New records of nine ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for the Galapagos Islands (original) (raw)
ZooKeys, 2024
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.
The Galápagos ant fauna has long been understudied, with the last taxonomic summary being published almost a century ago. Here, we provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the known ant species of the Galápagos Islands with updated species distributions. The list is based on an extensive review of literature, the identification of more than 382,023 specimens deposited in different entomological collections, as well as recent expeditions to the islands. The fauna is composed of five subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Dorilynae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae and Ponerinae), 22 genera and 53 species, though 3 of these species are considered dubious records. Finally, we provide an illustrated identification key of the species in the archipelago.
NEW RECORDS OF INTRODUCED ANTS (HYMENOPTERA; FORMICIDAE) IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Recent collections on Santa Cruz island and review of the Reference Collection of Terrestrial Invertebrates of the Charles Darwin Research Station, found five new records of ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) possibly introduced to the Galapagos Islands: Brachymyrmex heeri, Adelomyrmex myops, Cyphomyrmex rimosus, Pyramica membranifera and Rogeria curvipubens. Four of these are also new records for Ecuador.
Distribution and habitat preferences of Galápagos ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
2020
We present the first comprehensive review of the ant taxa of the Galápagos archipelago. The review is based on data gathered during literature searches, field surveys, and the revision of museum specimens, and includes information on the distribution, habitat, and ecology of 47 species. At least nine of these species are assumed to be native or endemic to the islands and at least 32 species have been introduced through human-associated pathways. The status of the remaining six species is unknown. The information compiled in this study will allow us to better understand the ecological role of indigenous species and their potential as indicators of ecosystem health. Baseline information on the distribution of introduced ants will be indispensable for assessing impact and spread within the archipelago.
The Little Fire Ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) and the Tropical Fire Ant Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) are considered two of the most serious threats to the terrestrial fauna of Galapagos, yet little is known about their distribution in the archipelago. Specimens at the Charles Darwin Research Station and literature were reviewed and distribution maps compiled for both species. W. auropunctata is currently recorded on nine islands and six islets and S. geminata is recorded on seven islands and six islets. New locations were registered, including the first record of W. auropunctata on Española and North Seymour islands, and of S. geminata on Fernandina Island. We recommend further survey, especially in sensitive areas, in order to plan management of these species.
Revision of the ant genus Gnamptogenys in the New World (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 1995
Ants of the genus Gnmnptogenys Roger in the New World are revised. The study is based mostly on worker morphology; 73 species are recognized, fifteen of which are new: G. andina, G. hoUviensis, G. brunnea, G ciineiforma, G. ejuncida, G. extra, G. gentri/i, G. latkephala, G. ilimaui, G. nigrivitrea, G. pilosa, G. siapensis, G. stellae, G. transversa and G. volcano. G. ericae is revalidated. In the present work sixteen names have been synonymized, and a morphological synopisis of the genus is given. The species range from southern U.S. to northern Argentina, but most are found in Central America and tropical South American forests. The evolutionary history of the genus is studied using phylogenetic systematics criteria. Six species groups are recognized: striatula group (22 species); niiniita group (9 species); rastrata group (14 species); sulcata group (8 species); nwrdax group (17 species), and the concinna group (3 species). A key for the identification of workers is presented. Illustrations of morphological features supplement the key and descriptions.
The ants (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Socotra Archipelago
2004
A b stract: The ant species recorded from Socotra Island and the outlying islands of Samha, Darsa and Abd al-Kuri are listed and a key to the workers is presented. Scanning electron micrographs are provided to facilitate identification. Only 18 species have been identified, one of which – Monomorium nimihil Collingwood, 2003 n. sp. – is described as new. At least eight of these species, but probably more, have been transferred to the islands by human commerce. There is little evidence that ecosystems have been strongly influenced by alien ants up to now. Those ants most feared globally for their invasive potential and destructive impact on native fauna are yet absent from Socotra. To preserve this situation, diligent quarantine measures are of great importance.