Temnothorax ibericus ( Menozzi, 1922 )

González, Javier Arcos, 2021, Description of Temnothorax estel sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a review of the Iberian species of the sordidulus species-complex, Zootaxa 5005 (2), pp. 145-160 : 155

Temnothorax ibericus ( Menozzi, 1922)

( Fig. 2C and 6C )

Material. 2 workers, Spain, Sierra de Javalambre (Teruel), 5.VI.2015, 1648 m, Daniel Sánchez leg. ; 4 workers, Jaén, J. Reyes-López leg.; 5 workers, Lamiana-Escuaín (Huesca), 29.VII.2008, 42°35’01.9”N 0°10’06.0”E, 1080 m, Ramón Antor leg.

Diagnosis. Characterized within the Iberian sordidulus species-complex by its dark coloration, prominent superimposed longitudinal striae of head, well-defined metanotal groove, short propodeal spines and relatively wide postpetiole (PPW/CS usually>0.400). Smallest species of the complex (mean CS 0.548 mm).

Comments. T. ibericus is most similar to T. sordidulus ; they both show dark coloration with infuscate antennal clubs, elongated head, developed metanotal groove, short propodeal spines, rounded petiolar apex and short subpetiolar process. Its status as a differentiated species is justified by its more pronounced superimposed longitudinal striae on head, less developed reticulated ground sculpture of frons, less impressed metanotal groove and wider postpetiole of the complex. T. ibericus has been classically considered a member of the exilis species-group, but the reticulated ground sculpture, visible metanotal groove and petiolar shape perfectly match the concept of the sordidulus species-complex. The queen also shows the typical aspect of the T. sordidulus queens, with uniform dark coloration and short propodeal spines. Description of nest preferences and morphology of the queen can be found in Espadaler et al. (2017).

Figures

FIGURE 2. Head (left) and lateral view (right) of the workers of (A) T. conatensis (Mont-Rebei, Lleida), (B) T. estel sp. nov. (Sierra de Cazorla, Jaén), (C) T. ibericus (Sierra de Javalambre, Teruel), and (D) T. platycephalus (Sierra de Cazorla, Jaén).

FIGURE 6. Typical coloration and morphological appearance of the species in the Iberian sordidulus species-complex. Sculpture of frons (left column) and lateral view of workers (right column); T. conatensis (A), T. estel sp. nov. (B), T. ibericus (C) and T. platycephalus (D).