New publication (02/07/2025)

Title: Citizen-science Supplements Species Inventories and Reveals the Invasion of Monomorium exiguum and Pheidole parva (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus

Abstract: Citizen science has become more popular over the past few decades, aided by advancements in smartphone technologies and web platforms to build a community. Nevertheless, taxa that are difficult to identify and/or minute in size are often neglected. In this study, students of the rural Asomatos primary school (Limassol, Cyprus) were given ant collection kits and asked to collect specimens inside their houses within one or two weeks from the 3rd to the 16th of November 2023. Upon inspection, the native Lepisiota cf. nigra and Tetramorium schmidti Forel, 1904 are recorded for the first time from the island. A single peculiar specimen of Pheidole Westwood, 1839, was recorded indoors next to a plant nursery. As such, the plant nursery was surveyed, providing additional samples identified as Pheidole parva Mayr, 1865. Specimens from Cyprus previously identified as Pheidole fadli Sharaf, 2007, were re-examined, assigning them to P. parva. Additionally, a single specimen of Monomorium exiguum Forel, 1894 was also collected. Both alien species were most probably introduced through the horticultural pathway. This article presents the first records of the alien M. exiguum and P. parva from the island, correcting previous records and highlighting the importance of citizen science in detecting and mapping the distribution of alien and native species.

Reference: Demetriou J, Borowiec L, Georgiadis C, Economo EP, Roy HE, Martinou AF, Salata S (2025) Citizen-science supplements species inventories and reveals the invasion of Monomorium exiguum and Pheidole parva (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus. Sociobiology 72(3): e11594. https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v72i3.11594

Link: https://periodicos.uefs.br/index.php/sociobiology/article/view/11594

New publication (28/03/2025)

Title: New distributional data and species records of Cypriot ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on museum collections

Abstract: Specimens deposited in Natural History Museum collections are vital for the study of biodiversity, human drivers of biodiversity loss, and other environmental and socioeconomic problems. Despite recent advances in filling our knowledge gaps regarding the myrmecofauna of Cyprus, the island’s biodiversity is considered to be under-sampled. In this article, ant specimens from Cyprus deposited at the Natural History Museums of Crete, the Agricultural University of Athens (Greece), the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Genève (Switzerland), the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Belgium), and the Lund University Biological Museum (Sweden) are examined, presenting a total of 163 specimens belonging to 24 species examined. Stigmatomma denticulatum Roger, 1859 (Amblyoponinae), Myrmecina graminicola (Latreille, 1802), Stenamma debile (Foerster, 1850) (Myrmicinae), and Cryptopone ochracea (Mayr, 1855) (Ponerinae) are reported for the first time for the island of Cyprus, raising its known ant diversity from 77 to 81 species, while additional distributional data are given for species with only a handful of distributional records, i.e. Tapinoma festae Emery, 1925 (Dolichoderinae), Aphaenogaster subterraneoides Emery, 1881 (Myrmicinae), and Hypoponera eduardi (Forel, 1894) (Ponerinae).

Reference: Demetriou J, Borowiec L, Georgiadis C, Dekoninck W, Laebens T, Salata S (2025) New distributional data and species records of Cypriot ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on museum collections. Biogeographia – The Journal of Integrative Biogeography 40 (1): a047. https://doi.org/10.21426/B6.39865 

Link: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3mn0s0cb

New publication (29/01/2025) - OUR SITE HAS AN OFFICIAL CITATION!

Title: The “Ants of Cyprus” website: a dynamic, online awareness raising and conservation tool

Abstract: Ants are an important arthropod group due to their involvement in ecological processes amongst others as ecosystem engineers or predators, but some invasive alien species are also implicated in detrimental environmental, economic and human health effects. Despite recent advancements, the ant biodiversity of Cyprus is still in need of further research with previous online species inventories synthesising a checklist of just 65 native and 10 alien species. The “Ants of Cyprus” website (https://sites.google.com/view/ants-of-cyprus) aims to: (1) raise public awareness and increase local knowledge on the biodiversity and ecological significance of ants, (2) provide ecological data and (3) enhance conservation efforts and management practices for native and alien ant species, respectively. This dynamic, user-friendly website has been designed for use by the scientific community, conservation officers and the wider public and it will be regularly updated as new information and data are generated. Additionally, this information will be critical for reporting on progress towards biodiversity targets and goals.

Reference: Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Salata S, Borowiec L, Dillen M, Groom Q, Economo EP, Roy HE, Martinou AF (2025) The “Ants of Cyprus” website: a dynamic, online awareness raising and conservation tool. Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141679. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e141679

Link: https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/141679/list/9/

New publication (14/10/2024)

Title: Setting the record straight: a re-examination of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus deposited at the Museum of Zoology of Athens

Abstract: Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is a biodiversity hotspot hosting an important number of endemic species. In recent years, its myrmecofauna has been increasingly enriched with the detection of both new alien and native species as well as the description of new endemic taxa. Nevertheless, earlier reports of dubious taxa remaining in scientific literature constitute an impediment towards the study of the island’s biodiversity. This article summarizes the results of re-examination of a collection of ants deposited in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Athens, which was a source of some faunistic records recently published as a conference poster. Specimens have been re-identified, and their metadata have been digitalised, supplementing our knowledge of the species’ distribution and correcting previous misidentifications. Tapinoma festae Emery, 1925, Tapinoma glabrella (Nylander, 1849) (Dolichoderinae), Plagiolepis perperamus Salata, Borowiec & Radchenko, 2018, Plagiolepis xene Stärcke, 1936 (Formicinae), Crematogaster lorteti Forel, 1910, and Tetramorium indocile Santschi, 1927 (Myrmicinae) are reported for the first time for the island. Adiitionally, a new distributional record is also provided for Camponotus cf. vitiosus, an enigmatic alien species on Cyprus. Lastly, a number of dubious records are removed from the checklist of Cypriot ants with notes on further taxa that could be removed in the future.

Reference: Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Ralli V, Salata S, Borowiec L (2024) Setting the record straight: a re-examination of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus deposited at the Museum of Zoology of Athens. Zootaxa 5523(1): 049-069. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5523.1.3

Link: https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5523.1.3

CHECK THIS OUT! New publication (12/09/2024)

Title: Highlighting overlooked biodiversity through online platforms: The “Chalcid Wasps of Cyprus” website

Abstract: Biodiversity data platforms including databases, websites and data repositories underpin conservation efforts by collecting spatiotemporal data of discovered native and alien species and maps of their distributions. Chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are one of the most diverse insect groups estimated to include half a million species. Being mostly parasitoids of other arthropods, they have been successfully used as biological control agents against serious agricultural pests worldwide. In Cyprus, only 124 species of chalcid wasps have been recorded, with 53 species being alien to the island. Their true biodiversity is predicted to be much larger because the island is both under-sampled and under-researched. A number of biodiversity data platforms focusing on the biodiversity of Cyprus are currently online; however, an online platform dedicated on the chalcid wasps of Cyprus is lacking. In the framework of the Darwin Plus Fellowship (DPLUS202) “Species richness and biological invasions of Chalcid wasps in Akrotiri Peninsula”, the “Chalcid wasps of Cyprus” website (https://sites.google.com/view/chalcidwaspscyprus) is presented. This online, dynamic database aims to: (1) raise public awareness regarding a rather neglected and yet ecologically important insect group, (2) provide data on the morphology, ecology and biodiversity of Chalcidoidea on Cyprus, as well as (3) promote conservation needs by setting a baseline for the future assessment of both native and alien chalcid wasp species. This online platform will be regularly revised in order to provide an up-to-date, user-friendly digital environment to the scientific community, policy-makers and citizens.

Reference: Koutsoukos E, Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Mitroiu M-D, Compton S, Martinou A (2024) Highlighting overlooked biodiversity through online platforms: The “Chalcid Wasps of Cyprus” website. Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e129367. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e129367

Link: https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/129367/list/9/

Conference poster (10/09/2024 - 12/09/2024)

Title: The “Ants of Cyprus” website: online resources on the ants of a biodiversity hotspot

Abstract: Ants are crucial components to ecosystems and their functioning, although the impact of some invasive alien species has been estimated to cost billions of dollars annually, on a global scale. The island of Cyprus is situated at the heart of the eastern Mediterranean, a global biodiversity hotspot and rarity centre for ants. Nevertheless, the myrmecofauna of Cyprus is considered understudied with online resources and scientific publications synthesizing a checklist of just 65 native and ten alien species. However, an important number of new alien and native species have been identified within the last few years. In the framework of the Darwin Plus Fellowship (DPLUS200) “Biodiversity and spatiotemporal patterns of ants in the Akrotiri Peninsula” the “Ants of Cyprus” website (https://sites.google.com/view/ants-of-cyprus) has been developed, aiming to (1) raise awareness and increase local knowledge on the biodiversity and importance of ants, (2) provide ecological data and (3) enhance conservation and management efforts for native and alien species, respectively. The website is intended for use by both the scientific community and the wider public, has been designed to be dynamic and user-friendly, and will be regularly updated throughout the project’s duration.

Contribution: Presenting an online poster on the #ENTO24: The Royal Entomological Society’s annual meeting dedicated to insect science.

New publication (10/04/2024)

Title: The genus Temnothorax Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus

Abstract: Only five species of the genus Temnothorax Mayr, 1861 have been reported from Cyprus, hitherto. Based on material surveys, the presence of 12 species is reported. Eight of them are described as new to science: T. akrotiriensis n. sp., T. apolloni n. sp., T. cerastarum n. sp., T. evagorae n. sp., T. hippomenesi n. sp., T. kykkos n. sp., T. nikoklesi n. sp., and T. oreades n. sp. In addition, T. cypridis (Santschi, 1930) n. stat. is raised to the species rank, while T. aeolius (Forel, 1911) and T. curtisetosus Salata & Borowiec, 2015 are reported from Cyprus for the first time. An identification key and color photos of all Cypriot species of Temnothorax are provided.

Reference: Salata S, Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Borowiec L (2024) The genus Temnothorax Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus. Zootaxa 5434(1): 1-69. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5434.1.1 

Link: https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5434.1.1 

New publication (10/04/2024)

Title: A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Tapinoma Mayr 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract: A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Tapinoma Emery 1861 is provided. Due to the extreme rarity of discernable characters, the female castes of 64% of the species are not separable by primary visual perception of an expert and are thus truly cryptic. The main working rationale of the revision is Numeric Morphology-Based Alpha-Taxonomy (NUMOBAT) with formation of species hypotheses largely based on exploratory data analyses and checking these hypotheses by discriminant analysis. NUMOBAT data of all considered species comprise 648 worker samples with 2014 individuals and 30,000 primary data. Species are depicted by z-stack imaging in three standard visual positions. Numeric data on 15 phenotypical characters are presented in comparative tables and supplementary verbal descriptions are given. Analysis of nuclear DNA was based on evaluation of 15 microsatellite loci in 274 nest samples. The NUMOBAT based classification of eight species of the Tapinoma nigerrimum and T. simrothi group which are inseparable by subjective visual inspection was confirmed by nuclear DNA data in 98.3% of 169 samples where both morphological and nuDNA data were available. The three cases of disagreement between NUMOBAT and nuDNA classification were discussed. Excluding Nomina Nuda and unavailable names, the revision recognized 34 available names which divide into 21 valid species, 11 junior synonyms and two names placed under Incertae Sedis. Four species are described as new: Tapinoma hispanicum n. sp., T. insularis n. sp., T. dabashanica n. sp. and T. sichuense n. sp. The following synonymies were stated: T. collina Foerster 1850, T. erraticum platyops Emery 1925 and T. erraticum bononiensis Emery 1925 as synonyms of T. erraticum (Latreille 1798); T. tauridis Emery 1925 and T. breve Emery 1925 as synonyms of T. glabrella (Nylander 1849) that is erected to species level; T. minor Bernard 1945 as synonym of T. simrothi Krausse-Heldrungen 1911; T. simrothi azerbaidzhanica Karavajev 1932 as synonym of Tapinoma karavaievi Emery 1925 that is erected here to species level; T. erraticum ambiguum Emery 1925 as synonym of T. madeirense Forel 1895 and T. emeryanum Kuznetzov-Ugamsky 1927 as synonym of T. sinense Emery 1925. Despite an insufficient separation of the female castes of Tapinoma madeirense and T. subboreale Seifert 2011 by NUMOBAT characters and detection of a hybrid zone in southern France, the heterospecific status of the two taxa was maintained based on sufficient differences in male genitalia and of nuclear DNA over a larger geographic scale. Formica caerulescens Losana 1834 is removed from genus Tapinoma and recognized as member of the subfamily Formicinae.

Reference: Seifert B, Kaufmann B, Fraysse L (2024) A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Tapinoma Mayr 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa 5435 (1): 001–074. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5435.1.1 

Link: https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5435.1.1 

Workshop (13/03/2024)

Title: Biosecurity threats in Cyprus: building capacity on awareness, detection and rapid response on addressing invasive species

Summary: Invited speaker at the workshop organised by the Department of Environment (Akrotiri UK SBA) in collaboration with the Republic of Cyprus Environment Department, the Game and Fauna Service, the University of Cyprus and Birdlife Cyprus in the framework of Darwin Plus Local project “Preventing Common Myna invasion in Akrotiri SBA and Cyprus” (DPL00023).

Contribution: Jakovos Demetriou presenting on the "Invasive ant species Wasmannia auropunctata and Solenopsis spp.: impacts, distribution in Natura 2000 sites, invasion pathways, and role of citizen science and identification guides awareness raising with notes on other potentially invasive species”.

Workshop (13-14/02/2024)

Title: Monitoring Biodiversity and Zoonoses - The One Health Approach

Summary: Invited speaker at the workshop organised by the Joint Services Health Unit Akrotiri UK SBA in the framework of DPL00014 “Raising awareness about the importance of arthropods” and DPL00056 "Hedgehog conservation initiative at the Western SBAs Cyprus" projects.

Contribution: Jakovos Demetriou and Evangelos Koutsoukos presented on the “Potential health impacts of invasive alien insects”, a collaborative work under DPLUS200 and DPLUS202 projects.

Event (04/02/2024)

Title: Akrotiri marsh through citizen science

Summary: Celebrating the International Wetlands Day, the Education Unit for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth through the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre invites you on February 4th, 2024 to get to know the Akrotiri Marsh through Citizen Science. The event is aimed at adults and children over 7 years old. Learn about the importance of Akrotiri Marsh, study the biodiversity of the area and records plants and insects using the iNaturalist application. 

Time: 09:00-12:30.

Meeting point: Central bird-watching hide at Akrotiri Marsh

For more information contact: 00357 25826562

Contribution: Learn more about the ants of Akrotiri Peninsula and their peculiar way of life.

Event (19/01/2024 - 01/03/2024)

Title: Science Fridays

Summary: Embark on a captivating exploration of Cyprus' marine and terrestrial wonders and not only with our "Science Fridays" Live Webinar Series, hosted by Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre!

Time: 19:30-20:00.

Contribution: Jakovos Demetriou presenting on "Investigating the ants of Cyprus" (19/01/2024).

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm4iyToo7a0

New publication (21/12/2023)

Title: Broadly sympatric occurrence of two thief ant species Solenopsis fugax (Latreille, 1798) and S. juliae (Arakelian, 1991) in the East European Pontic-Caspian region (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) is disclosed.

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.

Reference: Csősz S, Seifert B, László M, Yusupov ZM, Herczeg G (2023) Broadly sympatric occurrence of two thief ant species Solenopsis fugax (Latreille, 1798) and S. juliae (Arakelian, 1991) in the East European Pontic-Caspian region (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) is disclosed. ZooKeys 1187: 189-222. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1187.105866 

Link: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/105866/

New publication (15/12/2023)

Title: First record of Formica rufibarbis Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus

Abstract: The first record of Formica rufibarbis Fabricius, 1793 from Cyprus is reported. One nest of this species was found in the Troodos Mountains in 2009. At present, two species of the genus Formica, F. clara Forel, 1886 and F. rufibarbis, are known to occur on the island.

Reference: Bezděčková K, Bezděčka P (2023) First record of Formica rufibarbis Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus. Acta rerum naturalium 29: 17–18.

Link: https://actarerumnaturalium.cz/2023-05/

Event (30/11/2023 + 01/12/2023)

Title: #Hymathon2023: 24 hour marathon of Hymenoptera!

Summary: The third edition of Hymathon, the International Hymenopterists Society’s (ISH) 24 hour online symposium dedicated to Hymenoptera, took place on 30 November – 1 December 2023. The event included 52 presentations (including 4 keynotes), presenters from 18 countries and 146 participants from 33 countries.

Contribution: Jakovos Demetriou presented a 5 minute talk titled "Ants of Cyprus: 150 years in 300 seconds".

Link: https://www.hymenopterists.org/hymathon-2023-24-hour-marathon-of-hymenoptera/

New publication (12/10/2023)

Title: Running rampant: the alien ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Cyprus

Abstract: Biological invasions are considered a major driver of biodiversity loss, particularly on islands. Invasive alien ants can often have severe consequences on native biodiversity. Here, we review published and new information on alien ant species found on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, a biodiversity hotspot. Our checklist of alien ants of Cyprus includes a total of 17 species, of which nine are reported from Cyprus for the first time (*): Camponotus cf. vitiosus, Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, 1890, Cardiocondyla obscurior Wheeler, W.M., 1929*, Hypoponera punctatissima (Roger, 1859)*, Monomorium bicolor Emery, 1877, Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi (Mayr, 1904), Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802), Pheidole fadli Sharaf, 2007*, Pheidole indica Mayr, 1879, Solenopsis sp. (thief ant)*, Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846)*, Tetramorium caldarium (Roger, 1857)*, Tetramorium immigrans Santschi, 1927*, Tetramorium lanuginosum Mayr, 1870*, Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851), Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel, 1902)*, and Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863). We did not include three previously reported alien species for which we could not find supporting specimens [Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Nylanderia vividula (Nylander, 1846), Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius, 1804)], one based on a previous misidentification [Cardiocondyla nuda (Mayr, 1866)], and two species now considered native to Cyprus [Hypoponera eduardi (Forel, 1894), Monomorium subopacum (F. Smith, 1858)]. Literature records, specimens from field surveys and museum collections, the geographic origin of species, occupied habitats in Cyprus, and notes on invasiveness (spread and impact) are presented for each species. An identification key to distinguish alien from native ant species in Cyprus is provided, including widespread alien ants not yet known from Cyprus in order to support early detection, monitoring, and management efforts.

Reference: Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Martinou AF, Roy HE, Wetterer JK, Borowiec L, Economo EP, Triantis KA, Salata S (2023) Running rampant: the alien ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Cyprus. NeoBiota 88: 17-73. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.88.106750 

Link: https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/106750/

New publication (11/09/2023)

Title: The invasive ant Solenopsis invicta is established in Europe

Abstract: The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is classified as one of the worst invasive alien species and as the fifth costliest worldwide, impacting ecosystems, agriculture and human health. We report the establishment of S. invicta in Europe for the first time, documenting a mature population in Sicily. We use genetic analyses to assess its putative origin, as well as wind tracking and species distribution modelling to predict its potential range on the continent. We show that half of the urban areas in Europe are already suitable and that climate warming expected under current trends will favor the expansion of this invasive ant.

Reference: Menchetti M, Schifani E, Alicata A, Cardador L, Sbrega E, Toro-Delgado E, Vila R (2023) The invasive ant Solenopsis invicta is established in Europe. Current Biology  33(17): 896-897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.036

Link: https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00974-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982223009740%3Fshowall%3Dtrue 

Note: Although this species has not been found in Cyprus it is important to known of its occurrence in Europe and potential introduction to our island. Find out more about the species here under the section "Early warning on alien invasive ants expected but not yet reported from Cyprus".

New publication (16/08/2023)

Title: Camponotus Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Cyprus: generic synopsis and description of a new species

Abstract: Sixteen species of the genus Camponotus have been reported from Cyprus. Nevertheless, material sampling on the island confirms the presence of 10 species. Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) troodosensis sp. nov. is described as a new species to science, collected from low and mid altitudes in pine forests of the Troodos mountain range. Camponotus (Myrmamblys) cf. vitiosus, an Eastern Palaearctic species, is recorded from the island only from a single site in the Cedar Valley and is presented for the first time as a new alien species. An identification key to the 10 species of Camponotus known from Cyprus is provided. Camponotus kiesenwetteri var. cypria Emery, 1920 is transferred from a junior synonym of Camponotus kiesenwetteri (Roger, 1859) to a synonym of Camponotus libanicus André,1885, new synonymy.

Reference: Salata S, Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Borowiec L (2023) Camponotus Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Cyprus: generic synopsis and description of a new species. Asian Myrmecology 16: e016007. https://doi.org/10.20362/am.016007

Link: http://www.asian-myrmecology.org/publications/am16/salata-et-al2023-am016007.pdf

New publication (01/07/2023)

Title: The genus Messor Forel, 1890 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus

Abstract: Nine species of the genus Messor Forel have been reported from Cyprus to date. However, based on our samples and examined type material we confirm the presence of only three species on the island. Messor bucephalus sp. nov. is described as a new species to science, while M. orientalis Emery and M. syriacus Tohmé are redescribed based on the material from Cyprus. Their distribution, biology and possible misidentification with other species of the genus are discussed.

Reference: Salata S, Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Borowiec L (2023) The genus Messor Forel, 1890 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus. Annales Zoologici 73(2): 215-234. http://dx.doi.org/10.3161/00034541ANZ2023.73.2.006

Link: https://bioone.org/journals/annales-zoologici/volume-73/issue-2/00034541ANZ2023.73.2.006/The-Genus-Messor-Forel-1890-Hymenoptera-Formicidae-in-Cyprus/10.3161/00034541ANZ2023.73.2.006.short

New publication (01/07/2023)

Title: The ant genus Cataglyphis Förster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus

Abstract: The comprehensive survey of the ant fauna conducted in Cyprus revealed that the island is inhabited by two species of the genus Cataglyphis Förster, 1850. Both species are endemic and are described as new to science. Cataglyphis chionistrae n. sp., a member of the C. cursor species complex, occurs only in the high montane pine forest of Mt. Chionistra (= Mt. Olympos). While C. aphrodite n. sp., a member of the C. nodus species complex, is common at low and mid altitudes in open habitats or luminous pine forests. This work also provides the key to Cataglyphis from Cyprus and the very first synopsis lists of all the members of the cursor and nodus species complexes known from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Reference: Salata S, Demetriou J, Georgiadis C, Borowiec L (2023) The ant genus Cataglyphis Förster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus. Zootaxa 5264(3): 301-322. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5264.3.1

Link: https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.5264.3.1