First record of the myrmicine ant genus Carebara Westwood, 1840 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Saudi Arabia with description of a new species, C. abuhurayri sp. n

The myrmicine ant genus Carebara is recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia from the Arabian Peninsula as a whole. A new species Carebara abuhurayrisp. n. is described based on workers collected from Al Bahah region. One of the smallest ant species known to occur in Arabia, Carebara abuhurayri is found in an area inhabited by many ant species including Tetramorium sericeiventre Emery, 1877, Pheidole minuscula Bernard, 1952, Pheidole sp., Monomorium destructor (Jerdon, 1851), Monomorium exiguum (Forel, 1894) and Monomorium sp. and Crematogaster sp.     

Identity of Monomorium occidaneum Crawley, a species inquirenda, and status of Monomorium micron Crawley (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract  Because the original type material has been made available, Monomorium occidaneum Crawley, a species inquirenda in Heterick's revision of the Australian Monomorium , can now be regarded as a junior synonym of Monomorium leae Forel. In addition, the status of a primary type specimen of Monomorium micron Crawley cited in the same publication is altered from 'holotype' to 'syntype'. This specimen has now been designated a lectotype to ensure stability of the name.     

Two new Australian Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), including a highly distinctive species

Abstract Two new Australian ants of the genus Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are described. The most distinctive of the two species, Monomorium sublamellatum sp. n., pushes back the diagnostic boundaries of the genus Monomorium , and can not be placed at present in existing Australian species-groups of Monomorium . Monomorium punctulatum sp. n. belongs to the Monomorium rubriceps species-group.     

Functional morphology of the postpharyngeal gland of queens and workers of the ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.)

Eelen D., Børgesen L.W. and Billen J. 2006. Functional morphology of the postpharyngeal gland of queens and workers of the ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 87 : 101–111 The postpharyngeal gland (PPG) is unique to ants and is the largest exocrine gland in their head. In queens of the pharaoh's ant, Monomorium pharaonis, the gland contains approximately 15 finger‐like epithelial extensions on each side and opens dorsolaterally in the posterior pharynx. In these ants the PPG morphology varies considerably according to age and mating status. The epithelial thickness increases with age and reaches a maximum at 3 weeks in both virgin and mated queens. A considerable expansion of the lumen diameter occurs in both groups between 4 and 7 days. Virgin queens release their secretion into the gland lumen from an age of 7 days, whereas mated queens accumulate large amounts of secretion in their epithelium. The increasing epithelial thickness, together with the increasing lumen diameter, the presence of numerous inclusions in the epithelium and the release of secretion, are indicative for increasing gland activity. The gland ultrastructure indicates involvement in lipid metabolism and de novo synthesis of lipids. The PPG of workers consists of 12 finger‐like tubes at each side. There is a significant difference in epithelial thickness between nurses and repletes and between nurses and foragers. We suggest the PPG serves different purposes in pharaoh's ants: it is likely that the PPG of workers and virgin queens is used to feed larvae. In mated queens the gland probably plays a role in providing the queen with nutritious oils for egg production. The PPG may also function in signalling species nestmate and caste identity, as well as in the reproductive capacity of the queens.     

A new ant species of the genus Tapinoma (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Saudi Arabia with a key to the Arabian species

Tapinoma wilsonisp. n. is described and illustrated from Saudi Arabia based on the worker caste collected from Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. It closely resembles Tapinoma lugubre Santschi 1917, from Zimbabwe in body measurements but can be distinguished from the latter species by the yellowish brown color; the yellowish pubescence, the two pairs of hairs present on the anterior part of the head; and the distinctly concave anterior clypeal margin. Biological and ecological notes of the new species are presented. An identification key to the workers of the Arabian species of the genus Tapinoma is given.     

采自中国西南地区的地锤菌属两新种

基于形态特征和此前发表的DNA序列数据,本文报道了地锤菌属Cudonia的2个新种,它们采自中国东喜马拉雅和横断山的亚高山地区。棒状地锤菌C. claviformis具子实层的部分鲜黄色、棒状,菌柄污白色至淡褐色、光滑。鳞柄地锤菌C. furfuracea具子实层的部分头状、鲜黄色,菌柄被污白色至淡褐色糠麸状鳞片。两种真菌都生长于杜鹃和柳树组成的矮灌丛下苔藓丛中。     

Foraging characteristics and intraspecific behaviour of the exotic species Monomorium sydneyense (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in New Zealand,with implications for its management

Abstract

We attempt to evaluate the biosecurity risk posed by the newly established exotic ant species Monomorium sydneyense Forel, in New Zealand. Aggression was observed between workers from different M. sydneyense nests, indicating that unicoloniality is unlikely. Nests had multiple queens, and nest foundation is apparently via winged queens. The foraging behaviour corresponded to multicoloniality, with workers foraging in close proximity to the nest. In trials during December (2003) and March (2004), workers had a >50% probability of finding food at a distance of 0.8–1 m from their nest, but on cooler study dates (October 2004) our logistic regression model indicated that they would not reach this threshold irrespective of how close the food was to the nest. Although M. sydneyense forage during both night and day, they appeared to be relatively inefficient at locating food. We conclude that under the conditions assessed here, the environmental damage likely to be caused by M. sydneyense is modest compared with other invasive ant species.     

Morphology of a novel glandular epithelium lining the infrabuccal cavity in the ant Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

A novel glandular epithelium lining the infrabuccal cavity and anterior pharynx is described in both workers and queens of the pharaoh's ant Monomorium pharaonis. The infrabuccal cavity, connected with the buccal tube, forms a ventral outgrowth of the anterior pharynx, and as such displays the tegumental lining with a cuticle and an epithelial layer. In its dorsal region, the cavity's epithelium reaches a thickness of approx. 11–12 μm in both workers and queens, which is considerably thicker than the epithelium lining the rest of the infrabuccal cavity. Also the possible role of the infrabuccal gland is discussed.     

Chemical interference competition by Monomorium minimum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Summary Workers of Monomorium minimum forage above-ground for dead arthropods. Small particles (<1 mg) are retrieved individually, but larger particles stimulate recruitment and are dissected by groups of workers. The recruitment pheromone originates in the Dufour's gland and the number of ants responding to a trail varies with pheromone concentration. When ants of other species are encountered at food resources, workers of M. minimum gaster-flag and extrude an irritating poison gland secretion from the sting. This chemical interference delays invasion by competitors and prolongs the period during which the colony can dissect and retrieve pieces of the food resource. M. minimum recruits at higher temperatures than sympatric ant species. The probability of interference at food baits rises from 5% to 100% when they become too large for a single worker to carry. The probability of food resource loss is higher for baits of intermediate weight (x=18.1 mg) than for those of low weight (x=0.1 mg) or high weight (x=403.1 mg).     

Sphagnum olafii (Sect. Acutifolia), a new peat-moss from Svalbard

Abstract

Sphagnum olafii (Sect. Acutifolia) sp. nov. can be recognized in the field by its soft appearance, its brownish capitula with often a faint lustre of purple-red, by a variegated, pale and brownish stem and lingulate-triangular stem leaves. Microscopically, it is recognized by the occurrence of scattered pores in the surface cells of the stem cortex, and markedly bulging hyalocysts on the convex surface of the branch leaves with narrow, wedge-shaped exposures to the chlorocysts. The new species shows closest affinity to S. arcticum Flatb. & Frisv. It is reported from four localities in Svalbard.     

中国安徽瘦腹水虻一新种记述(双翅目,水虻科,瘦腹水虻亚科)

记述了安徽黄山风景名胜区瘦腹水虻属Sargus Fabricius,17981新种,黄山瘦腹水虻Sargus huangshanensis sp.nov.。详细描述了其形态特征,并绘制了其主要鉴别特征图,所有标本均保存在贵州大学昆虫研究所。     

Changes in food selection by workers of the pharaoh''s ant, Monomorium pharaonis

The results from simple choice test experiments with laboratory and field colonies of pharaoh's ants have revealed two behavioural traits that influence the way in which foraging worker ants respond to foods. Initially, worker ants from laboratory colonies showed a distinct preference for certain foods (e.g. honey and peanut butter). However, when given only these 'preferred' foods continuously for several weeks, workers showed a marked preference for other foods when offered a choice. This 'satiation' response occurred even though the initial diet was originally highly attractive to foraging workers. In addition, workers show a marked tendency to alternate between carbohydrate foods and protein foods. Thus, workers from colonies fed predominantly on proteins, subsequently showed a marked preference for carbohydrates, and vice versa. The 'satiation' and 'alternation' responses to foods ensure that colonies receive a diet that is both varied and balanced. In addition, these aspects of feeding behaviour have important consequences for the use of food-based baits in control measures against Monomorium pharaonis (L.).     

中国离鞘隐翅虫属一新种(鞘翅目,隐翅虫科,异形隐翅虫亚科)

记述中国离鞘隐翅虫属1新种,二郎山离鞘隐翅虫Platystethus erlangshanus sp.nov.,记录本属的4个已知种,沙离鞘隐翅虫Platystethus arenarius(Geoffroy),1785,天离鞘隐翅虫Platystethus tian Zheng,2000,膜离鞘隐翅虫Platystethus dilutipennis Cameron,1913和凹离鞘隐翅虫Platystethus crassicornis M otschulsky,1857,这些种首次在四川一些地区被记录。列出10个中国已知种的检索表。所有模式和观察标本保存在西华师范大学西南野生动植物资源保护教育部重点实验室。     

The dynamics of collective exploration and trail-formation in Monomorium pharaonis: experiments and model

Abstract. When exploring a chemically unmarked area devoid of food sources, workers of the pest ant Monomorium pharaonis L. (Formicidae, Myrmicinae) leave scent marks on the ground and after 30–60min a network of diverging exploratory trails begins to emerge.
Exploratory activity is affected by the nutritional state of the colony and a period of food deprivation induces a dramatic increase in the number of workers leaving the nest. A mathematical model based on a logistic growth equation is proposed to describe the exploratory recruitment observed. When travelling along exploratory trails the proportion of ants displaying trail-laying behaviour is higher for outbound than for nestbound workers. Outbound ants also show a greater propensity than nestbound ants to follow the scent marks of their nestmates. The chemical used to mark a novel area does not appear to be colony-specific and thus does not have a territorial function sensu stricto. The adaptive value of the collective exploratory behaviour observed in this study is discussed in relation to the common features of other pest ant species described in the literature.     

A new species of Ceylonitermellus Emerson, 1960 (Blattodea: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) from India with a key to the genus

Ceylonitermellus Emerson is a rarely collected soil inhabiting nasute termite endemic to Oriental region with three known species. A fourth species, Ceylonitermellus sahyadriensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on morphological characters of soldier and gut morphology of workers. Both the castes have poorly sclerotized body and paler in colour. This is the second species from India and fourth species of the genus from world. The species can be distinguished from the closely related C. periyarensis by the pyriform and shorter head capsule and with other two species of the genus by its larger head capsule as compared to C. kotuae and smaller head capsule as compared to C. hantanae. The new species was collected from tropical evergreen forest from a small colony near the base of a tree.LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:34616357-2CC9-46B2-8B8D-3CFD984CED89.     

Caste regulation in the pharaoh's ant Monomorium pharaonis: recognition and cannibalism of sexual brood by workers

Abstract In colonies of the pharaoh's ant Monomorium pharaonis (L), new males and queens can be produced at any time by the removal of the inhibitory effect of the presence of existing fertile queens. When queens are absent, workers rear sexual larvae and will also accept sexual larvae introduced from other nests. However, in the presence of fertile queens workers cannibalize sexual brood, and will not accept male or queen larvae or pre-pupae from other nests, although worker brood is always accepted and reared. Worker larvae are covered in bifurcated hairs, whereas sexual larvae are essentially hairless. Workers may use these morphological cues to distinguish between sexual and worker brood stages.     

The ant genus Carebara Westwood in the Arabian Peninsula (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

The ant genus Carebara of the Arabian Peninsula is revised. Carebara abuhurayri Sharaf & Aldawood, 2011 is synonymized under Carebara arabica Collingwood & van Harten, 2001. Carebara arabica is redescribed and a Neotype is fixed based on a specimen collected from southwestern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A new species, C. fayrouzae sp. n. is described from Saudi Arabia based on queens, major and minor workers. Keys to major and minor workers of the two Arabian Carebara species are given.     

具有绿色子囊孢子的木霉属两个新种——波密木霉和绿领木霉

在广东和西藏进行子囊菌资源调查,发现木霉属具有绿色子囊孢子的两个新种,命名为波密木霉和绿领木霉。波密木霉的子座小型,橙褐色至黄绿色,垫状,分生孢子梗为trichoderma型。绿领木霉的子座微小,垫状至陀螺形,淡黄色至淡绿色,其孔口处明显色暗,皮层表面带绿色。基于RPB2和TEF1基因的系统发育分析表明,两个新种作为散在的末端分枝夹杂在具有绿色子囊孢子的已命名分支之间。     

Queen–worker caste ratio depends on colony size in the pharaoh ant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Monomorium pharaonis</Emphasis>)

The success of an ant colony depends on the simultaneous presence of reproducing queens and non-reproducing workers in a ratio that will maximize colony growth and reproduction. Despite its presumably crucial role, queen–worker caste ratios (the ratio of adult queens to workers) and the factors affecting this variable remain scarcely studied. Maintaining polygynous pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) colonies in the laboratory has provided us with the opportunity to experimentally manipulate colony size, one of the key factors that can be expected to affect colony level queen–worker caste ratios and body size of eclosing workers, gynes and males. We found that smaller colonies produced more new queens relative to workers, and that these queens and workers both tended to be larger. However, colony size had no effect on the size of males or on the sex ratio of the individuals reared. Furthermore, for the first time in a social insect, we confirmed the general life history prediction by Smith and Fretwell (Am Nat 108:499–506, 1974) that offspring number varies more than offspring size. Our findings document a high level of plasticity in energy allocation toward female castes and suggest that polygynous species with budding colonies may adaptively adjust caste ratios to ensure rapid growth.