Lasius persicus, Seifert, 2020

Seifert, Bernhard, 2020, A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic members of the subgenus Lasius s. str. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), Soil Organisms 92 (1), pp. 15-86 : 69-70

4.4.38 Lasius persicus sp. nov.

Etymology: The name refers to the terra typica where the species has been found.

Type material: Holotype and 2 paratype workers on two pins labelled ” IRAN: 36.5006°N, 51.9346°E Nur, Abpari forest , 318m, forest floor, in rotten log O.Paknia 2008.06.24 -2673“; 3paratype workers on one pin labelled ” IRAN: 36.5020°N, 51.9322°E Nur, Abpari forest , 315m, forest floor, in rotten log Paknia 2008.06.23 -2795“; 3paratype workers on one pin labelled ” IRAN: 36.50067°N, 51.9345°E Nur, Abpari forest, 318m, forest floor, in rotten log Paknia 2008.06.22 -2993“; depository SMNG Görlitz.

All material examined. A total of 11 nest samples with 25 workers were subject to NUMOBAT investigation. For details see supplementary information SI1.

Geographic range. Only known from the small band of humid Caspian forest in the northern Iran between 37.7°N, 48.8°E and 36.1°N, 53.2°E at elevations between minus 26 and 1170 m.

Biology. The species is obviously closely connected to humid broad-leafed forest. The majority of nests were found in rotten logs and more rarely in soil.

Diagnosis ( Tab. 7 , Figs. 73 –74; key; image in www. antWeb.org with specimen identifier CFH000014):

Shows similarities to both Lasius grandis and L. emarginatus.Medium-sized (CS 908 µm).Head length index medium and scape length rather large (CL/CW 900 1.064, SL/ CS 900 1.030). Outlines of head in dorsal view more rounded than in emarginatus , postocular distance significantly larger (PoOc/CL 900 0.239), eye smaller (EYE/CS 900 0.238).Torulo-clypeal distance large (dClAn 900 5.33). Terminal segment of maxillary palp of medium length (MP6/CS 900 0.192). Number of mandibular dents above-average (MaDe 900 8.70). Pubescence on clypeus very dilute (sqPDCL 900 5.11) and on whole body smooth; frontal pubescence appressed and of medium length (PLF 900 26.7 µm). Whole body and appendages with numerous long setae which are longer than in most of the related species (nOcc 900 13.7, nGen 900 9.8, nGu 900 11.7, nSc 900 23.3, nHT 900 20.6, nSt 900 3.8, PnHL/CS 900 0.161, GuHL/CS 900 0.140). Coloration: Mandibles, clypeus, antennae, legs, mesosoma, petiole, and frontal face of first gaster segment light orange brown; remaining gaster dark brown, vertex medium brown with orange tinge.

Comments. Lasius persicus sp. nov. is not to confuse with any species occurring in the area. The most similar sympatric species is L. illyricus from which it differs by much higher setae numbers (on scape and hind tibia in particular), longer setae, shorter scape and terminal segment of maxillary palps and smaller eye.

Figures

Figs. 73 and 74: Lasius persicus sp.nov.; holotype