Two additions to the Iberian myrmecofauna: Crematogaster inermis Mayr, 1862, a newly established, tree-nesting species, and Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel, 1902), an emerging exotic species temporarily nesting in Spain (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

By

Casiraghi, Alice
Espadaler, Xavier
Pérez-Hidalgo, Nicolás
Gómez Abal, Kiko

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

78

Pages

57--68

Subjects

Aphis craccivora , Crematogaster inermis , Robinia pseudoacacia , Spain , Trichomyrmex mayri

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.78.51858

 

Abstract

Exotic ants are a growing component of urban and disturbed habitats worldwide. Sampling in two Iberian Mediterranean localities revealed several exotic species. The tree-nesting, black acrobat antCrematogaster inermisMayr, 1862, has been detected nesting outdoors on aRobinia pseudoacaciatree in a public garden in Valencia (Spain) and represents a new addition to the continental European fauna. Collection details, a morphological description, biometry, and the remarkable presence of short spines in smaller specimens are also given for this species. A case of an ephemeral establishment of several exotic ant species in a palm grove is also discussed. This case includesC. inermisandTrichomyrmex mayri, also a novelty for the Iberian Peninsula.