex slightly and gradually widening; funiculus long; pedicel elongated, approximately 0.82× as long as segments II and III combined, 1.6× as long as segment II (Fig. 3). Surface of scape densely microsculptured; distinctly to moderately shiny; covered with thick, moderately dense and decumbent setae. Mandibles rounded; basally smooth and shiny; apical ¾ length with deep grooves; surface shiny with several long yellow setae; masticatory margin with four large teeth. Mesosoma. Long; 2.4× as long as wide; metanotal groove shallow (Fig. 2). Pronotum convex on sides (Fig. 1). In lateral view promesonotum slightly arched in profile; propodeum positioned lower than promesonotum, moderately convex in lateral view (Fig. 2). Mesosoma shiny and densely microreticulated; covered with sparse, short, appressed pubescence; lateral sides of pronotum and mesonotum almost hairless; anterior part of pronotum, posterior angles of both mesonotum and propodeum with indistinct vestiture. Pronotum and mesonotum without erect setae; propodeum without or with one or two short, black, erect setae. Petiole. Cuneiform; in lateral view almost triangular with very short peduncle. Anterior face in front of spiracle distinctly convex; posterior face almost flat; top of petiole in lateral view obtusely angulate, lacking erect setae; sometimes frontal face apically with a single short seta. In anterior or posterior view petiolar dorsum emarginated. Surface of petiole distinctly microreticulated; shiny to slightly opalescent. Gaster. Dull and distinctly microreticulate. Whole surface of gaster with indistinct, sparse, appressed pubescence; tergites I and II without erect setae; tergite III with 2–4 long, black, central setae placed close to anterior margin, and none or one seta at lateral margin; tergite IV in with 6–8 long black setae; setosity in older specimens usually broken (Fig. 2). Each of gastral sternites with three or four long, black, erect setae. Legs. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of femora and tibiae covered with thick, dense, black, decumbent setae; interspaces between setae hairless. Ventral surfaces of femora and tibiae with numerous long, black, suberect to erect, spiniform setae.

Figure 3. 

Major worker of Cataglyphis bazoftensis sp. nov., head and antennae. Scale bar 2 mm.

Minor worker (n = 10): Measurements. HL: 1.308 (1.27–1.41); HW: 1.138 (1.09–1.22); SL: 1.270 (1.20–1.43); PW: 0.815 (0.76–0.88); PRL: 0.738 (0.68–0.82); PRW: 0.593 (0.55–0.65); PTH: 0.507 (0.47–0.56); PTW: 0.363 (0.34–0.40); WL: 1.957 (2.02–2.48); HFL: 1.697 (1.59–1.86); CI: 1.151 (1.142–1.174); SI: 0.970 (0.930–1.014); PI: 1.396 (1.342–1.559); FI: 0.867 (0.834–0.883).

Color. Head and mesosoma uniformly brown to black or brown with diffused red-brown parts; gaster, petiole, femora, and tibiae brown; trochanters and tarsi yellow-brown. Younger specimens often paler than older specimens, with large areas of body yellowish brown. Antennae bright brown, only in younger specimens mostly yellowish to yellowish brown (Figs 7, 8). Head. More elongated than in major workers; 1.2× as long as wide; below eyes parallel sided, behind eyes regularly rounded; posterior margin of head convex. Anterior clypeal margin convex with shallow impression in central part. Eyes large and oval; 1.3–1.4× as long as wide. Sculpture and setation of head and legs same as in major worker. Mesosoma. Same as in major worker. Petiole. More conical than cuneiform; dorsum more rounded, anterior face slightly convex (Fig. 5). Gaster. Strongly microreticulated and dull. Tergites I and II without erect setae; tergite III with only a pair of black setae centrally; tergite IV with two long, and two short black setae; in older specimens, setae usually partially broken (Fig. 8). Each of gastral sternites with 2–4 long, black, erect setae.

Figures 4–6. 

Cataglyphis bazoftensis sp. nov. 4 petiole of major worker 5 petiole of minor worker 6 hind tibia (not to scale).

Little known, nests were found under stones inside a deciduous, oak forest surrounded by a grazing area. All collecting sites were in alpine zone, from 1738 to 1886 m a.s.l.

The species name bazoftensis is a feminine Latin adjective in the nominative case and refers to the Bazoft region of the Koohrang County, the type locality for this species.

Figures 7, 8. 

Minor worker of Cataglyphis bazoftensis sp. nov. 7 dorsal 8 lateral. Scale bar 2 mm.

Holotype : major worker (CASENT0872299): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang | Dashte laleh, 2400 m || 32.5884 / 50.2002 | 25 V 2017 | A. Khalili-Moghadam || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00069 (MNHW); paratypes: 16 major, 11 medium and 43 minor workers (CASENT0872300-CASENT0872369): the same data as holotype (MNHW, MHNG, USMB).

Two major and two minor workers: IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Dashte | laleh), 25 IV 2017, 2400 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.5886 / 50.2002 || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00084 (MNHW); 7 major workers: IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Dashte | laleh), 25 IV 2017, 2391 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.5875 / 50.2002 || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00086 (MNHW); two major workers: IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Soodejan) | 25 IV 2017, 2143 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.5425 / 50.3505 || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00087 (MNHW); major worker: IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Dashte | laleh), 25 IV 2017, 2400 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.5886 / 50.2002 || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00078 (MNHW).

Figures 9, 10. 

Major worker of Cataglyphis fritillariae sp. nov. 9 dorsal 10 lateral. Scale bar 2 mm.

Cataglyphis fritillariae belongs to a group of large species with well-developed and dull body sculpture. Femora and tibiae covered with thick, dense, black, decumbent setae cluster this species with the Cataglyphis setipes complex, while the shape of the petiolar node groups it with the C. altisquamis complex. At first glance, C. foreli appears similar to C. fritillariae, but it differs by the trapezoidal profile of petiole, larger eyes, and lack of thick, black, decumbent setae on femora and tibia. Cataglyphis kurdistanica Pisarski has similar petiole and black decumbent setae on legs, but it can be separated by the bicolored body and the presence of a soldier caste. Cataglyphis bucharica also appears similar to C. fritillariae, but it is readily recognized by reddish head and mesosoma, presence of numerous erect setae on propodeum, longer propodeal spiracle, and absence of thick, black, decumbent setae on femora. Cataglyphis asiriensis Collingwood, known from the Asir Mountains (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), has a similar petiole shape and the legs covered with black decumbent setae but it differs from C. fritillariae by the presence of long, black, erect setae also present on the dorsal side of femora and tibiae, and more numerous black erect setae on the mesosoma. Cataglyphis dejdaranensis sp. nov. is the most similar to C. fritillariae, but it differs by the weakly sculptured gaster that has moderately shiny sides of gastral tergite I, petiolar node of major workers knob-shaped in profile, and more convex propodeum.

Major worker (n = 15): Measurements. HL: 2.435 (2.31–2.55); HW: 2.203 (2.10–2.33); SL: 2.732 (2.63–2.90); PW: 1.582 (1.50–1.69); PRL: 1.430 (1.35–1.52); PRW: 1.155 (1.07–1.260); PTH: 0.878 (0.78–1.11); PTW: 0.715 (0.66–0.78); WL: 3.777 (3.63–3.92); HFL: 4.050 (3.76–4.27); CI: 1.105 (1.064–1.123); SI: 1.122 (1.113–1.137); PI: 1.292 (1.164–1.423); FI: 1.072 (1.019–1.109). Color. Head, mesosoma and gaster uniformly black or black with indistinct brownish black spots with diffused borders. Legs uniformly black to brownish black. Antennae completely black or black with brownish black scape (Figs 9–11). Head. Square; approximately 1.13× as long as wide; sides below eyes almost parallel, above eyes gently convex, posterior margin almost straight (Fig. 11). Anterior clypeal margin convex; without central impression; with a row of short black setae, and eight additional long black setae, the longest approximately as long as 0.6 length of clypeus; clypeal plate with a pair of long and black setae close to basal margin, and two pairs of similar setae close to anterior margin; sometimes clypeal plate with 1–3 additional short setae. Clypeus opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with very sparse, short and adpressed hairs. Eyes large and oval, 1.3–1.4× as long as wide. Frontal carinae short; not extending beyond frontal lobes; interocular area with thin shiny line and 1–3 long black setae placed along each side of the line. Antennal fossa shallow, opalescent, densely microreticulated. Head opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with sparse, short, adpressed hairs (Fig. 11). Ocellar region with three or four moderately long and black setae and often additional two or three shorter black setae; a transverse row of 4–8 black setae present above ocelli; area behind eyes with three or four yellowish to brown short setae; rest of frontal and lateral faces of head without erect setae; ventral side of the head with a dozen white to brown setae. Antennal scape long; in frontal view straight; 1.3× as long as width of the head; from base to apex slightly and gradually widened; its base without tooth; funiculus long; pedicel elongated, approximately 0.96× as long as segments II+III combined and 1.9× as long as segment II (Fig. 11). Surface of scape densely microsculptured and opalescent; covered with thick, dense, decumbent setae. Mandibles rounded; basally smooth and shiny; apical ¾ length with deep grooves; surface shiny with several long, white to brown setae; masticatory margin with four large teeth. Mesosoma. Long; 2.4× as long as wide; metanotal groove shallow (Fig. 10). Pronotum convex on sides. In lateral view promesonotum slightly arched in profile; propodeum positioned lower than promesonotum, moderately convex in lateral view (Fig. 10). Mesosoma opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with sparse, short and adpressed hairs. Pronotum with 2–5 moderately long and black setae medially, sometimes with one or two short black setae close to its anterior and posterior margins; mesonotum with one or two moderately long and black setae in front of spiracles, sometimes with one or two short, black setae medially and anteriorly; propodeum dorsally with 4–7 long and black setae, and often two or three additional short setae; older specimens sometimes with setae completely to partly broken (Fig. 10). Petiole. Trapezoidal in profile; its anterior face mostly flat with only basal part convex; posterior face straight to slightly concave; dorsum flat; peduncle very short. Surface opalescent and microreticulated; covered with sparse, short and adpressed hairs; top of knob with 3–6 moderately long, black, erect setae (Fig. 12). In anterior view petiolar dorsum with distinct emargination medially. Gaster. Dull and distinctly microreticulated. Whole surface of gaster with short, sparse, adpressed hairs; tergite I in anterior part with 2–4 long, black setae; tergite II without a pair of black setae anteriorly; tergite III with 2–4 long and black setae centrally; in older specimens, setae usually broken (Fig. 16). Each of gastral sternites with three or four long, black, erect setae. Legs. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of femora and tibiae covered with thick, dense, black, decumbent setae; no white, adpressed setae on surface between black setae. Ventral surfaces of femora and tibiae with numerous long, black, suberect to erect, spiniform setae (Fig. 14).

Figure 11. 

Major worker of Cataglyphis fritillariae sp. nov., head and antennae. Scale bar 1 mm.

Minor worker (n=15): Measurements. HL: 1.240 (0.98–1.52); HW: 1.083 (0.87–1.32); SL: 1.168 (0.84–1.57); PW: 0.753 (0.59–0.92); PRL: 0.692 (0.51–0.88); PRW: 0.552 (0.44–0.69); PTH: 0.518 (0.40–0.61); PTW: 0.330 (0.27–0.45); WL: 1.818 (1.39–2.34); HFL: 1.573 (1.10–2.20); CI: 1.145 (1.126–1.173); SI: 0.935 (0.857–1.033); PI: 1.606 (1.356–2.000); FI: 0.858 (0.791–0.940).

Color. Uniformly yellowish brown to brownish black. Antennae and legs yellowish brown to bright brown (Figs 15, 16). Head. Almost square; 1.15–1.17× as long as wide; sides below eyes almost parallel, behind eyes regularly convex, posterior margin of head convex. Sculpture and setation of the head similar as in major worker but with lower number of long setae. Mesosoma. Long; 2.4–2.5× as long as wide; metanotal groove shallow. Pronotum convex on sides. In lateral view promesonotum slightly arched in profile; propodeum positioned lower than promesonotum, its dorsum and posterior side slightly convex (Fig. 16). Whole mesosoma opalescent and densely microreticulated (Figs 15, 16). Whole mesosoma covered with dense, short, adpressed hair; pronotum with additional two or three black and erect setae; mesonotum and propodeum with additional one or two black and erect setae. Petiole. In form of thick scale; its anterior surface slightly convex; apex rounded and posterior surface almost flat; surface microreticulated and covered by sparse, short, adpressed hairs; dorsum with 1–3 black, moderately elongated and erect setae (Fig. 13). Gaster. Dull and distinctly microreticulated; tergites I and II with up to two black and erect setae; tergite III without or with a pair of black and erect setae close to its anterior margin; tergite IV with 2–4 erect setae; sternites with two or three black and erect setae; whole surface of gaster with short, adpressed hairs (Figs 15, 16). Legs. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of femora and tibiae covered with thick, dense, black, decumbent setae; no white, adpressed setae on surface between black setae. Ventral surfaces of femora and tibiae with numerous long, black, suberect to erect, spiniform setae.

Figures 12–14. 

Cataglyphis fritillariae sp. nov. 12 petiole of major worker 13 petiole of minor worker 14 hind tibia (not in scale).

Little known, in Dashte laleh a nest was found under rocks in a grazing area (Fig. 25). The site was located on a small plateau (3600 hectares), between 2100–2600 m above sea level, and in May was predominantly overgrown by Snake’s head (Fritillaria imperialis L.). Other common plants recorded from this locality were Milkvetch (Astragalus spp.), Persian shallot (Allium stipitatum Regel), and kheshk (Daphne mucronata Royle). The species appears to be alpine, as all its collecting sites were placed on high altitude from 2143 to 2400 m.

The species name fritillariae is named after the genitive singular case of the generic name of the Snake’s head Fritillaria imperialis L., the dominant flower in Dashte laleh, the type locality of this ant species.

Figures 15, 16. 

Minor worker of Cataglyphis fritillariae sp. nov. 15 dorsal 16 lateral. Scale bar 2 mm.

Holotype : major worker (CASENT0872370): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Cheri) | 2 VI 2017, 2778 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.1686 / 50.1752 || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00088 (MNHW); paratypes: one major and two minor workers (CASENT0872371–CASENT0872373): the same data as holotype (MHNG, MNHW); paratypes: four major and two minor workers (CASENT0872374–CASENT0872379): IRAN, Chaharmahal Va | Bakhtiari, Koohrang (Dejdaran | valley) 2 VI 2017, 2319 m | leg. Khalili-Moghadam | 32.1955 / 50.2075 || Collection L. Borowiec | Formicidae | LBC-IR00076 (MNHW).

Figures 17, 18. 

Major worker of Cataglyphis dejdaranensis sp. nov. 17 dorsal 18 lateral. Scale bar 2 mm.

Cataglyphis dejdaranensis belongs to the group of large species with well-developed and dull body sculpture. Femora and tibiae covered with thick, dense, black, decumbent setae cluster this species with the Cataglyphis setipes complex, and the shape of the petiolar node groups it with the C. altisquamis complex. From all species of the C. setipes complex, C. dejdaranensis differs in a knob-shaped petiole, which is not forming a spherical node; from all species of the C. altisquamis complex, C. dejdaranensis differs in a weak microsculpture of gaster of which at least sides are visibly shiny. Cataglyphis dejdaranensis has the least sculpted gaster within all large species with well-developed body microsculpture. At first glance, C. foreli appears similar to C. dejdaranensis, but it differs in larger eyes, and femora and tibia lacking thick, black, decumbent setae. Cataglyphis kurdistanica Pisarski has similarly shaped petiole and legs with black decumbent setae, but it differs in bicolored body and presence of the soldier caste. Cataglyphis bucharica also appears similar to C. dejdaranensis but it differs in reddish head and mesosoma, numerous erect setae on propodeum, longer propodeal spiracle, and femora and tibia lacking thick, black, decumbent setae. Cataglyphis fritillariae sp. nov. is the most similar to C. dejdaranensis, but differs in strongly sculptured gaster, petiolar node of major workers trapezoidal in profile, and less convex propodeum.

Major worker (n = 6): Measurements. HL: 2.197 (2.07–2.14); HW: 1.970 (1.85–2.12); SL: 2.413 (2.25–2.64); PW: 1.350 (1.25–1.46); PRL: 1.178 (1.08–1.32); PRW: 0.998 (0.93–1.09); PTH: 0.877 (0.78–0.94); PTW: 0.452 (0.42–0.49); WL: 3.263 (3.05–3.48); HFL: 3.402 (3.13–3.69); CI: 1.117 (1.085–1.141); SI: 1.098 (1.064–1.131); PI: 1.945 (1.694–2.163); FI: 1.042 (1.024–1.098). Color. Head, mesosoma and gaster completely black or head anteriorly, and pronotum and mesosoma on lateral sides with indistinct brownish black spots of diffused borders. Legs completely black or black-brown with tarsi sometimes slightly paler than femora and tibiae. Antennae completely black (Figs 17–19, 23, 24). Head. Square; approximately 1.12× as long as wide; sides below eyes almost parallel, above eyes gently convex, posterior margin almost straight (Fig. 19). Anterior margin of the clypeus convex; without central impression; with a row of short black setae, and eight longer black setae, the longest as long as 0.6 length of clypeus; clypeal plate with a pair of long and black setae centrally and a pair of similar setae basally. Clypeus opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with sparse, short and adpressed hairs. Eyes large and oval; approximately 1.2× as long as wide. Frontal carinae short, not extending beyond frontal lobes; interocular area with thin shiny line and two or three long black setae along each of its sides. Antennal fossa shallow, opalescent, densely microreticulated. Head opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with sparse, short, adpressed hairs (Fig. 19). Ocellar region with group of 2–4 moderately long black setae; posterior angles with two or three long and 1–3 short black setae; rest of frontal and lateral faces of head without erect setae; ventral side of the head with a dozen white to brown setae. Antennal scape long; in frontal view straight; 1.1× as long as width of the head; its base without tooth; from base to apex slightly and gradually widening; funiculus long; pedicel elongated, approximately 0.85× as long as segments II and III combined and 1.7× as long as segment II (Fig. 19). Surface of scape densely microsculptured, opalescent; covered with thick, dense, decumbent setae. Mandibles rounded; basally smooth and shiny; apical half with deep grooves; surface shiny with several long white setae; masticatory margin with four large teeth. Mesosoma. Long, 2.2× as long as wide; metanotal groove shallow. Pronotum convex on sides. In lateral view promesonotum slightly arched in profile, propodeum positioned lower than promesonotum; distinctly convex in lateral view (Figs 24, 25). Mesosoma opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with sparse, short and adpressed hairs. Pronotum posteriorly with 2–4 moderately long and black setae; and anteriorly with 2–4 short black setae; sometimes setae broken or missing; mesonotum with up to two moderately long and black setae close to the anterior margin and usually two black setae close to the median groove; propodeum apically with 1–4 short, black setae; sometimes mesonotal and propodeal setae broken. Petiole. In form of knob; its anterior face distinctly convex; posterior face only slightly convex and dorsum regularly rounded; peduncle short. Surface opalescent and densely microreticulated; covered with dense, short, adpressed hairs; dorsum of knob with 3–5 very short, black, erect setae. Gaster. Finely microreticulated and moderately shiny; gastral segment I and lateral sides of remaining segments appear distinctly shinier than remaining parts of gaster. Whole surface of gaster with short, sparse, adpressed hairs; tergites I and II without erect setae; tergite III with one or two long black setae centrally and close to anterior margin, and up to one setae at lateral margin; tergite IV in younger specimens with four long black setae on each side; in older specimens setae usually broken (Fig. 24). Each of gastral sternites with three or four long, black, erect setae. Legs. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of femora and tibiae covered with thick, dense, black decumbent setae; no white adpressed setae on surface between black setae. Ventral surfaces of femora and tibiae with numerous long, black, suberect to erect setae.

Figure 19. 

Major worker of Cataglyphis dejdaranensis sp. nov., head and antennae. Scale bar 1 mm.

Minor worker (n = 4): Measurements. HL: 1.575 (1.39–1.71); HW: 1.373 (1.19–1.53); SL: 1.593 (1.35–1.85); PW: 0.948 (0.83–1.04); PRL: 0.860 (0.76–0.96); PRW: 0.700 (0.62–0.77); PTH: 0.595 (0.54–0.65); PTW: 0.330 (0.28–0.35); WL: 2.303 (2.02–2.48); HFL: 2.185 (1.81–2.53); CI: 1.149 (1.118–1.168); SI: 1.009 (0.971–1.082); PI: 1.808 (1.647–1.929); FI: 0.946 (0.896–1.020).

Color. Slightly paler than major workers; head, mesosoma and gaster mostly brown to dark brown; upper part of head, propodeum and gaster usually blackish brown but never black; transition from brown to blackish brown diffused. Antennae and legs brown to almost black, legs brown to dark brown (Figs 23, 24). Body. Morphological characters similar to these of major worker except petiole which appears as a very thick scale; approximately 2× as high as broad, with anterior surface only slightly convex and posterior surface flat, and with only rudiment of peduncle (Fig. 21). Dorsal surface of gastral tergites I and II without erect setae; tergite III without or with only a pair of erect setae; tergite IV with two or four setae. Sternites setose as in major worker. Legs generally similarly setose as in major workers except fewer suberect and erect black setae on ventral sides of femora and tibiae. Head slightly longer and scape slightly shorter than in major workers.

Figures 20–22. 

Cataglyphis dejdaranensis sp. nov. 20 petiole of major worker 21 petiole of minor worker 22 hind tibia (not in scale).

Figures 23, 24. 

Minor worker of Cataglyphis dejdaranensis sp. nov. 23 dorsal 24 lateral. Scale bar 2 mm.

Little known. On the locality Cheri, specimens were collected in a mountain grazing area overgrown by grass, and on the locality Dejdaran Valley ants were found on mountain pastures with scant vegetation (Fig. 26). Nests were located under large stones. Both collecting sites were placed on high altitude: 2319 m and 2778 m.

The species name dejdaranensis is a feminine Latin adjective in the nominative case and refers to Dejdaran Valley, where one of the specimens of this species was collected.

Figures 25, 26. 

Nest of Cataglyphis fritillariae under a large stone at the Dashte laleh site (25) Locality Cheri (26).

Figures 27–34. 

Photographs of members of the Cataglyphis altisquamis species group. C. asiriensis Collingwood 27 lateral 28 head (Michele Esposito, from www.antweb.org), C. bucharica Emery 29 lateral 30 head (Zach Lieberman, from www.antweb.org), C. foreli (Ruzsky) 31 lateral 32 head (Zach Lieberman, from www.antweb.org), C. kurdistanica Pisarski 33 lateral 34 head (Kate Martynova, from www.antweb.org).