DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1294.205360

Authors: Jakovos Demetriou, Bonnie B. Blaimer, Christos Georgiadis, Jody H. Voges, Benoit Guénard, Lech Borowiec, Sebastian Salata

Abstract: The ever-growing movement of people and goods across the world has resulted in the translocation of tens of thousands of species outside their native ranges, including more than 500 species of ants. However, the native ranges of some non-native species are still unclear and further research using molecular tools is needed. Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus hosts a high percentage of both endemic and non-native ant taxa, with the latter species posing a threat to this native biodiversity, society, and the economy. The lack of up-to-date taxonomic revisions for many genera and knowledge gaps regarding the myrmecofauna of Western Asia and the Middle East pose challenges for the identification of some taxa, including a previously reported morphospecies labelled Camponotus cf. vitiosus from Cyprus and flagged as a potential non-native species. Here, we morphologically and molecularly (using COI barcoding) examine specimens of C. cf. vitiosus, comparing them with specimens of the nominal species from its native range as well as other Camponotus spp. Our re-examination reveals a new endemic species Camponotus (Myrmentoma) limbouros sp. nov., showing morphological and genetic affinities with the subgenus Myrmentoma Forel, 1912 in our COI barcode tree.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1292.180703

Authors: Fangchao Deng, Jingyuan Yang, Zhenghui Xu

Abstract: The myrmicine ant genus Temnothorax Mayr, 1861 is highly diverse in China; however, its fauna remained inadequately studied until recently. During the 2023 Background Resources Survey Project in Shennongjia National Park, four new species of this genus were discovered and are herein described as Temnothorax shennongi sp. nov., T. hubeiensis sp. nov., T. zhaojunae sp. nov., and T. wangweii sp. nov. To date, a total of 66 species of Temnothorax have been documented in China. To facilitate precise identification and differentiation of these species, a checklist of all known Chinese species of the genus was compiled, sorted into 20 species groups, and a diagnosis for each group is provided. Additionally, a revised identification key for the worker caste of the 66 species based on the species groups is presented. This study not only increases the number of known Temnothorax species in China but also systematizes the taxonomic knowledge of the genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1290.192534

Authors: Caspar Schöning, Raphael Weniger, William Gotwald Jr., Lars Vilhelmsen, Jacobus J. Boomsma, Daniel J. C. Kronauer

Abstract: Driver ants (Dorylus nigricans species group) are keystone species in forest and savanna ecosystems across tropical Africa. However, their study has been hampered by considerable taxonomic confusion. A multitude of worker forms has been described under the name Dorylus nigricans Illiger, 1802, even though the link between the name-bearing type specimens, two males from Sierra Leone, and the respective conspecific workers has never been established. Extensive surveys of driver ants were first conducted at numerous West African sites from Senegal to Ghana. These yielded a total of only three species recognisable by morphological differences. We then examined the two D. nigricans syntypes and found that they belong to different species. By analysing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences of males and workers from Taï National Park (Ivory Coast), males with a phenotype similar to that of the larger syntype specimen were matched to workers originally described under the name Anomma arcens by Westwood (1847). This larger syntype male is designated as the lectotype of D. nigricans Illiger, 1802, so that Anomma arcens Westwood, 1847 is synonymised under D. nigricans. A worker neotype for the species originally described as Anomma burmeisteri Shuckard, 1840, whose type specimen was lost, is designated. A key to the large workers of the three driver ant species occurring in this region, D. burmeisteri, D. nigricans, and D. mayri, is provided. By clarifying the taxonomy of the regional driver ant fauna, we resolve a centuries-old puzzle and pave the way for a comprehensive revision of the entire species group.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1280.176598

Authors: Nicole Rasoamanana, Joe A. MacGown, Brian L. Fisher, JoVonn G. Hill

Abstract: Male ants remain one of the least documented sources of morphological information in ant taxonomy, despite their frequent occurrence in biodiversity surveys and their potential value for systematic research. Within the ant subfamily Formicinae, identification resources for male ants are particularly limited in the Nearctic region. The only comprehensive treatment remains Smith’s (1943) key to male ants of the United States, which predates modern taxonomic revisions and advances in morphological terminology. In this work, a revised identification key to the genera of Nearctic Formicinae is presented, based exclusively on male morphology. An illustrated key to the 14 formicine genera recorded from the Nearctic region is provided, supported by updated diagnoses and figures of diagnostic characters, including genitalia and wing venation. This study provides the first modern synthesis of male morphological characters for Nearctic Formicinae and enables reliable identification of males, including specimens collected independently of workers in light traps, Malaise traps, and flight-intercept traps, thereby facilitating the broader integration of male morphology into taxonomic and biodiversity research on ants.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1276.183523

Authors: Yi Huang, Ying Zhong, Tianqi Wu, Yuyuan Huang, Li Tian

Abstract: The genus Cardiocondyla Emery, 1869 is a diverse group of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, with a total of 89 recognised species and subspecies recorded worldwide. A new species of the sima group C. zhoui sp. nov. is described herein, from China, based on worker morphology. The main diagnostic characters of this new species are as follows: 11-segmented antennae; occiput partly smooth and shining; clypeus broad and robust; mesosomal dorsum strongly convex and mostly smooth; metanotal groove absent; and petiolar peduncle long and slender. The new species is similar to C. sima Wheeler, 1935, but it differs in a smooth and shining occipital surface, evenly convex anterior clypeal margin, more elevated mesosomal outline, and more elongated petiolar peduncle. Additionally, a new synonymy is proposed: C. insutura Zhou, 2001, syn. nov. (= C. minutior Forel, 1899). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and high-resolution colour images of Chinese Cardiocondyla species are provided, with a taxonomic key to the Chinese Cardiocondyla species based on worker caste.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1275.181745

Authors: Albena Lapeva-Gjonova, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: A new ant species, Messor odrysarum sp. nov., of the Messor structor species group, is described based on worker, gyne and male castes collected in Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria. The description is supported by the morphology of all castes and COI barcoding. Both the morphological traits and COI sequence data indicate that the new species is closely related to Messor oertzeni Forel, 1910, a species restricted to the eastern Balkans and Anatolia. Furthermore, the little-known gyne of M. oertzeni was redescribed based on a specimen collected in Bulgaria. The new data increases the number of Messor species known from Bulgaria to nine, for which an updated key is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1264.173399

Authors: Brian L. Fisher, Michael G. Branstetter, Bonnie B. Blaimer, Marek L. Borowiec, Gabriela P. Camacho, Maël Doré, Philip S. Ward, John T. Longino

Abstract: The genus-level classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is revised based on a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of more than 2,300 ultraconserved element (UCE) loci across 1,170 sampled specimens representing 1,020 taxa (600 valid species and 420 morphospecies) and all described ponerine genera known from workers. While most previously defined genus groups are recovered as monophyletic, several genera are shown to be polyphyletic or paraphyletic. To resolve these inconsistencies, four new genera are described: Boltonopone gen. nov., Makebapone gen. nov., Subiridopone gen. nov., and Sritoponera gen. nov. Xiphopelta stat. rev. is revalidated and Euponera is restricted by expanding Fisheropone to absorb a paraphyletic assemblage. Mesoponera is split into four lineages, resulting in transfers to Makebapone, Subiridopone, and Xiphopelta. Iroponera syn. nov. is synonymized under Cryptopone and additional new synonymies at both the generic and species levels are established. Morphological diagnoses are revised for each affected genus, and updated species lists and new combinations are provided. The updated classification recognizes 54 valid genera within Ponerinae and acknowledges an additional lineage that will be formally described in a subsequent publication. To support identification and comparative studies, revised keys to all extant Ponerinae genera are provided, presented by biogeographic region (African and Malagasy, Palearctic–Indomalaya–Australasia, and New World). This classification is intended to provide a stable, phylogenetically informed framework for future research on ponerine ants.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1260.166957

Authors: Yonghao Ye, Hao Ran, Qionghua Gao

Abstract: Camponotus and Colobopsis are two species-rich genera within the ant tribe Camponotini. Despite their non-sister phylogenetic relationship, pronounced morphological convergence has long complicated their taxonomic delineation. Here, we clarify the status of Colobopsis minus (Wang & Wu, 1994), comb. nov., a taxon historically misassigned to Camponotus, through an integrative approach combining COI phylogenetics, caste-specific morphometrics, and pupae type. We provide the first comprehensive description of all castes (minor and major workers, gynes, and males), alongside two taxonomic keys to Chinese Colobopsis species. Critical evidence for reclassification includes: (1) phragmotic major workers with Colobopsis-specific cephalic modifications; (2) naked pupae and (3) molecular phylogenetic analyses of COI barcode sequences, which robustly place C. minus within the Colobopsis clade. This study underscores the necessity of synthesizing phylogenetic data with detailed morphological analysis to disentangle complex taxonomic histories in hyperdiverse ant groups.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1256.162607

Authors: Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: Replacement names are proposed for 40 unresolved junior species group homonyms in Formicidae (Hymenoptera) as required by ICZN Articles 23 and 60. This effort aims to enhance taxonomic stability and facilitate digital management for ant names. In each case, the junior homonym is considered acceptable and in use. To avoid the creation of unnecessary replacement names, names were not proposed for unresolved junior homonyms in cases where 1) the status of the junior homonym is a junior or senior synonym or unidentifiable; 2) the primary homonym pair have not been regarded as congeneric since 1899; or 3) the congeneric placement of the junior secondary homonym is unreliable. The following new names are introduced to replace existing homonyms: Acromyrmex aurina nom. nov., Camponotus chucki nom. nov., Camponotus dorex nom. nov., Camponotus durnyx nom. nov., Camponotites flarex nom. nov., Camponotus robecchii clyne nom. nov., Camponotus substitutus cylrix nom. nov., Colobopsis breva nom. nov., Crematogaster scutellaris gynia nom. nov., Dolichoderus thoracicus jexina nom. nov., Ectomomyrmex pylixy nom. nov., Ectomomyrmex pylor nom. nov., Euponera tynara nom. nov., Formica lavateri liora nom. nov., Formica mytara nom. nov., Hypoponera rylin nom. nov., Hypoponera veltan nom. nov., Lepisiota vynia nom. nov., Temnothorax flavispinus novira nom. nov., Messor minor nubina nom. nov., Messor nuvia nom. nov., Pheidole arnoldi qindra nom. nov., Pseudoneoponera sublaevis quorra nom. nov., Strumigenys wylixa nom. nov., Camponotus foleyi cybira nom. nov., Camponotus maculatus brexyl nom. nov., Camponotus nixra nom. nov., Camponotus planus brina nom. nov., Carebara dazia nom. nov., Carebara xynera nom. nov., Colobopsis vitrea yevira nom. nov., Formica draven nom. nov., Messor draxil nom. nov., Pheidole singaporensis zolara nom. nov., Pseudolasius zynia nom. nov., Tetramorium drunex nom. nov., Tetramorium fenix nom. nov., Tetramorium flinex nom. nov., Temnothorax fynor nom. nov., and Tetraponera vantix nom. nov. In addition, Estevia nom. nov. is proposed for the preoccupied genus Wilsonia Hong, 2002. Additional taxonomic changes are presented, including the reinstatement of Tetramorium schultzei Forel, 1910a stat. nov. and the following new combinations: Bothroponera jonesii (Forel, 1891), comb. nov.; Diacamma unicolor (Smith, 1860a), comb. nov.; Pseudoneoponera vidua (Smith, 1857), and Diacamma solitaria (Smith, 1860b), comb. nov.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1250.150776

Authors: Naoto Idogawa, Shigeto Dobata, Yasukazu Okada, Seiki Yamane

Abstract: The genus Monomorium is an important phylogenetic group, notable for its taxonomic complexity and the presence of several well-known tramp species. In this study, we present a description of M. brachypterum sp. nov. from southern Japan along with an updated key to the Japanese species of the genus based on the worker caste. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using 13 protein-coding genes of the mitochondrial genome indicated that this new species is most closely related to M. intrudens. Within their overlapping distributions, analyses based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene showed that the two species are phylogenetically distinct. The queens of M. brachypterum are distinguished from those of M. intrudens by degenerated wings, suggesting contrasting dispersal strategies between the two sister species. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis performed for the Japanese Monomorium species provides support for the repeated evolution of diverse reproductive systems within this genus. The present study highlights a wide variety of evolutionary trends in the nest-level reproductive system, even among closely related species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1243.145744

Authors: Stefan P. Cover, Christian Rabeling

Abstract: Among the very rarest of Nearctic ants are three species of inquiline social parasites belonging to the genus Monomorium, namely Monomorium inquilinum DuBois, Monomorium pergandei (Emery), and Monomorium talbotae DuBois. All three species are known only from the type collections. Here, we describe Monomorium dine Cover & Rabeling, sp. nov., from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, USA, a new species closely similar to the three known social parasites. Like them, M. dine appears to be a workerless inquiline that exploits a free-living Monomorium host. We also provide keys to the queens of the Nearctic Monomorium inquilines, provide the first images of these species, report new collections for Monomorium talbotae DuBois, discuss host-parasite associations, and summarize what is presently known about these mysterious social parasites.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1236.137346

Authors: Benan Zhang, Congcong Du, Zhilin Chen

Abstract: In this paper, Tetramorium sinensis sp. nov., a parabiotic ant, is described. It was discovered within the nest of the queenless ant Diacamma rugosum (Le Guillou, 1842) in Fenghuang Mountain Park, Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, a key to the Tetramorium inglebyi group based on the worker caste is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1234.142963

Authors: Herbert C. Wagner, Marion Cordonnier, Bernard Kaufmann, Kadri Kiran, Celal Karaman, Roland Schultz, Bernhard Seifert, Sándor Csősz

Abstract: The high level of morphological crypsis of the hyper-diverse Palearctic Tetramorium caespitum group have challenged taxonomists for decades. Within this group, Wagner et al. (2017) offered a multidisciplinary solution for the delimitation of ten European species of the Tetramorium caespitum complex. Anatolia, harboring a high level of endemism in ants, has never been subject of focus research within this genus. In this study, the Tetramorium caespitum complex diversity in Anatolia and the Caucasus region was investigated by examining 191 nest-samples using an in-depth integrative-taxonomic approach. Quantitative morphometric and microsatellite data of 505 and 133 workers, respectively, and genital-morphology data of 33 nests were collected. Unsupervised analyses provided independent species-hypotheses based on the morphological and molecular disciplines. Based on the final species-hypotheses, we confirm T. caespitum (Linnaeus, 1758), T. hungaricum Röszler, 1935, T. indocile Santschi, 1927, T. caucasicum Wagner et al., 2017, T. impurum (Foerster, 1850), T. immigrans Santschi, 1927, and T. flavidulum Santschi, 1910 as valid species of the T. caespitum complex occurring in Anatolia. A lectotype of T. flavidulum was designated. The host of the temporary social-parasitic species Tetramorium aspina Wagner et al., 2018 is T. caucasicum instead of T. immigrans – as it was suggested before. An identification key to species complexes of the T. caespitum group and to workers of the species of the T. caespitum complex in Anatolia is provided. Every cluster we identified could be linked to described species and the region’s species-composition is similar to those of the Balkans and Central Europe.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1232.141693

Authors: Brandon S. Arredondo, Roberto J. Guerrero

Abstract: The species of the ant genus Nesomyrmex inhabiting the tropical dry forest (TDF) of Colombia are reviewed. Three new species of this genus, Nesomyrmex iku sp. nov., Nesomyrmex konina sp. nov., and Nesomyrmex xerophilus sp. nov., are described based on worker caste. Nesomyrmex vargasi Longino, 2006 is recorded for the first time in South America, and Nesomyrmex antoniensis (Forel, 1912) is proposed as a junior synonym of Nesomyrmex asper (Mayr, 1887). A worker-based taxonomic identification key for the Colombian species is provided. High-resolution images and illustrations, and a distribution map for the species present in the Colombian TDF are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1230.140159

Authors: Chao Chen, Yu Yu, Chuanhui Yi

Abstract: The species of the ant genus Brachyponera Emery, 1900 are reviewed based on the morphological characters of the worker caste. Brachyponera tianzun (Terayama, 2009) is transferred to Euponera as Euponera tianzun (Terayama, 2009), comb. nov. Four new species, B. paraarcuata sp. nov., B. xui sp. nov., B. candida sp. nov., and B. myops sp. nov., are described from China based on the worker caste. Phylogenetic trees were constructed for eight known and four new species, and genetic distances were calculated. High-resolution images of B. batak (Yamane, 2007), B. flavipes (Yamane, 2007), B. nakasujii (Yashiro et al., 2010), B. pilidorsalis (Yamane, 2007), B. wallacea (Yamane, 2007), and B. brevidorsa Xu, 1994 are provided. Keys are provided to both the eight species groups and 23 known species of the world based on the worker caste.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1223.131238

Authors: Francisco Hita Garcia, Kiko Gómez, Roberto A. Keller, Bernhard Schurian, Evan P. Economo

Abstract: The ant genus Zasphinctus are fascinating ants due to their distinctive morphology, ecology, and rarity. In this study, a comprehensive revision of Zasphinctus in the Afrotropical region is presented, through a combination of morphological examination under the light microscope and three-dimensional (3D) cyber-taxonomy based on microtomography (micro-CT). Micro-CT based 3D surface models of all species were used for virtual morphological visualisation and examination. The 3D models were virtually visualised, rotated, scaled, and dissected in order to obtain the best shape data for whole specimens or individual body parts. This approach offered a greatly improved character evaluation, allowing the development of an updated taxonomic species delimitation system for the genus. Our revision recognises eight worker-based species, of which three were previously known and five are newly described in this study. Furthermore, based on distinctive morphological differences, two species groups are also proposed. The Z. obamai group includes the species Z. obamai Hita Garcia, 2017 (Kenya), Z. lumumbai Hita Garcia & Gómez, sp. nov. (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Z. wilsoni Hita Garcia, 2017 (Mozambique) while the Z. sarowiwai group contains Z. aprilia Hita Garcia & Gómez, sp. nov. (Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda), Z. kouakoui Hita Garcia & Gómez, sp. nov. (Ivory Coast), Z. lolae Hita Garcia & Gómez sp. nov. (Ghana), Z. ndouri Hita Garcia & Gómez, sp. nov. (Senegal), and Z. sarowiwai Hita Garcia, 2017 (Cameroon). All species are easily distinguishable through a comprehensive character matrix illustrated by numerous diagnostic illustrations, as well as a traditional dichotomous identification key.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1213.120531

Authors: Manoa M. Ramamonjisoa, Nicole Rasoamanana, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The males of the family Formicidae of the Malagasy region, including the islands of the southwest Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, and Seychelles) are reviewed. A male-based synopsis of each subfamily and genera are provided. A richly illustrated male-based key to the eight subfamilies and 72 genera for which males are known are provided. The key is specific to the ant genera and species of the Malagasy region. Terminologies for morphology and wing cells are also reviewed. The keys are a product of three decades of collecting across the region. Despite efforts to collect males for all genera, males from five genera (Brachyponera, Chrysapace, Dicroaspis, Linepithema, Ochetellus) were included in the keys based on males from species collected outside the region, and males from one genus (Parvaponera) are unknown globally and not included in the key.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1210.125990

Authors: Kuntima Yodprasit, Nopparat Buddhakala, Wattanachai Tasen, Weeyawat Jaitrong

Abstract: Meranoplus Smith, 1853 is distributed in the Old World tropics, from Africa, Asia, New Guinea to Australia. There are four species Meranoplus bicolor (Guérin-Méneville, 1844), M. castaneus Smith, 1857, M. laeviventris Emery, 1889, and M. mucronatus Smith, 1857 previously recorded from Thailand. In the present paper, two new species of the genus, M. siamensis Yodprasit & Jaitrong, sp. nov. and M. tanomtongi Yodprasit & Jaitrong, sp. nov., are described based on the worker caste. Additionally, M. malaysianus Schödl, 1998 is recorded for the first time for Thailand. A key to the Oriental and Indo-Australian species, based on the worker caste, is provided. The new species and the new record were found to nest in soil.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1205.118358

Authors: Qionghua Gao, Jiliang Long, Chengyuan Liu, Haoyu Liu, Hao Ran, Kip D. Lacy, Daniel J. C. Kronauer

Abstract: The clonal raider ant, Ooceraea biroi, is a queenless species that reproduces asexually, and these traits make it an attractive model system for laboratory research. However, it is unclear where on the ant phylogeny these traits evolved, partly because few closely related species have been described and studied. Here, we describe a new raider ant species, Ooceraea hainingensis sp. nov., from Zhejiang, China. This species is closely related to O. biroi but can be distinguished by the following features: 1) workers of O. hainingensis sp. nov. have an obvious promesonotal suture and a metanotal groove, whereas these characters are ambiguous in O. biroi; and 2) the subpetiolar process of O. hainingensis is prominent and anteroventrally directed like a thumb with sublinear posteroventral margin, while in O. biroi, it is anteroventrally directed but slightly backward-bent. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm that O. hainingensis is genetically distinct from O. biroi. Importantly, unlike O. biroi, O. hainingensis has a queen caste with wings and well-developed eyes. This suggests that the loss of the queen caste and transition to asexual reproduction by workers is specific to O. biroi and occurred after that species diverged from closely related congeneric species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.114168

Authors: Ramakrishnaiah Sahanashree, Aswaj Punnath, Dharma Rajan Priyadarsanan

Abstract: A new ant species, Paraparatrechina neela sp. nov., with a captivating metallic-blue color is described based on the worker caste from the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. This discovery signifies the first new species of Paraparatrechina in 121 years, since the description of the sole previously known species, P. aseta (Forel, 1902), in the Indian subcontinent.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1202.120214

Authors: Matthew T. Hamer, Jonathan Hon Chung Lee, Cheung Yau Leo Tse, Thiago S. R. Silva, Benoit Guénard

Abstract: Leptogenys is the most diverse genus of the ant subfamily Ponerinae and is widely distributed across the world’s tropical and subtropical regions. More than 40 species are known from the Oriental realm displaying a wide range of ecologies, although their life history traits remain poorly understood, and new species are frequently discovered. Here, a faunal review of the genus from Hong Kong SAR, southern China is provided. A total of nine species are recorded, with one new species, Leptogenys grohli Hamer, Lee & Guénard, sp. nov. described. Ecological and biogeographic information, including new information on reproductive modes for two species are provided with the ergatoids of L. binghamii Forel, 1900 and L. rufida Zhou et al., 2012 described. Additional records for five of these species within the neighbouring province of Guangdong are also provided. Finally, an illustrated key to species known from Hong Kong is presented, as well as notes on each species’ distribution, ecology, and behaviour. An updated provincial distributional checklist of the Leptogenys species of Mainland China and Taiwan is also supplied.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1202.120478

Authors: Stefan P. Cover, Christian Rabeling

Abstract: Four new inquiline social parasites are described in the dolichoderine ant genus Tapinoma from the Nearctic region, and keys are provided for queens and males of the Nearctic Tapinoma species. The new social parasite species represent the first inquiline species in the genus Tapinoma and the first confirmed inquilines known from the ant subfamily Dolichoderinae. The four new species appear to be workerless inquilines that exploit a single host, Tapinoma sessile (Say), and they represent at least two distinct life history syndromes. Tapinoma incognitum Cover & Rabeling, sp. nov. is highly derived morphologically and is a host-queen-tolerant inquiline. In contrast, T. inflatiscapus Cover & Rabeling, sp. nov. shows a lesser degree of morphological modification and appears to be a host-queen-intolerant social parasite. The life history of T. pulchellum Cover & Rabeling, sp. nov. is presently unknown, but its close similarity to T. incognitum suggests that it is also a host-queen-tolerant inquiline. The life history of T. shattucki Cover & Rabeling, sp. nov. is still uncertain. Our findings provide novel insights into the complex biology of ant inquiline life history syndromes.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.114072

Authors: Mark K. L. Wong, Jane M. McRae

Abstract: The genus Leptanilla Emery, 1870 of the family Formicidae, subfamily Leptanillinae, comprises miniscule, pale, blind ants that are rarely collected and poorly understood due to their hypogaeic (i.e. underground) lifestyles. Here we describe a new Leptanilla species from two workers collected via subterranean scraping in the arid Pilbara region of Western Australia. Leptanilla voldemort sp. nov. is the second leptanilline species documented in Australia after the elusive Leptanilla swani Wheeler, 1932. Workers of L. voldemort sp. nov. display a remarkably gracile morphology characterised by elongated legs, antennae, and mandibles, and they are easily differentiated from other Leptanilla species. We also provide new measurements for L. swani from two workers found proximally to the type locality of L. voldemort sp. nov. A key to the worker caste of Leptanilla species of the Australian continent is presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1195.115889

Authors: Chao Chen, Zhilin Chen, Zhenghui Xu, Qishan Fu, Liwen Fu

Abstract: Two new species of ponerine ants from Hainan Province, China, Leptogenys hainanensis sp. nov. and L. zhoui sp. nov., are delineated and depicted based on the worker caste. Leptogenys hainanensis sp. nov. belongs to the L. leleji species group, with mandibles elongate, slender and curved, lacking a distinct masticatory margin. On the other hand, L. zhoui sp. nov. belongs to the L. crassicornis species group, distinguished by its square head, smooth body, mandibles with a dentate masticatory margin, and short antennae. A key to workers for the known species of Leptogenys in China are provided and a map is provided for the newly described species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1191.107324

Authors: Henri W. Herrera, María C. Tocora, Gianpiero Fiorentino, Charlotte E. Causton, Wouter Dekoninck, Frederik Hendrickx

Abstract: The Galápagos ant fauna has long been understudied, with the last taxonomic summary being published almost a century ago. Here, a comprehensive and updated overview of the known ant species of the Galápagos Islands is provided with updated species distributions. The list is based on an extensive review of literature, the identification of more than 382,000 specimens deposited in different entomological collections, and recent expeditions to the islands. The ant fauna is composed of five subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Dorylinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, and Ponerinae), 22 genera, 50 species, and 25 subspecies, although three species (Crematogaster crinosa Mayr, 1862, Camponotus senex (Smith, 1858), and Solenopsis saevissima (Smith, 1855)) are considered dubious records. Finally, an illustrated identification key of the species found in the archipelago is presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1191.110418

Authors: Roberto J. Guerrero, Andrés F. Grajales-Andica, Fernando Fernández, María C. Tocora, Gianpiero Fiorentino, Delly R. García

Abstract: The ants of the genus Rhopalothrix are diverse in the Neotropical region, with 14 of the 16 described species. Based on museum material and recent fieldwork, Rhopalothrix ants in Colombia were reviewed. Morphological analysis of the workers allowed delimitation of six species, including two new species, Rhopalothrix mandibularis Guerrero & Grajales, sp. nov. and Rhopalothrix mariaemirae Tocora, Fiorentino & Fernández, sp. nov. A new combination Rhopalothrix amati comb. nov. is proposed for Eurhopalothrix amati. A worker-based taxonomic key, high-definition images of the workers, and a distribution map of all Rhopalothrix species present in Colombia are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1190.110552

Authors: Zhi-yu Liu, Ying Zhong, Yu-yuan Huang, Hao Ran, Fan Song

Abstract: A new Chinese ant species Carebara laeviceps sp. nov. is described based on the major and minor workers. This species is most similar to C. lusciosa (Wheeler, 1928) due to a spineless propodeum, the absence of horns, and a smooth head capsule. It is distinguished by the following features: (1) antenna 10-segmented; (2) katepisternum rugose-reticulate; (3) in major workers, lateral sides of head in full-face view parallel; (4) metanotal groove distinct, anterodorsal corner forming an acute tooth behind metanotal groove. Moreover, an updated key to Chinese Carebara species is presented based on major workers, with a checklist comprising a total of 36 Chinese Carebara species and subspecies. Morphological structures and scanning electron micrographs of the newly discovered species’ minor and major workers are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1189.107506

Authors: Zachary Griebenow

Abstract: The genus-level taxonomy of the ant subfamily Leptanillinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is here revised, with the aim of delimiting genus-level taxa that are reciprocally monophyletic and readily diagnosable based upon all adult forms. This new classification reflects molecular phylogenetics and is informed by joint consideration of both male and worker morphology. Three valid genera are recognized in the Leptanillinae: Opamyrma, Leptanilla (= Scyphodon syn. nov., Phaulomyrma, Leptomesites, Noonilla syn. nov., Yavnella syn. nov.), and Protanilla (= Anomalomyrma syn. nov., Furcotanilla). Leptanilla and Protanilla are further divided into informal, monophyletic species groups. Synoptic diagnoses are provided for all genera and informal supraspecific groupings. In addition, worker-based keys to all described species within the Leptanillinae for which the worker caste is known are provided; and male-based keys to all species for which males are known, plus undescribed male morphospecies for which molecular data are published. The following species are described as new: Protanilla wallacei sp. nov., Leptanilla acherontia sp. nov., Leptanilla belantan sp. nov., Leptanilla bethyloides sp. nov., and Leptanilla najaphalla sp. nov.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1187.105866

Authors: Sándor Csősz, Bernhard Seifert, Márk László, Zalimkhan M. Yusupov, Gábor Herczeg

Abstract: This paper presents numeric morphology-based evidence on the broadly overlapping distribution of two thief ant species Solenopsis fugax (Latreille, 1798) and S. juliae (Arakelian, 1991) in the East European Pontic-Caspian region. The paper integrates two autonomous data collections and independent analyses performed by different researchers, using different equipment, considering different character combinations, and evaluating partially different samples. Five type series, the neotype series of Solenopsis fugax (Latreille 1798) and the type series of S. flavidula (Nylander, 1849), S. (Diplorhoptrum) fugax var. furtiva Santschi, 1934, S. (Diplorhoptrum) fugax var. pontica Santschi, 1934, S. (Diplorhoptrum) fugax var. scytica Santschi, 1934 were nested in one cluster and we propose the junior synonymy of the latter four taxa names with S. fugax. The other cluster contained only one type specimen of Solenopsis nitida (Dlussky & Radchenko, 1994) measured from AntWeb images. The naming of this cluster was based on both verbal statements and measurements of gynes given in the original description of Solenopsis juliae (Arakelian, 1991), which represents the oldest available name for this cluster. Hence, S. nitida is proposed as junior synonym of S. juliae. Solenopsis cypridis Santschi, 1934 is raised to species rank based on investigation of worker and gyne type specimens.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.111484

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Albena Lapeva-Gjonova, Christos Georgiadis, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: Messor is a diverse genus of Myrmicinae with 168 extant species and subspecies. In the Mediterranean, some of its taxa historically were classified as members of the Messor instabilis group (sensu Santschi), of which 19 are known from the eastern Mediterranean. Here, the Messor semirufus complex of the Balkan Peninsula that assembles a distinct subsection of members of the instabilis group is defined and treated. In total, five species are recorded, including three that are new. Messor atanassovii Atanassov, 1982 is redescribed and confirmed for Bulgaria (Thracian Plain, Struma, and Mesta Valley, Pirin Mt., and Eastern Rhodopi) and Greece (Epirus, Ionian Islands, Central and Eastern Macedonia, and Thraki). Three species are described as new to science: Messor danaes Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Serifos), Messor kardamenae Salata & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Dodecanese: Kos, Nisyros, Rhodes, and Tilos), and Messor veneris Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Milos). The fifth member of the complex, Messor creticus Borowiec & Salata, 2019, maintains its status of Cretan endemic.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1184.109702

Authors: Aiki Yamada, Dai Dac Nguyen, Katsuyuki Eguchi

Abstract: The doryline ant genus Eburopone Borowiec, 2016 currently contains only one valid species, E. wroughtoni (Forel, 1910) from southern Africa, with a considerable number of undescribed species awaiting formal description in the Afrotropical and Malagasy regions. In the present paper, Eburopone easoana sp. nov. is described based on workers and dealate queens from a colony series collected in an evergreen forest on the Dak Lak Plateau of Vietnam (Ea So Nature Reserve, Dak Lak Province). The worker of the new species is morphologically clearly distinguished from E. wroughtoni by the combination of following characteristics: i) frontal line distinct, extending a little beyond mid-length of cranium; ii) anterior (frontoclypeal) margins of torulo-posttorular complex not forming conspicuous lobes protruding over anterior clypeal margin in full-face view; iii) mandibles when closed in full-face view forming only a little space between anterior clypeal margin and mandibles; iv) promesonotal suture faint and inconspicuous; v) abdominal segment III in dorsal view distinctly wider than long, with lateral margins only feebly convex. This represents the first discovery of the genus Eburopone in the Oriental realm, revealing the disjunct distribution of the genus. A partial sequence of the mitochondrial COI gene (658 bp) is provided as a DNA barcode for the new species. A worker-based key to the doryline genera of the Oriental realm is also provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1163.95696

Authors: Manoa M. Ramamonjisoa, Nicole Rasoamanana, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The male of the myrmicine genus Erromyrma is described for the first time on the basis of two specimens of Erromyrma latinodis (Mayr, 1872) collected in northern Madagascar. We used COI barcoding to confirm the identification of the male specimens as conspecific with Erromyrma latinodis. We provide an illustrated male-based key to the four Myrmicinae tribes (Attini, Crematogastrini, Solenopsidini, Stenammini) and to the Solenopsidini genera (Adelomyrmex, Erromyrma, Solenopsis, Syllophopsis and Monomorium) for the Malagasy region.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1160.95694

Authors: Stefano Cantone, Andrea Di Giulio

Abstract: The genus Linepithema was erected by Mayr (1866) for his male-based species L. fuscum. In this study a new species is described also based on male morphology, L. paulistana sp. nov., collected in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, which is attributed to the fuscum group (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). Linepithema paulistana sp. nov. is the only species of fuscum group present in the eastern part of South America. It is easily distinguishable from the other species of the group because of the presence of a triangular volsellar tooth, which is distally situated between the digitus and the basivolsellar process. By using SEM and optical microscopy, the external genitalia of L. paulistana sp. nov. were analyzed and illustrated and some characters and previous interpretations have been re-evaluated in the Linepithema fuscum group. The male external genitalia are also comparatively analyzed in three species representative of the three Linepithema species groups, those of fuscum, humile, and neotropicum. The present work confirms that the morphological characters of male ants, especially those of male external genitalia, are effective for the identification of genera or species. Given the discrete morphological differences between the external genitalia of the fuscum group and the other species of this genus, a re-evaluation of the generic status of Linepithema is suggested.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1154.97578

Authors: John S. LaPolla, Scott A. Schneider

Abstract: We describe a new pair of trophobiotic partners from the ant genus Acropyga and the root mealybug genus Neochavesia. A recent field study on Acropyga ants and associated root mealybugs, conducted in the Peruvian Amazon, led to the discovery of Acropyga manuense LaPolla & Schneider, sp. nov. and its root mealybug symbiont Neochavesia podexuta Schneider & LaPolla, sp. nov. The new root mealybug belongs to the family Xenococcidae, whose members are all obligate associates of Acropyga ants. Providing joint descriptions of new mutualist partners in the same article is a novel approach for this system, and it offers benefits to the ongoing study of mutualism and patterns of association among these symbiotic ants and scales. Here, we also begin to revise the species-group composition of Acropyga by establishing the smithii species-group, and we provide updated information to aid in identifying the new ant species and root mealybug species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1153.98297

Authors: Enrico Schifani, Antonio Alicata, Lech Borowiec, Fede García, Vincenzo Gentile, Kiko Gómez, Elia Nalini, Fabrizio Rigato, Sämi Schär, Antonio Scupola, Roger Vila, Mattia Menchetti

Abstract: There are only two Aphaenogaster species from the subterranea group in the western Mediterranean: A. ichnusa Santschi, 1925, from south-western Europe, and A. subterranea (Latreille, 1798), also occurring in central and eastern Europe. Historically, the two species have been widely misunderstood: A. ichnusa was long considered a Sardinian endemic subspecies of A. subterranea, while its continental populations were misidentified as A. subterranea s. str. Recently, A. ichnusa was elevated to species rank and its worker caste was redescribed with that of A. subterranea, allowing for their correct identification. Yet their distribution was documented in detail only for France and Sardinia. Furthermore, no morphological characters were described to distinguish the males and queens of the two species. By investigating private and museum collections, 276 new records of A. ichnusa are provided here and 154 of A. subterranea from the western Mediterranean. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative morphological characters were combined to identify their males and queens. We present the new southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost distribution limits for A. ichnusa. Based on our results, this species is widely distributed in Italy and Catalonia (Spain), also occurring on several Mediterranean islands, avoiding areas with continental climate and high altitudes. Sicily is the only island to host the less thermophilous A. subterranea, which otherwise extends westward to Galicia (Spain). Sympatric occurrence is not rare along the contact zone. Additional natural history observations are reported regarding foraging habits, associated myrmecophiles, habitat preferences, and colony structure in the two species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1115.86477

Authors: Weeyawat Jaitrong, Zhenghui Xu, Salinee Khachonpisitsak

Abstract: The Platythyrea clypeata species group is reviewed and three species, including one new species, P. homasawini sp. nov., are recognized. This species group is distinguished from the P. parallela species group by the reddish-brown body, the elliptical shape of the propodeal spiracle, the elongate antennal scape, and the distinctly narrowed posteriad space between frontal carinae. Platythyrea homasawini sp. nov., from Thailand and China, is described based on the worker caste. The type series of the new species was collected on the forest floor from dead wood in an advanced stage of decomposition. A key to the Oriental species of the genus Platythyrea based on the worker caste is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1104.81562

Authors: Kiko Gómez, Lombart M. Kouakou, Georg Fischer, Francisco Hita-Garcia, Julian Katzke, Evan P. Economo

Abstract: In this study the taxonomy of the Pheidole pulchella species group is updated for the Afrotropical region and the new species P. klaman sp. nov. described. It is integrated into the existing taxonomic system by an updated identification key for the whole group and an update of the known distribution ranges of its members. High quality focus stacking images are provided, with X–ray micro–CT scanned digital 3D representations, of major and minor worker type specimens.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1098.73223

Authors: Jean Claude Rakotonirina, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The Camponotus subgenus Myrmosaga subgen. rev. from the Malagasy region is revised based on analysis of both qualitative morphological characters and morphometric traits. The multivariate analysis used the Nest Centroid (NC)-clustering method to generate species hypotheses based on 19 continuous morphological traits of minor workers. The proposed species hypotheses were confirmed by cumulative Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Morphometric ratios for the subsets of minor and major workers were used in species descriptions and redefinitions. The present study places the subgenus Myrmopytia syn. nov. in synonymy to Myrmosaga. It recognizes 38 species, of which 19 are newly described: C. aina sp. nov., C. aro sp. nov., C. asara sp. nov., C. atimo sp. nov., C. bemaheva sp. nov., C. bozaka sp. nov., C. daraina sp. nov., C. harenarum sp. nov., C. joany sp. nov., C. karsti sp. nov., C. kelimaso sp. nov., C. lokobe sp. nov., C. mahafaly sp. nov., C. niavo sp. nov., C. rotrae sp. nov., C. sambiranoensis sp. nov., C. tapia sp. nov., C. tendryi sp. nov., C. vano sp. nov. Eleven species are redescribed: C. aurosus Roger, C. cervicalis Roger, C. dufouri Forel, C. gibber Forel, C. hagensii Forel, C. hova Forel, C. hovahovoides Forel, C. immaculatus Forel, C. quadrimaculatus Forel, C. roeseli Forel, C. strangulatus Santschi. The following are raised to species and redescribed: C. becki Santschi stat. nov., C. boivini Forel stat. rev., C. cemeryi Özdikmen stat. rev., C. mixtellus Forel stat. nov., C. radamae Forel stat. nov. Camponotus maculatus st. fairmairei Santschi syn. nov., is synonymized under C. boivini. The following are synonymized under C. cervicalis: Camponotus cervicalis gaullei Santschi, syn. nov.; Camponotus perroti Forel, syn. nov.; Camponotus perroti aeschylus Forel, syn. nov.; Camponotus gerberti Donisthorpe, syn. nov. Camponotus dufouri imerinensis Forel, syn. nov. is a synonym of C. dufouri, Camponotus hova var. obscuratus Emery, syn. nov. is a synonym of C. hova, Camponotus quadrimaculatus opacata Emery, syn. nov. is a synonym of C. immaculatus, Camponotus maculatus st. legionarium Santschi, syn. nov. is a synonym of C. roeseli, Camponotus hova maculatoides Emery, syn. nov. is a synonym of C. strangulatus. The following are synonymized under C. quadrimaculatus: Camponotus kelleri Forel, syn. nov., Camponotus kelleri var. invalidus Forel, syn. nov., Camponotus quadrimaculatus sellaris Emery, syn. nov. As C. imitator Forel, C. liandia Rakotonirina & Fisher, and C. lubbocki Forel have been recently described and redescribed, only diagnoses and taxonomic discussions are provided. This revision also includes an illustrated species identification key, taxonomic discussions, images, and distribution maps for each species superimposed on the ecoregions of Madagascar.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1091.79085

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: A review of the Greek members of the Temnothorax anodontoides species-group revealed three species new to science: Temnothorax euboeae sp. nov. (Sterea Ellas, Euboea Island), Temnothorax arkasi sp. nov. (Peloponnese, Arcadia) and Temnothorax parnonensis sp. nov. (Peloponnese, Arcadia and Lakonia). The diagnoses of Temnothorax ikarosi Salata, Borowiec & Trichas, 2018 and T. anodontoides (Dlussky & Zabelin, 1985) are updated based of the new discoveries. Additionally, presence of the latter species in Greece is discussed and its distribution range revised. All members of the anodontoides species-group are associated with alpine and rocky habitats such as pastures and thermophilous forests. A dichotomous key to the anodontoides species-group from Greece is given.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1084.79415

Authors: Sándor Csősz, Kadri Kiran, Celal Karaman, Albena Lapeva-Gjonova

Abstract: In this paper, we provide numeric morphology-based evidence that the dark-colored Ponera coarctata var. lucida Emery, 1898, formerly considered a synonym of P. coarctata (Latreille, 1802), is conspecific with the lighter-colored Ponera testacea Emery, 1895. Species hypotheses are developed via NC-PART clustering, combined with Partitioning Algorithm based on Recursive Thresholding (PART), and via PCA combined with gap statistics. We obtained our results from an extensive dataset from the 10 continuous morphometric traits measured on 165 workers belonging to 73 nest samples. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) confirmed the grouping of hypotheses generated by exploratory analyses with 100% classification success when all ten morphometric traits were involved. The Anatolian Turkish black and the predominantly European yellow samples, did not separate based on their morphometric characteristics. These two color variations broadly overlap in their geographic range in Anatolian Turkey. The investigated type series of Ponera coarctata var. lucida Emery, 1898 (collected from Kazakhstan) fell within the P. testacea cluster instead of P. coarctata and is also classified with high certainty as P. testacea by confirmatory LDA. Therefore, we propose the synonymy of Ponera coarctata var. lucida Emery, 1898 with Ponera testacea Emery, 1895. As no other morphological differences than color patterns were detected between the “black” and “pale” P. testacea samples, we hold that these populations constitute geographically occurring color variations of the same species. Finally, our quantitative morphology-based results show that relying on color patterns is not a robust approach in identifying European Ponera samples, particularly in the east, but using multivariate analyses of morphometric traits is advised instead.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1084.69767

Authors: Seiki Yamane, Shingo Hosoishi, Fuminori Ito

Abstract: In Japan, nine species have been known in the ant genus Tetramorium, of which five or more are considered tramps. A key to the queens of nine Tetramorium species found in Japan is presented. The tramp species T. tonganum Mayr, 1870 is excluded from the key because no queen was available for us, while T. pacificum Mayr, 1870 is included because it was once intercepted at a port in Japan and exotic queens were available. Diagnosis of the queen of each species is provided together with differences between the two female castes. Tetramorium tanakai Bolton, 1977 is resurrected from synonymy with T. kraepelini Forel, 1905 based mainly on the queen characters.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1081.71872

Authors: Nicole Rasoamanana, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The subgenus Mayria of the genus Camponotus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is revised. The subgenus is endemic to Madagascar where it occupies a broad range of habitats, from deciduous and dry forest to rainforest. A taxonomic review is provided of this subgenus, integrating multiples lines of evidence including qualitative morphology and quantitative morphometry. Species hypotheses are formed by Nest Centroid clustering. In total, 36 species are treated, of which eleven are newly described: Camponotus andrianjaka sp. nov., Camponotus antsaraingy sp. nov., Camponotus chrislaini sp. nov., Camponotus claveri sp. nov., Camponotus ivadia sp. nov., Camponotus jjacquia sp. nov., Camponotus maintilany sp. nov., Camponotus norvigi sp. nov., Camponotus ihazofotsy sp. nov., Camponotus tsimelahy sp. nov., Camponotus zoro sp. nov. Five species are redescribed. Camponotus themistocles Forel stat. nov., is raised to species. In addition, the subgenus is redefined to include 39 species. Twenty-two previously described species are transferred to this subgenus and thirteen species previously placed in the subgenus are transferred out of the subgenus. Nine morphologically consistent species groups are delineated to facilitate species identification within the subgenus. This revision includes a classification, a key to species groups, and an updated key to species based on the minor worker caste.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1074.75551

Authors: Flavia A. Esteves, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: This study describes the worker and queen castes of the Neotropical ponerine Corrieopone nouragues gen. nov., sp. nov., an ant from the tropical rainforest in French Guiana. Worker morphology of the taxon is compared with those of other Ponerinae and the similarities between them are discussed, refining the definition of character states for some diagnostic characters at the generic level, providing an identification key to the Neotropical genera, and making some adjustments to the taxonomic framework within the subfamily. Descriptions, diagnosis, character discussion, identification key, and glossary are illustrated with more than 300 images and line drawings. Open science is supported by providing access to measurement data for specimens of the new genus, a matrix of character states for all ponerine taxa evaluated in this study, and specimen data for all examined material. The new or revived combinations presented here are Pachycondyla procidua Emery, comb. rev., Neoponera curiosa (Mackay and Mackay), comb. nov., Leptogenys butteli (Forel), comb. nov., and Bothroponera escherichi (Forel), comb. nov. In addition, Leptogenys butteli is synonymized with Leptogenys myops (Emery), syn. nov.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1056.68722

Authors: Punnath Aswaj, Ramakrishnaiah Sahanashree, Warnakulasuriyage Sudesh Udayakantha, Marathe Aniruddha, Dharma Rajan Priyadarsanan

Abstract: Two new species of the subfamily Dorylinae Leach, 1815 namely Parasyscia ganeshaiahi sp. nov. and Syscia indica sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on the worker caste. These species were collected in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. Keys to Parasyscia of India and Syscia of Asia are provided based on the worker caste.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1048.66920

Authors: Yuanyuan Guo, Chungkun Shih, De Zhuo, Dong Ren, Yunyun Zhao, Taiping Gao

Abstract: Two queen ant specimens, one alate and one dealate, from mid-Cretaceous (Late Albian–Early Cenomanian) Burmese amber are herein reported as belonging Haidomyrmex cerberus Dlussky, 1996. This is the first discovery and documentation of an alate queen in Haidomyrmex. Compared with workers of Haidomyrmex cerberus, alate and dealate queens are larger in body size, have smaller compound eyes, a longer antennal scape, more complex mandibles, and a relatively large-sized metasoma. It is hypothesized that these differences are due to caste differences.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1036.62034

Authors: Douglas B. Booher, Philipp O. Hoenle

Abstract: Strumigenys is one of the most diverse ant genera in the world and arguably the most morphologically diverse, exhibiting an exceptional range of mandible shape and function. A new species, Strumigenys ayersthey sp. nov., discovered in the Chocó region of Ecuador is described. With two morphological characters, this species is shown to be a morphologically unique outlier among Strumigenys globally, having predominately smooth and shining cuticle surface sculpturing and long trap-jaw mandibles. Using µCT scans, we produced 3D images of the worker ant and static images to examine and compare mandible articular morphologies with most morphologically similar members of the mandibularis species group. Cuticular, pilosity, and articular mandible morphological differences supports placing the new species in its own new species group.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1033.59880

Authors: Mayron E. Escárraga, John E. Lattke, Marcio R. Pie, Roberto J. Guerrero

Abstract: The taxonomic boundaries of many Neotropical ant species of the genus Tapinoma are still unclear. Tapinoma atriceps and T. atriceps breviscapum are two morphologically similar taxa which occur sympatrically in the southern Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Some characters such as the scape length and head shape suggest that these taxa may be different species. We used DNA analysis and morphological evidence, including scanning electron microscopy, to evaluate the taxonomic validity of these taxa. We found distinct morphological characteristics that allow separating them as two different species, Tapinoma atriceps and Tapinoma breviscapum status novo, and this decision is supported by the DNA results, where Tapinoma atriceps was recovered as a lineage independent of T. breviscapum.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1010.58348

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Haniyeh Kiyani, Kambiz Minaei, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: Cataglyphis fici sp. nov., a member of the Cataglyphis livida complex, is described from the Estahban county of south-western Iran. The species is characterized by small body size and yellow to yellowish red body coloration with distinctly infuscated legs. Additionally, the taxonomic status of all known members of the Cataglyphis livida complex is updated. Cataglyphis lutea Pisarski, 1967, stat. rev. is raised to the species level and Cataglyphis viaticoides (André, 1881) is proposed as a senior synonym of Cataglyphis livida bulgarica Atanassov, 1982, syn. nov. and Cataglyphis albicans mixtus (Forel, 1895), syn. nov. Finally, a provisional key to members of the livida complex is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1010.58436

Authors: Himender Bharti, Joginder Singh Rilta, Tarun Dhadwal

Abstract: Two new species, O. decamera sp. nov. and O. joshii sp. nov., of the ant genus Ooceraea are described from India. These species differ from other known congeners on the basis of number of antennal segments. An illustrated key to the known species based on the worker caste is also provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1009.59205

Authors: Arsalan Khalili-Moghadam, Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: Cataglyphis bazoftensis sp. nov., C. fritillariae sp. nov., and C. dejdaranensis sp. nov. are described from the Koohrang county of central-west Iran (Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province). All new species belong to the C. altisquamis complex and are characterized by presence of the thick, black, and decumbent setae on lateral and posterior surfaces of tibiae. Additionally, a key to Asian Cataglyphis was updated to accommodate the new species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1006.58808

Authors: Indra Prasad Subedi, Prem Bahadur Budha, Himender Bharti, Leeanne Alonso

Abstract: The location of Nepal in the Central Himalaya promotes high habitat and species diversity. Ant diversity is likely high, but there have been few studies of the diversity and distribution of ants in Nepal. Here we present an updated checklist list of Nepalese ants that includes 128 named species in 48 genera and eight subfamilies. Among these species, 21 species have a type locality from Nepal, nine species are endemic to Nepal, and three are introduced species. We add six new ant records for Nepal, namely Harpegnathos venator, Monomorium pharaonis, Nylanderia bourbonica, Odontoponera denticulata, Polyrhachis tyrannica and Pseudoneoponera bispinosa. The checklist presents distribution records for Nepalese ant species and provides comparisons with the neighboring countries of China and India.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1005.57629

Authors: Brendon E. Boudinot, Vincent Perrichot, Júlio C. M. Chaul

Abstract: Fossils provide primary material evidence for the pattern and timing of evolution. The newly discovered “beast ants” from mid-Cretaceous Burmite, †Camelosphecia gen. nov., display an exceptional combination of plesiomorphies, including absence of the metapleural gland, and a series of unique apomorphies. Females and males, represented by †C. fossor sp. nov. and †C. venator sp. nov., differ in a number of features which suggest distinct sexual biologies. Combined-evidence phylogenetic analysis recovers †Camelosphecia and †Camelomecia as a clade which forms the extinct sister group of the Formicidae. Notably, these genera are only known from alate males and females; workers, if present, have yet to be recovered. Based on ongoing study of the total Aculeata informed by the beast ant genera, we provide a brief diagnosis of the Formicoidea. We also provide the first comprehensive key to the major groupings of Mesozoic Formicoidea, alongside a synoptic classification in which †Zigrasimeciinae stat. nov. and †Myanmyrma maraudera comb. nov. are recognized. Finally, a brief diagnosis of the Formicoidea is outlined.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.998.54902

Authors: Salinee Khachonpisitsak, Seiki Yamane, Patchara Sriwichai, Weeyawat Jaitrong

Abstract: Thailand has a great diversity of ant fauna as a zoogeographical crossroads and biodiversity hotspot. The last publication presenting a Thai ant checklist was published in 2005. In the present paper, based on an examination of museum specimens and published records, a comprehensive and critical species list of Thai ants is synthesized. Currently, 529 valid species and subspecies in 109 genera among ten subfamilies are known from Thailand with their diversity and distribution within 77 provinces presented and assigned to six geographical regions. Furthermore, Thailand is the type locality for 81 ant species. Forty-one species are here newly recorded for Thailand with photographs illustrating these species. The checklist provides information on distribution and a comprehensive bibliography. This study will also serve as a guide for the upper northeast and central Thailand, which are poorly sampled; a comprehensive reference list relating to endemic taxa and localities where conservation is an important priority, thus an essential resource for policy makers and conservation planners concerned with the management of insect diversity in Thailand; and a list of exotic ant species found in Thailand, which could possibly impact the ecological balance.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.979.55342

Authors: Peter Boer, Ana Carolina Loss, Frederique Bakker, Kevin Beentjes, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The discovery in the Netherlands in a shipping container of the ant Monomorium sahlbergi Emery, 1898, a species similar to the invasive pharaoh ant M. pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), led to a quest to better define the distribution of this species, which was initially obscure due to uncertain specimen identifications. Here it is shown that M. sahlbergi, like M. pharaonis, is found worldwide, almost certainly as a result of introductions. Including quarantine interceptions, this species is recorded from seven global biogeographic regions, but its established outdoor distribution is currently limited to the tropics and subtropics. Monomorium dichroum Forel, 1902 is here presented as a junior synonym of M. sahlbergi syn. nov. based on morphometric and CO1 analyses.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.978.55767

Authors: Cong Liu, Georg Fischer, Francisco Hita Garcia, Seiki Yamane, Qing Liu, Yan Qiong Peng, Evan P. Economo, Benoit Guénard, Naomi E. Pierce

Abstract: China’s Hengduan Mountain region has been considered one of the most diverse regions in the northern hemisphere. Its stunning topography with many deep valleys and impassable mountain barriers has promoted an astonishing diversification in many groups of organisms including plants, birds, mammals, and amphibians. However, the insect biodiversity in this region is still poorly known. Here, the first checklist of ant species from the Southern Hengduan Mountain region is presented, generated by sampling ant diversity using a wide array of collection methods, including Winkler leaf litter extraction, vegetation beating, and hand collection. 130 species/morphospecies from nine subfamilies and 49 genera were identified. Among them, 17 species from 13 genera represent new records for Yunnan province, and eight species are newly recorded for China. Moreover, we believe 41 novel morphospecies (31% of the total collected taxa) will prove to be new to science. These results highlight the rich ant fauna of this region and strongly support its status as a biodiversity hotspot. The current ant species checklist for the whole of Yunnan Province was updated by recording 550 named species from 99 genera. Taken together, our results suggest that the Yunnan ant fauna still remains under-sampled, and future sampling will likely yield many more species, among them many undescribed ones.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.970.54958

Authors: François Brassard, Chi-Man Leong, Hoi-Hou Chan, Benoit Guénard

Abstract: In the past few decades, sampling of leaf litter with Winkler extractors revealed how abundant and ubiquitous ants from the genus Strumigenys are. It is now known that this genus has the third greatest number of species within the Formicidae family. However, very few subterranean species are known, which may be due to the current under-sampling of the soil stratum. Here, a holistic sampling approach, including the use of subterranean traps, was employed in Macao SAR, China. Subterranean traps allowed the collection of a new cryptic ant species: Strumigenys subterranea Brassard, Leong & Guénard, sp. nov. Moreover, extensive sampling of the leaf litter in secondary forests provided four new species records for the genus. The list of Macanese Strumigenys is here updated, elevating the known diversity in Macao to nine species. Furthermore, to facilitate further research on ants of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a key to the 29 Strumigenys species known from the region is provided. Lastly, recommendations for sampling methods to assess ant biodiversity underground are discussed. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of using extensive sampling methods, and suggests that relatively small patches of secondary forests within cities can hold a surprisingly high diversity as well as some undescribed species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.967.54432

Authors: Ratnayake Kaluarachchige Sriyani Dias, Benoit Guénard, Shahid Ali Akbar, Evan P. Economo, Warnakulasuriyage Sudesh Udayakantha, Aijaz Ahmad Wachkoo

Abstract: An updated checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Sri Lanka is presented. These include representatives of eleven of the 17 known extant subfamilies with 341 valid ant species in 79 genera. Lioponera longitarsus Mayr, 1879 is reported as a new species country record for Sri Lanka. Notes about type localities, depositories, and relevant references to each species record are given. Accounts of the dubious and some undetermined species from Sri Lanka are also provided. 82 species (24%) are endemic whereas 18 species that are non-native to Sri Lanka are recorded. The list provides a synthesis of the regional taxonomical work carried out to date and will serve as a baseline for future studies on the ant fauna of this biodiversity hotspot.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.965.52735

Authors: Peter G. Hawkes

Abstract: Eight specimens of an undescribed species of Tetramorium in the T. solidum-group were collected by pitfall trapping during an environmental impact assessment survey of the Oena Diamond Mine in the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa. The new species is most closely related to T. grandinode Santschi, 1913 but can be distinguished from this species by the distinctly different patterns of costulate sculpture on the mesosomal dorsum and petiole node, as well as the different forms of the petiole and postpetiole nodes, both of which in the new species are relatively narrower and longer and with no (petiole) or reduced (postpetiole) lateral extensions. Tetramorium nama sp. nov. is described here and a modification to the key presented by Mbanyana et al. (2018) to accommodate the additional species is provided. The potential threats to the species posed by alluvial diamond mining, livestock farming and climate change are discussed. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of Tetramorium nama sp. nov is presented and suggests that, dependant on determination of the range of the species, it is likely to be classified as Vulnerable (VU) or Endangered (EN) under IUCN Red List criterion B1ab(iii).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.949.51269

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The present study represents a taxonomic revision of the Pheidole sikorae species group from Madagascar. Forty-four members of this group are recognised and described, and an illustrated identification key to this group is also presented. One species is raised to species level: P. litigiosa Forel, 1892 stat. nov. Pheidole veteratrix angustinoda Forel, 1892 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891. Worker castes are also described and lectotypes designated for P. litigiosa Forel, 1892, P. sikorae Forel, 1891, and P. veteratrix Forel, 1891. The following 41 new species are described: P. alina sp. nov., P. ambohimanga sp. nov., P. analavelona sp. nov., P. andohahela sp. nov., P. anomala sp. nov., P. anosyenne sp. nov., P. antranohofa sp. nov., P. beanka sp. nov., P. befotaka sp. nov., P. dasos sp. nov., P. flavominuta sp. nov., P. gracilis sp. nov., P. haboka sp. nov., P. havoana sp. nov., P. hazo sp. nov., P. itremo sp. nov., P. joffreville sp. nov., P. kely sp. nov., P. lavasoa sp. nov., P. mahamavo sp. nov., P. mainty sp. nov., P. mamiratra sp. nov., P. manantenina sp. nov., P. masoandro sp. nov., P. mavohavoana sp. nov., P. midongy sp. nov., P. mikros sp. nov., P. mivory sp. nov., P. nitidobruna sp. nov., P. parvula sp. nov., P. parvulogibba sp. nov., P. renirano sp. nov., P. sava sp. nov., P. sofia sp. nov., P. sparsa sp. nov., P. tampony sp. nov., P. trichotos sp. nov., P. tsaravoniana sp. nov., P. vadum sp. nov., P. volontany sp. nov., and P. vony sp. nov. At present, there are 109 valid species and subspecies of Pheidole known from Madagascar, but this number is expected to increase with upcoming taxonomic revisions of the species groups not revised in this study.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.948.48701

Authors: Philipp Hoenle, John Lattke, David Donoso, Christoph von Beeren, Michael Heethoff, Sebastian Schmelzle, Adriana Argoti, Luis Camacho, Bernhard Ströbel, Nico Blüthgen

Abstract: One of the largest species in its genus, Odontomachus davidsoni Hoenle, Lattke & Donoso, sp. nov. is described from workers and queens collected at lowland forests in the Chocó-Darién bioregion in coastal Ecuador. The workers are characterized by their uniform red coloration, their large size (16–18 mm body length), and their frontal head striation that reaches the occipital margin. DNA barcodes (COI) and high resolution 2D images of the type material are provided, as well as an updated key for the Neotropical species of Odontomachus. In addition, a three-dimensional digital model of the worker holotype and a paratype queen scanned with DISC3D based on photogrammetry is presented, for the first time in a species description. Findings of large and conspicuous new species are uncommon around the world and suggest that these Ecuadorian rainforests may conceal many more natural treasures that deserve conservation.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.921.46921

Authors: Steven J. Messer, Stefan P. Cover, Christian Rabeling

Abstract: In ants, social parasitism is an umbrella term describing a variety of life-history strategies, where a parasitic species depends entirely on a free-living species, for part of or its entire life-cycle, for either colony founding, survival, and/or reproduction. The highly specialized inquiline social parasites are fully dependent on their hosts for their entire lifecycles. Most inquiline species are tolerant of the host queen in the parasitized colony, forgo producing a worker caste, and invest solely in the production of sexual offspring. In general, inquilines are rare, and their geographic distribution is limited, making it difficult to study them. Inquiline populations appear to be small, cryptic, and they are perhaps ephemeral. Thus, information about their natural history is often fragmentary or non-existent but is necessary for understanding the socially parasitic life history syndrome in more detail. Here, we describe two new species of inquiline social parasites, Nylanderia deyrupi sp. nov. and Nylanderia parasitica sp. nov., from the southeastern United States, parasitizing Nylanderia wojciki and Nylanderia faisonensis, respectively. The formicine genus Nylanderia is large and globally distributed, but until the recent description of Nylanderia deceptrix, social parasites were unknown from this genus. In addition to describing the new social parasite species, we summarize the fragmentary information known about their biology, present a key to both the queens and the males of the Nylanderia social parasites, and discuss the morphology of the social parasites in the context of the inquiline syndrome.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.915.38968

Authors: Wendy Y. Wang, Aiki Yamada, Seiki Yamane

Abstract: The maritime trap-jaw ant Odontomachus malignus Smith, 1859 is thought to be widespread throughout islands in the Indo-Pacific and parts of the Oriental realm. Because of its unique nesting preference for harsh littoral habitat and distinct morphology, O. malignus has usually been assumed to consist of only one species. We, however, describe a new species similar to O. malignus found in the mangroves of Singapore, Southeast Asia – Odontomachus litoralis sp. nov. We find strong evidence of both species existing in (near) sympatry, and also distinct morphological differences between O. malignus and the new species. Additional complementary DNA evidence in the form of COI barcodes (313 bp) supporting putative species identification and delimitation is provided. Defining morphological characteristics for the O. malignus species group (nested within the larger O. infandus clade) are given in detail for the first time. The worker and queen castes of the new species are described; a redescription of the worker caste of O. malignus, based on specimens from Singapore and the Philippines in addition to the holotype, is also given. The males of both species are also described for the first time, including male genitalia. A preliminary key to most known species of the O. infandus group based on the worker caste is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.905.39592

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The present study represents an introduction to the revision of Pheidole Westwood, 1839 from Madagascar. Sixteen species groups are established, of which eleven are revised below, and illustrated identification keys to species groups and species of groups revised in this monograph are presented. Two species are raised to species level: Pheidole petax Forel, 1895 stat. nov., and P. scabrata Forel, 1895 stat. nov. We also redescribe worker castes and designate lectotypes for P. annemariae Forel, 1918, P. nemoralis Forel, 1892, P. petax Forel, 1895, P. ensifera Forel, 1897, P. longispinosa Forel, 1891, and P. scabrata Forel, 1895. The following 46 new species are described: Pheidole aelloea sp. nov., P. ala sp. nov., P. andapa sp. nov., P. ankerana sp. nov., P. avaratra sp. nov., P. bemarahaensis sp. nov., P. bemarivoensis sp. nov., P. binara sp. nov., P. boribora sp. nov., P. brevipilosa sp. nov., P. curvistriata sp. nov., P. diakritos sp. nov., P. ehazoara sp. nov., P. ferruginea sp. nov., P. fisaka sp. nov., P. fitarata sp. nov., P. glabra sp. nov., P. goavana sp. nov., P. lamperos sp. nov., P. longipilosa sp. nov., P. lutea sp. nov., P. madinika sp. nov., P. mahaboensis sp. nov., P. maizina sp. nov., P. makaensis sp. nov., P. makirovana sp. nov., P. manantenensis sp. nov., P. mantadia sp. nov., P. marieannae sp. nov., P. masoala sp. nov., P. mavesatra sp. nov., P. miramila sp. nov., P. moramanaensis sp. nov., P. navoatrensis sp. nov., P. ocypodea sp. nov., P. parviocula sp. nov., P. podargea sp. nov., P. praegrandis sp. nov., P. ranohirensis sp. nov., P. rugocephala sp. nov., P. rugofitarata sp. nov., P. typhlos sp. nov., P. vatovavensis sp. nov., P. voasara sp. nov., P. vohemarensis sp. nov., and P. zavamanira sp. nov. At present, there are 69 valid species and subspecies of Pheidole known from Madagascar, but this number is expected to increase significantly with upcoming taxonomic revisions of the species groups not revised in this study.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.899.46933

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Ana Carolina Loss, Celal Karaman, Kadri Kiran, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: Based on recently collected material, the Camponotus kiesenwetteri group is redefined, and its members known from the Aegean region are diagnosed. Camponotus schulzi sp. nov. is described from İzmir Province, Turkey. Camponotus nadimi Tohmé, 1969 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Camponotus libanicus André, 1881 and Camponotus kiesenwetteri cyprius Emery, 1920 syn. nov. as a junior synonym of Camponotus kiesenwetteri (Roger, 1859). A key to workers of species of the C. kiesenwetteri group is provided. Niche modeling analyses are used to account for species habitat suitability across the Aegean region.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.898.37531

Authors: Mostafa R. Sharaf, Abdulrahman S. Aldawood, Francisco Hita Garcia

Abstract: The genus Crematogaster is one of the most species-rich and widespread groups of ants. Despite their often-high local abundance and important ecological interactions, the taxonomy of the genus is fragmentary and in great need of modern revisionary studies. As a first step towards a revision for the Arabian fauna of Crematogaster, a review of all known species with synoptic species accounts is provided. Seventeen species are recognized and illustrated from the Arabian Peninsula, of which two new species are described: C. jacindae Sharaf & Hita Garcia, sp. nov. from the Dhofar Governorate, Oman, and C. gryllsi Sharaf & Hita Garcia, sp. nov. from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) based on the worker caste. Crematogaster jacindae sp. nov. is easily separated from the remainder of the Arabian Crematogaster fauna due to its complete lack of propodeal spines, slit-shaped propodeal spiracles, and its distinct bicoloration, whereas C. gryllsi sp. nov. is readily distinguished by its unlobed postpetiolar dorsum. Furthermore, new country records are presented: C. acaciae Forel for the KSA and Yemen, and C. delagoensis Forel and C. jehovae Forel for the KSA C. antaris for Qatar, whereas C. luctans Forel is excluded from the Arabian fauna. In addition, on the basis of morphological examination of original type material, C. affabilis Forel is proposed as junior synonym of C. chiarinii Mayr, and C. striaticeps is elevated to species rank stat. nov. Furthermore, a new identification key for the Arabian species is provided, as well as distribution maps for all species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.879.29705

Authors: Junaid Ali Siddiqui, Zhilin Chen, Qiang Li, Jun Deng, Xiaolan Lin, Xiaolei Huang

Abstract: As one of the most abundant and complex groups of terrestrial insects, ants have associations with many other organismal groups, such as hemipteran insects producing honeydew. With the aim of expanding the knowledge base of ant species associated with aphids, this study analyzed mitochondrial COI barcodes of 301 ant samples for 37 aphid-associated ant species in a subtropical area of southern China. Sequence analyses revealed that the intraspecific and interspecific distances ranged from zero to 7.7%% and 0.2 to 31.7%, respectively. Three barcoding approaches – Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes and Generalized Mixed Yule-coalescent – were used to help delimit ant species based on COI sequences, and their results corresponded well with most of the morphospecies. All three approaches indicate cryptic diversity may exist within Tetramorium bicarinatum and Technomyrmex albipes, with intraspecific genetic distances of 7.7% and 6.24%, respectively. Our analyses also reported five species for the first time from Fujian Province of China, and the COI sequences of nine species are newly added into the GenBank. This study provides information about species diversity of aphid-associated ants in subtropical China and compiles a DNA barcode reference library for future ant barcoding work.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.877.36320

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec

Abstract: The division of Greek members of the genus Temnothorax into 17 morphological groups is proposed. Temnothorax aveli species group is reviewed with three species: T. turcicus (Santschi) (North Aegean Islands, Sterea Ellas, Peloponnese and Thessaly), and two species new to science: Temnothorax brackoi sp. nov. (Epirus, Ionian Islands, Macedonia, Peloponnese, western Sterea Ellas, Thessaly, and also Dalmatia in Croatia), and T. messiniaensis sp. nov. (Ionian Islands and Peloponnese); a new species Temnothorax triangularis sp. nov., a member of the Temnothorax nylanderi species group is also described (Sterea Ellas: Euboea Island).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.876.35739

Authors: Wendy Y. Wang, Aiki Yamada, Katsuyuki Eguchi

Abstract: A new species of the rare ant genus Metapone, Metapone murphyi sp. nov., is described based on museum material consisting of a single nest series (workers, queens, and males) collected from a decayed coconut palm stump on Pulau Sakra, previously an offshore island south of mainland Singapore. Workers can be distinguished from other named congeners mainly by the following characters: 1) subpetiolar lamella subrectangular; 2) short median longitudinal ventral subpetiolar edge and roundly obtuse posteroventral subpetiolar angle; 3) outer margin of posterior subpetiolar face in posteroventral view forming a continuous, U-shaped, translucent, laminate carina; and 4) petiole subtrapezoidal in dorsal view with extended blunt tooth-like posterolateral corners. Detailed description and illustrations of male genitalia of the genus are given for the first time. The key to Asian species of Metapone is updated to include the new species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.867.36139

Authors: Mac P. Pierce, Chi-Man Leong, Benoit Guénard

Abstract: Despite its small size, Hong Kong hosts a surprising level of ant diversity. Through faunal studies on arthropods conducted in Hong Kong over recent years, a new record and species of the genus Ponera have been discovered, which are introduced here. Ponera guangxiensis Zhou, 2001 is reported for the first time from Hong Kong, and Ponera tudigong sp. nov. is here described as a new species, easily distinguishable from other Ponera species and unique within the genus for its four mandibular teeth.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.866.35756

Authors: Alexandre Casadei-Ferreira, Julio C. M. Chaul, Rodrigo M. Feitosa

Abstract: Pheidole comprises approximately 1,000 extant species distributed worldwide, being particularly diverse in the New World. In addition to its high diversity and ecological prevalence, the genus is also characterized by the predominantly intraspecific dimorphism, with major and minor workers. Currently, five fossil species are known, all of which are represented only by minor workers. A new species, †Pheidole anticua sp. nov., is described from Dominican amber, based on a major worker. Additionally, the identity of the currently known fossil species in Pheidole is discussed and †P. cordata from Baltic amber is considered as incertae sedis, resulting in no Pheidole species currently recognized for Baltic amber

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.862.32946

Authors: Gregor Bračko, Albena Lapeva-Gjonova, Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec, Slavko Polak

Abstract: Aphaenogaster illyrica sp. nov., a member of the A. subterranea species group, is described from Dinaric Alps of Slovenia and Croatia, from Golešnica Mt. in north Macedonia, Osogovo-Belasica Massif of southwestern Bulgaria, and from Kerkini Mts. of Greek Macedonia. It is characterised by large body size, moderately sculptured head, elevated mesonotum, and long propodeal spines. Its habitat preferences are discussed. A key to the Aphaenogaster graeca complex is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.842.33609

Authors: Weeyawat Jaitrong, Lamthai Asanok

Abstract: Acanthomyrmex Emery, 1893 is a small myrmicine genus of the tribe Crematogastrini. Seventeen species of the genus have been recorded from Southeast Asia. Herein, two new species from Thailand (Acanthomyrmex malikuli sp. n. and Acanthomyrmex mizunoi sp. n.) are added to this genus. Both species belong to Acanthomyrmex luciolae species group. Acanthomyrmex malikuli was collected from hard dead wood on forest floor, while A. mizunoi nested in soil.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.838.29465

Authors: Zhilin Chen, Yazhen Chen, Shanyi Zhou

Abstract: Simopone fisheri sp. n., a new species of the subfamily Dorylinae, is described based on the worker caste. The new species is separated easily from the other named congeners by the longitudinally striate sculpture on the posterolateral portion of pronotum. An illustrated key is presented to species of the S. grandidieri group based on the worker caste.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.831.31515

Authors: Kit Lam Tang, Mac P. Pierce, Benoit Guénard

Abstract: The species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 found in Hong Kong are reviewed based on new sampling efforts performed over the past five years (2014–2018). Prior to this, 12 Strumigenys species had been recorded from Hong Kong, all confirmed here. Moreover, we add to this list three newly described species: S. hirsuta sp. n., S. lantaui sp. n., and S. nathistorisoc sp. n., and describe for the first time the worker caste of S. formosa Terayama, Lin & Wu, 1995. We report new records for nine additional species, bringing the total number of species to 24, including four newly recorded species (S. hexamera Brown, 1958, S. membranifera Emery, 1869, S. nepalensis Baroni Urbani and De Andrade, 1994, and S. rogeri Emery, 1890) which are considered to be introduced to Hong Kong. A global review of the introduced Strumigenys species is presented. The taxonomic validity of S. feae and S. formosensis is discussed in light of new specimen measurements. New ecological information on the swarming periods of 11 species is presented on the basis of year-long sampling of aerial insects. Finally, the importance of our results within Southeast Asia and the need for future sampling efforts in the region is discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.830.31147

Authors: Weeyawat Jaitrong, Yuppayao Tokeeree, Piyaporn Pitaktunsakul

Abstract: Recurvidris Bolton, 1992 is a small myrmicine genus of the tribe Crematogastrini. Until now, eleven species are known in this genus from Asia. A new species, Recurvidris lekakuli sp. n., is here described from Thailand based on the worker caste. The type series of the new species was collected from leaf litter in a dry evergreen forest. A key to the Asian species of Recurvidris based on the worker caste is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.829.33316

Authors: Brian E. Heterick, Mark Castalanelli, Steve O. Shattuck

Abstract: Nil (Corrigendum)

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.798.28606

Authors: Peter G. Hawkes

Abstract: During an environmental impact assessment survey of a proposed tailings storage facility for a platinum mine in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, five adult and five larval specimens of a new species of Boloponera were found while excavating soil to a depth of 10–15 cm at the base of a tree in riparian woodland. These specimens represent a 3400 km range extension and the first reported record of the genus since its description in 2006, which was based on a single specimen collected in the Central African Republic in 2001. A description of the worker and ergatoid queen of Boloponera ikemkha sp. n. is presented, with a description of the mature larva and a key to distinguish workers of the two currently known species of the genus. The taxonomic relationships of Boloponera are discussed with respect to several confirmed and newly identified autapomorphies that support its retention as a distinct genus, although closely related to Plectroctena and Loboponera. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status and discussion of potential threats to the survival of B. ikemkha is also provided. Evaluation of current data under the IUCN Red List criteria would result in B. ikemkha being assessed as Critically Endangered, but further investigation is required to test the validity of placing it in this category.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.789.27022

Authors: Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec

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.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.780.26272

Authors: Mostafa R. Sharaf, Hathal M. Al Dhafer, Abdulrahman S. Aldawood

Abstract: The taxonomy of the dolichoderine ants of the genus Technomyrmex Mayr, 1872 is revised for the Arabian Peninsula. Six species are treated, T. albipes (F. Smith, 1861), T. difficilis Forel, 1892, T. briani Sharaf, 2009, T. vexatus (Santschi, 1919), T. montaseri Sharaf, Collingwood & Aldawood, 2011, and T. setosus Collingwood, 1985. The successful tramp species T. difficilis Forel, 1892 is recorded for the first time from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Yemen, representing new records for the Palearctic Region. Technomyrmex vexatus (Santschi, 1919) is a new species record for Yemen. The queen caste of the rare endemic species, T. briani Sharaf, 2009 is described for the first time. A neotype for KSA endemic T. setosus Collingwood 1985 is designated based on a specimen collected from the type locality, the Asir Mountains, KSA, including new information on habitats and distribution. A male cast of Technomyrmex, possibly of T. setosus, is also described. An illustrated key based on the worker caste of the Arabian species of Technomyrmex is given. New geographical records and a distribution map for the treated species are presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.775.26893

Authors: Weeyawat Jaitrong, Jiraporn Ruangsittichai

Abstract: The Aenictus wroughtonii species group is widely distributed in Asia. The members of this group are characterised by a slender body, long legs, anterior clypeal margin with 5–10 denticles and a weakly-developed subpetiolar process. Twelve worker-based species of this group have been recorded from Asia. Herein, two new species from Thailand (Aenictus nuchiti sp. n. and Aenictus samungi sp. n.) are added to this group. A key to the Asian species of this group is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.770.24908

Authors: Michael Staab, Francisco Hita Garcia, Cong Liu, Zheng-Hui Xu, Evan P. Economo

Abstract: The genus Proceratium Roger, 1863 contains cryptic, subterranean ants that are seldom sampled and rare in natural history collections. Furthermore, most Proceratium specimens are extremely hairy and, due to their enlarged and curved gaster, often mounted suboptimally. As a consequence, the poorly observable physical characteristics of the material and its scarcity result in a rather challenging alpha taxonomy of this group. In this study, the taxonomy of the Chinese Proceratium fauna is reviewed and updated by combining examinations of traditional light microscopy with x-ray microtomography (micro-CT). Based on micro-CT scans of seven out of eight species, virtual 3D surface models were generated that permit in-depth comparative analyses of specimen morphology in order to overcome the difficulties to examine physical material of Proceratium. Eight Chinese species are recognized, of which three are newly described: Proceratium bruelheidei Staab, Xu & Hita Garcia, sp. n. and P. kepingmai sp. n. belong to the P. itoi clade and have been collected in the subtropical forests of southeast China, whereas P. shohei sp. n. belongs to the P. stictum clade and it is only known from a tropical forest of Yunnan Province. Proceratium nujiangense Xu, 2006 syn. n. is proposed as a junior synonym of P. zhaoi Xu, 2000. These taxonomic acts raise the number of known Chinese Proceratium species to eight. In order to integrate the new species into the existing taxonomic system and to facilitate identifications, an illustrated key to the worker caste of all Chinese species is provided, supplemented by species accounts with high-resolution montage images and still images of volume renderings of 3D models based on micro-CT. Moreover, cybertype datasets are provided for the new species, as well as digital datasets for the remaining species that include the raw micro-CT scan data, 3D surface models, 3D rotation videos, and all light photography and micro-CT still images. These datasets are available online (Dryad, Staab et al. 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.h6j0g4p).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.767.21105

Authors: Frank Azorsa, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The genus Carebara is revised for the Malagasy region, and based on the examination of over 10,000 specimens, twenty-three species are recognized. Twenty one of these are described as new (C. bara sp. n., C. berivelo sp. n., C. betsi sp. n., C. creolei sp. n., C. demeter sp. n., C. dota sp. n., C. hainteny sp. n., C. hiragasy sp. n., C. jajoby sp. n., C. kabosy sp. n., C. lova sp. n., C. mahafaly sp. n., C. malagasy sp. n., C. omasi sp. n., C. placida sp. n., C. raberi sp. n., C. salegi sp. n., C. sampi sp. n., C. tana sp. n., C. tanana sp. n., C. vazimba sp. n.), and two are redescribed, C. grandidieri Forel (= C. voeltzkowi Forel n. syn.) and C. nosindambo Forel. A lectotype is designated for C. nosindambo. C. creolei sp. n. is known only from Mauritius and Seychelles, C. grandidieri Forel is distributed in Comoros, Madagascar and Mayotte, and the other twenty-one species are endemic to Madagascar. Most of the Carebara species recorded in this work are endemic to a specific habitat (ecoregion), but some of them (C. bara sp. n., C. grandidieri Forel, C. jajoby sp. n., C. kabosy sp. n., and C. nosindambo Forel) are widespread within Madagascar across all major habitats. The worker caste of Carebara can be differentiated from other genera in the Myrmicinae subfamily by the presence of the following combination of characters: antennae of eight to eleven segments, with a two-segmented club; anterior clypeal margin without central isolated seta (rarely present in some species or specimens), and usually with four distinct setae; mandibles with four to seven teeth (except in one species from Ghana - C. crigensis with three teeth); and palp formula 2,2 or 1,2. We report that almost all Carebara species found in the Malagasy region have intermediates (distinct forms) in the major worker subcaste, with the largest major workers showing remnants of queen flight sclerites and ocelli. The widespread presence of intermediates in the major worker subcaste expands the morphological boundaries of Carebara. We present an overview of the natural history of Carebara in the Malagasy region, an illustrated key for the identification of the known Malagasy species of Carebara, as well as high-resolution images and distribution maps. Unique identifiers are used for all specimens studied, including type material, and the raw data that forms the basis of this study are available on www.antweb.org (open access).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.751.22661

Authors: Alice Laciny, Herbert Zettel, Alexey Kopchinskiy, Carina Pretzer, Anna Pal, Kamariah Abu Salim, Mohammad Javad Rahimi, Michaela Hoenigsberger, Linda Lim, Weeyawat Jaitrong, Irina S. Druzhinina

Abstract: A taxonomic description of all castes of Colobopsis explodens Laciny & Zettel, sp. n. from Borneo, Thailand, and Malaysia is provided, which serves as a model species for biological studies on “exploding ants” in Southeast Asia. The new species is a member of the Colobopsis cylindrica (COCY) group and falls into a species complex that has been repeatedly summarized under the name Colobopsis saundersi (Emery, 1889) (formerly Camponotus saundersi). The COCY species group is known under its vernacular name “exploding ants” for a unique behaviour: during territorial combat, workers of some species sacrifice themselves by rupturing their gaster and releasing sticky and irritant contents of their hypertrophied mandibular gland reservoirs to kill or repel rivals. This study includes first illustrations and morphometric characterizations of males of the COCY group: Colobopsis explodens Laciny & Zettel, sp. n. and Colobopsis badia (Smith, 1857). Characters of male genitalia and external morphology are compared with other selected taxa of Camponotini. Preliminary notes on the biology of C. explodens Laciny & Zettel, sp. n. are provided. To fix the species identity of the closely related C. badia, a lectotype from Singapore is designated. The following taxonomic changes within the C. saundersi complex are proposed: Colobopsis solenobia (Menozzi, 1926), syn. n. and Colobopsis trieterica (Menozzi, 1926), syn. n. are synonymized with Colobopsis corallina Roger, 1863, a common endemic species of the Philippines. Colobopsis saginata Stitz, 1925, stat. n., hitherto a subspecies of C. badia, is raised to species level.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.729.21378

Authors: Natthaporn Phengsi, Weeyawat Jaitrong, Jiraporn Ruangsittichai, Salinee Khachonpisitsak

Abstract: A new species of the rarely collected ant genus Platythyrea Roger, 1863 closely related to Platythyrea clypeata Forel, 1911 is described and illustrated based on the worker caste under the name Platythyrea janyai sp. n. This species is distributed in southern Thailand and western Malaysia, while P. clypeata is distributed in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand in the areas north of the Isthmus of Kra. Platythyrea clypeata is newly recorded from Thailand from dead wood on the forest floor. The type series of P. janyai was also collected from rotten wood on the forest floor.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.706.12539

Authors: Sergio R. Sánchez-Peña, Manuela Citlali Chacón-Cardosa, Ricardo Canales-del-Castillo, Lauren Ward, Diana Resendez-Pérez

Abstract: Here we describe a new species of Trachymyrmex, T. pakawa sp. n., from the Gran Sierra Plegada range of the Sierra Madre Oriental, in the states of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon, northeastern Mexico. Trachymyrmex pakawa is a large-sized species compared to other North American Trachymyrmex. Its geographic distribution includes the piedmont of the Gran Sierra Plegada at La Estanzuela, Monterrey, as well as peripheral mountains segregated from the Sierra Madre Oriental (Cerro de las Mitras, Sierra de Zapalinamé, Cañon de San Lorenzo, Cerro de las Letras). The preferred habitats of T. pakawa include oak-pine forest at La Estanzuela, xeric oak forest at Zapalinamé and mesic Chihuahuan desert scrub with sotol (Dasylirion) at other sites. All localities are on slopes, on very rocky, shallow lithosols overlaying large boulders. This species nests under and between large boulders and rocks. It has not been observed on alluvial or better developed, deeper soils, and it is absent from sites with human activity (urban, disturbed, and landscaped areas). It is closely related to and morphologically similar to Trachymyrmex smithi. The known distribution ranges of T. pakawa and T. smithi almost overlap in Saltillo, Coahuila state. The main character that distinguishes the new species from T. smithi is longer antennal scapes in T. pakawa; also, different nesting habits (rocky slopes vs. alluvial sites or deep sand in T. smithi), and geographic distribution. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the first intron of the F1 copy of the nuclear protein-coding gene Elongation Factor 1- α (EF1-α-F1) confirm a sister-species relationship between T. pakawa and T. smithi. Bayesian coalescent analyses indicate a divergence time of about 8.00 million years before present (95% confidence interval: 4.8–11.5 mya) between T. pakawa and T. smithi. The divergence of the lineages of T. pakawa and T. smithi could have been driven by the Pliocene-Holocene desertification of southwestern North America. This process resulted in isolated mesic refugia and forests in the Madrean ranges and piedmonts of northeastern Mexico (the current habitat of T. pakawa) while T. smithi adapted to the deeper, often sandy soils on the drier desert plains of Coahuila and Chihuahua states in Mexico, and New Mexico and Texas in the USA. Within the Nearctic species of the Trachymyrmex septentrionalis species group, T. pakawa is the species that is closest (by geographical distribution) to Neotropical species of Trachymyrmex like T. saussurei.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.705.10296

Authors: Feng-Chuan Hsu, Flavia A. Esteves, Lien-Siang Chou, Chung-Chi Lin

Abstract: Stigmatomma is the most speciose ant genus in the subfamily Amblyoponinae. In the present paper, the worker caste of a new species is described, S. luyiae sp. n., which was collected from a soil sample in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Taiwan. An identification key to the females of Stigmatomma species with 11 antennomeres occurring in Asia is also provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.700.11784

Authors: Brian E. Heterick, Mark Castalanelli, Steve O. Shattuck

Abstract: The fauna of the purely Australian formicine ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is revised. This project involved integrated morphological and molecular taxonomy using one mitochondrial gene (COI) and four nuclear genes (AA, H3, LR and Wg). Seven major clades were identified and are here designated as the M. aeneovirens, M. anderseni, M. biroi, M. fulvihirtus, M. ludius, M. majeri and M. potteri species-groups. Within these clades, smaller complexes of similar species were also identified and designated species-complexes. The M. ludius species-group was identified purely on molecular grounds, as the morphology of its members is indistinguishable from typical members of the M. biroi species-complex within the M. biroi species-group. Most species-complexes sampled were also found to be monophyletic. Sequencing generally supported monophyly in taxa sampled but some species of the M. fieldi complex and M. biroi were not monophyletic and the implications arising from this are discussed in this monograph. Based on morphology, ninety-three species are recognized, 73 described as new. A further new species (here called 'Species K' [TERC Collection]) is noted in the taxonomic list, but is not described in this work. One species is removed from Melophorus: M. scipio Forel is here placed provisionally in Prolasius. Six species and five subspecies pass into synonymy. Of the full species, M. constans Santschi, M. iridescens (Emery) and M. insularis Wheeler are synonymized under M. aeneovirens (Lowne), M. pillipes Santschi is synonymized under M. turneri Forel, M. marius Forel is synonymized under M. biroi Forel, and M. omniparens Forel is synonymized under M. wheeleri Forel. Of the subspecies, M. iridescens fraudatrix and M. iridescens froggatti Forel are synonymized under M. aeneovirens (Lowne), M. turneri aesopus Forel and M. turneri candidus Santschi are synonymized under M. turneri Forel and M. fieldi propinqua Viehmeyer is synonymized under M. biroi. Camponotus cowlei Froggatt is reinstated as a junior synonym of Melophorus bagoti Lubbock. In addition, the subspecies M. fieldi major Forel, M. ludius sulla Forel and M. turneri perthensis Forel are raised to species. A key to workers of the genus is supplied. A lectotype is designated for M. curtus Forel, M. sulla, and M. turneri.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.693.13012

Authors: Francisco Hita Garcia, Georg Fischer, Cong Liu, Tracy L. Audisio, Evan P. Economo

Abstract: New technologies for imaging and analysis of morphological characters offer opportunities to enhance revisionary taxonomy and better integrate it with the rest of biology. In this study, we revise the Afrotropical fauna of the ant genus Zasphinctus Wheeler, and use high-resolution X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) to analyse a number of morphological characters of taxonomic and biological interest. We recognise and describe three new species: Z. obamai sp. n., Z. sarowiwai sp. n., and Z. wilsoni sp. n. The species delimitations are based on the morphological examination of all physical specimens in combination with 3D scans and volume reconstructions. Based on this approach, we present a new taxonomic discrimination system for the regional fauna that consists of a combination of easily observable morphological characters visible at magnifications of around 80–100 ×, less observable characters that require higher magnifications, as well as characters made visible through virtual dissections that would otherwise require destructive treatment. Zasphinctus are rarely collected ants and the material available to us is comparatively scarce. Consequently, we explore the use of micro-CT as a non-invasive tool for the virtual examination, manipulation, and dissection of such rare material. Furthermore, we delineate the treated species by providing a diagnostic character matrix illustrated by numerous images and supplement that with additional evidence in the form of stacked montage images, 3D PDFs and 3D rotation videos of scans of major body parts and full body (in total we provide 16 stacked montage photographs, 116 images of 3D reconstructions, 15 3D rotation videos, and 13 3D PDFs). In addition to the comparative morphology analyses used for species delimitations, we also apply micro-CT data to examine certain traits, such as mouthparts, cuticle thickness, and thoracic and abdominal muscles in order to assess their taxonomic usefulness or gain insights into the natural history of the genus. The complete datasets comprising the raw micro-CT data, 3D PDFs, 3D rotation videos, still images of 3D models, and coloured montage photos have been made available online as cybertypes (Dryad, http://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4s3v1).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.681.13187

Authors: Nicole Rasoamanana, Sándor Csősz, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The ant genus Camponotus (Mayr, 1861) is one of the most abundant and species rich ant genera in the Malagasy zoogeographical region. Although this group is commonly encountered, its taxonomy is far from complete. Here, we clarify the taxonomy of the Malagasy-endemic Camponotus subgenus Myrmopytia (Emery, 1920). Species delimitation was based on traditional morphological characters and multivariate morphometric analyses, including exploratory Nest Centroid clustering and confirmatory cross-validated Linear Discriminant Analysis. Four species are recognized: Camponotus imitator (Forel, 1891), Camponotus jodina sp. n., Camponotus karaha sp. n., and Camponotus longicollis sp. n. All four species appear to mimic co-occurring Aphaenogaster species. A diagnosis of the subgenus Myrmopytia, species descriptions, an identification key based on minor and major subcastes of workers, and the known geographical distribution of each species are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.670.11839

Authors: Ana Ješovnik, Ted R. Schultz

Abstract: The genus Sericomyrmex Mayr (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini) is a Neotropical group of fungus-farming ants known for its problematic taxonomy, caused by low morphological variability across the species, vague and old species descriptions, and an outdated and incomplete key published in 1916. Recent molecular studies revealed that Sericomyrmex is the product of a rapid recent radiation, with a divergence date of 4.3 million years ago. Here we present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Sericomyrmex based on morphology and a recently published molecular phylogeny. We discuss and illustrate morphological characters for Sericomyrmex workers, males, queens, and larvae. We report 18 standard morphological measurements and 5 indices for 529 workers, 50 queens, and 39 males, which we employ in morphometric analyses. The revised genus Sericomyrmex comprises eleven species, including three new species, here described as S. maravalhas sp. n., S. radioheadi sp. n., and S. saramama sp. n. We also redescribe S. amabilis Wheeler, S. bondari Borgmeier, S. lutzi Wheeler, S. mayri Forel, S. opacus Mayr, S. parvulus Forel, S. saussurei Emery, and S. scrobifer Forel. The number of recognized species (11) is lower than the previously recognized 19 species and 3 subspecies. The following species and subspecies are synonymized: under S. opacus [=S. aztecus Forel syn. n., S. zacapanus Wheeler syn. n., and S. diego Forel syn. n.]; under S. bondari [=S. beniensis Weber syn. n.]; under S. mayri [=S. luederwaldti Santschi syn. n., S. moreirai Santschi syn. n., S. harekulli Weber syn. n., S. harekulli arawakensis Weber syn. n., S. urichi Forel syn. n.]; under S. saussurei [=S. burchelli Forel syn. n., S. impexus Wheeler syn. n., S. urichi maracas Weber syn. n.]; and under S. parvulus [=S. myersi Weber syn. n.]. We provide a key to Sericomyrmex species for the worker caste and information on the geographic distributions of all species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.651.10336

Authors: Kôichi Arimoto

Abstract: Leptogenys breviloba sp. n., L. curva sp. n., L. itoi sp. n., L. kanaoi sp. n., L. malayana sp. n., and L. modiglianii Emery, 1900 are described from southeast Asia. The Leptogenys modiglianii species group is proposed on the basis of similarities among the six species. An identification key to species in this group from southeast Asia is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.618.9692

Authors: Christian Rabeling, Jeffrey Sosa-Calvo, Lauren A. O'Connell, Luis A. Coloma, Fernando Fernandez

Abstract: The ant genus Lenomyrmex was recently discovered and described from mid to high elevation rainforests in southern Central and northwestern South America. Lenomyrmex currently consists of six described species, which are only rarely collected. Here, we add a new species, Lenomyrmex hoelldobleri sp. n., which was discovered in a stomach content sample of the dendrobatid frog, Oophaga sylvatica, from northwestern Ecuador. Lenomyrmex hoelldobleri can be distinguished from other species in the genus by the presence of a well-developed petiolar node, whereas in all other species the node of the petiole is ill-defined. In addition to the shape of the petiolar node, L. hoelldobleri can be distinguished from the morphologically similar L. costatus by (i) the presence of the metanotal suture, (ii) the direction of the striae on dorsum of propodeum (concentrically transverse in L. hoelldobleri, longitudinal in L. costatus), (iii) the finely striate dorsum of postpetiole, (iv) its larger size, and (v) distinctly darker coloration. We also describe the gyne of Lenomyrmex foveolatus. This collection record from northwestern Ecuador extends the geographic distribution of L. foveolatus 400 km south from its previous record in Colombia. A revised taxonomic key to the workers and gynes of all described Lenomyrmex species is provided. We discuss the taxonomic relationship of L. hoelldobleri to other species in the genus and its biology based on the limited information that is currently available. Finally, we briefly discuss the feeding ecology of dendrobatid poison frogs in the context of providing a valuable source of rarely collected and cryptic new ant species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.616.9532

Authors: Sandor Csosz, Brian Fisher

Abstract: Here we describe the diversity of the Malagasy Nesomyrmex brevicornis-group as the final installment of series describing the complete Malagasy Nesomyrmex fauna. In the current paper introduce the N. brevicornis-group, a newly outlined species group. We split this group from one of the four former groups, N. madecassus-group (sensu Csősz and Fisher 2015). The relatively small number of individuals available within the N. brevicornis-group relative to the large number of OTUs hampers the use of sophisticated statistical techniques to evaluate the morphological data. Instead, we assess the diversity of the N. brevicornis-group via a conventional morphology-based approach relying upon non-numeric characters (shape, sculpture, color etc.) recorded by simple eye inspection. Morphometric data are used as secondary data to confirm the most probable boundaries between species, but without employing statistical analyses. We rejected prior species hypotheses imposed by the primary approach if a non-overlapping range of a single index calculated from continuous numeric traits was found between two hypothesized species. Our methods render every species in this revisionary work separable via both salient features and morphometric traits. Our approach reveals the existence of nine morphologically distinct species, Nesomyrmex brevicornis sp. n., N. brunneus sp. n., N. cingulatus sp. n., N. edentates sp. n., N. flavigaster sp. n., N. longiceps sp. n., N. minutus sp. n., N. punctaticeps sp. n., and N. sellaris sp. n.. Geographic maps showing the distribution of each species are provided, along with an updated key to workers of Malagasy Nesomyrmex species groups that includes the newly outlined N. brevicornis-group.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.608.9427

Authors: Marek Borowiec

Abstract: The generic classification of the ant subfamily Dorylinae is revised, with the aim of facilitating identification of easily-diagnosable monophyletic genera. The new classification is based on recent molecular phylogenetic evidence and a critical reappraisal of doryline morphology. New keys and diagnoses based on workers and males are provided, along with reviews of natural history and phylogenetic relationships, distribution maps, and a list of valid species for each lineage. Twenty-eight genera (27 extant and 1 extinct) are recognized within the subfamily, an increase from 20 in the previous classification scheme. Species classified in the polyphyletic Cerapachys and Sphinctomyrmex prior to this publication are here distributed among 9 and 3 different genera, respectively. Amyrmex and Asphinctanilloides are synonymized under Leptanilloides and the currently recognized subgenera are synonymized for Dorylus. No tribal classification is proposed for the subfamily, but several apparently monophyletic genus-groups are discussed. Valid generic names recognized here include: Acanthostichus (= Ctenopyga), Aenictogiton, Aenictus (= Paraenictus, Typhlatta), Cerapachys (= Ceratopachys), Cheliomyrmex, Chrysapace gen. rev., Cylindromyrmex (= Holcoponera, Hypocylindromyrmex, Metacylindromyrmex), Dorylus (= Alaopone syn. n., Anomma syn. n., Cosmaecetes, Dichthadia syn. n., Rhogmus syn. n., Shuckardia, Sphecomyrmex, Sphegomyrmex, Typhlopone syn. n.), Eburopone gen. n., Eciton (= Camptognatha, Holopone, Mayromyrmex), Eusphinctus gen. rev., Labidus (= Nycteresia, Pseudodichthadia), Leptanilloides (= Amyrmex syn. n., Asphinctanilloides syn. n.), Lioponera gen. rev. (= Neophyracaces syn. n., Phyracaces syn. n.), Lividopone, Neivamyrmex (= Acamatus, Woitkowskia), Neocerapachys gen. n., Nomamyrmex, Ooceraea gen. rev. (= Cysias syn. n.), Parasyscia gen. rev., †Procerapachys, Simopone, Sphinctomyrmex, Syscia gen. rev., Tanipone, Vicinopone, Yunodorylus gen. rev., Zasphinctus gen. rev. (= Aethiopopone syn. n., Nothosphinctus syn. n.).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.605.9087

Authors: Himender Bharti, Alexander Radchenko, Sishal Sasi

Abstract: A new socially-parasitic species, Myrmica latra sp. n. is described based on a queen and male from Indian Himalaya. Its queen differs from other species by the distinctly narrower petiole and postpetiole, blunt and non-divergent propodeal spines, and a darker body colour. The taxonomic position of the three known Himalayan socially-parasitic Myrmica species is discussed, and M. ereptrix Bolton 1988 is transferred to the smythiesii species-group. It is supposed that M. nefaria Bharti 2012 is a temporary social parasite, but M. ereptrix and M. latra sp. n. are permanent social parasites, and a key for their identification is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.603.8271

Authors: Sandor Csosz, Brian Fisher

Abstract: Here we reveal the diversity of the next fragment of the Malagasy elements of the ant genus Nesomyrmex using a combination of advanced exploratory analyses on quantitative morphological data. The diversity of the Nesomyrmex madecassus species-group was assessed via hypothesis-free nest centroid clustering combined with recursive partitioning to estimate the number of clusters and determine the most probable boundaries between them. This combination of methods provides a highly automated species delineation protocol based on continuous morphometric data, and thereby it obviates the need of subjective interpretation of morphological patterns. Delimitations of clusters recognized by these exploratory analyses were tested via confirmatory Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Our results suggest the existence of four morphologically distinct species, Nesomyrmex flavus sp. n., N. gibber, N. madecassus and N. nitidus sp. n.; all are described here and an identification key for their worker castes using morphometric data is given. Two members of the newly outlined madecasus species-group, N. flavus sp. n. and N. nitidus sp. n., represent true cryptic species. Geographic maps depicting species distributions and elevational information for the sites where populations of particular species were collected are also provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.572.7177

Authors: Jean Claude Rakotonirina, Sándor Csősz, Brian L. Fisher

Abstract: The Malagasy Camponotus edmondi species group is revised based on both qualitative morphological traits and multivariate analysis of continuous morphometric data. To minimize the effect of the scaling properties of diverse traits due to worker caste polymorphism, and to achieve the desired near-linearity of data, morphometric analyses were done only on minor workers. The majority of traits exhibit broken scaling on head size, dividing Camponotus workers into two discrete subcastes, minors and majors. This broken scaling prevents the application of algorithms that uses linear combination of data to the entire dataset, hence only minor workers were analyzed statistically. The elimination of major workers resulted in linearity and the data meet required assumptions. However, morphometric ratios for the subsets of minor and major workers were used in species descriptions and redefinitions. Prior species hypotheses and the goodness of clusters were tested on raw data by confirmatory linear discriminant analysis. Due to the small sample size available for some species, a factor known to reduce statistical reliability, hypotheses generated by exploratory analyses were tested with extreme care and species delimitations were inferred via the combined evidence of both qualitative (morphology and biology) and quantitative data. Altogether, fifteen species are recognized, of which 11 are new to science: C. alamaina sp. n., C. androy sp. n., C. bevohitra sp. n., C. galoko sp. n., C. matsilo sp. n., C. mifaka sp. n., C. orombe sp. n., C. tafo sp. n., C. tratra sp. n., C. varatra sp. n., and C. zavo sp. n. Four species are redescribed: C. echinoploides Forel, C. edmondi André, C. ethicus Forel, and C. robustus Roger. Camponotus edmondi ernesti Forel, syn. n. is synonymized under C. edmondi. This revision also includes an identification key to species for both minor and major castes, information on geographic distribution and biology, taxonomic discussions, and descriptions of intraspecific variation. Traditional taxonomy and multivariate morphometric analysis are independent sources of information which, in combination, allow more precise species delimitation. Moreover, quantitative characters included in identification keys improve accuracy of determination in difficult cases.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.552.6475

Authors: Steven Messer, Stefan Cover, John LaPolla

Abstract: Obligately socially parasitic ants are social parasites that typically lack the sterile worker caste, and depend on the host species for survival and brood care. The genus Nylanderia has over 130 described species and subspecies, none of which, until this study, were known social parasites. Here we describe the first social parasite known in the genus, Nylanderia deceptrix. Aspects of the biology of the host species, Nylanderia parvula (Mayr 1870), and N. deceptrix are examined. The data from both the host and the parasite species are combined to better understand the host-parasite relationship.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.551.6005

Authors: Zhilin Chen, Shanyi Zhou, Jianhua Huang

Abstract: Seven new species of the genus Myrmica Latreille, 1804 are described from China: M. dongi sp. n., M. huaii sp. n., M. liui sp. n., M. mifui sp. n., M. oui sp. n., M. wangi sp. n. and M. yani sp. n. Myrmica forcipata Karawaiew, 1931 is recorded from China for the first time, while M. zhengi Ma & Xu, 2011 is synonymized with M. luteola Kupyanskaya, 1990. Identification keys based on worker caste are provided to the Myrmica species of China and the pachei-group species of the Old World, respectively.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.551.6686

Authors: Mark K.L. Wong, Benoit Guénard

Abstract: A new species of the cryptic and rarely collected ant genus Leptanilla is described. Leptanilla hypodracos sp. n. is the first Leptanilla recorded from Singapore in over a century since L. havilandi Forel, 1901 and represents the fourth species of Leptanilla known from the Malay Peninsula. An updated key to the Leptanilla of the Oriental region is presented. Taxonomic comparisons between L. hypodracos sp. n. and four morphologically similar species are provided with particular attention given to L. clypeata Yamane & Ito, 2001, for which new measurements and indices are presented. The first report is presented for the Leptanillinae subfamily from the southeastern part of China with a worker of the genus Leptanilla collected in Hong Kong. Finally, the potential of subterranean bait to collect Leptanilla species is discussed.

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