Formica anatolica, Seifert & Schultz, 2009

Seifert, B. & Schultz, R., 2009, A taxonomic revision of the Formica rufibarbis Fabricius, 1793 group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Myrmecologische Nachrichten 12, pp. 255-272 : 21

Formica anatolica sp. n.

Derivatio nominis: from the distribution in Anatolia.

Type material examined: Holotype worker plus 4 worker paratypes labelled "TUR: 37.348° N, 34.360° E Hal-kapinar-32 rkm SE, Aydos Dagi 1600-1800 m, A. Schulz 1997.05.08-214" and " Holotype Formica anatolica Seifert & Schultz " / " Paratype Formica anatolica Seifert & Schultz "; SMN Görlitz.

Material examined: 13 samples with 54 workers from Anatolia (Turkey) were subject to a numeric analysis of 18 characters (Fig. 18). For details, see Appendix, as digital supplementary material to this article, at the journal's web pages.

Description of worker (Tab. 2, Fig. 8): large Servifor-mica species (CS 1.401 mm), head and scape significantly shorter than in F. rufibarbis (CL / CW1.4 1.110, SL / CS1.4 1.031) and eye distinctly larger (EYE / CS1.4 0.303). Petiole very wide (PEW / CS1.4 0.484). Clypeus with sharp median keel and fine longitudinal microcarinulae. Frontal triangle finely transversely rippled and with 55 - 80 short pubescence hairs. Eyes with microsetae of 8 - 10 μ m maximum length. Total mean of unilateral setae numbers on different body parts predicted for a specimen with CS = 1.4 mm: pronotum 8.9, mesonotum 4.2, propodeum plus dorsolateral metapleuron 0.1, petiole dorsal of spiracle 0.8, flexor profile of hind tibia 1.4, underside of head 1.6 (only species of the F. rufibarbis group usually having gular setae). Posterior margin of head normally without setae. Ventral coxae and gaster tergites with long setae. Dorsal mesonotum in profile broadly convex. Metanotal depression rather deep. Propodeal dome in profile obtuse-angled or rounded, the basal profile sometimes linear or slightly concave. Dorsal crest of petiole in frontal view rounded, sometimes (especially in larger specimens) with a straight or slightly excavated median portion. Petiole scale in lateral aspect thin, with convex anterior and more straight posterior profile. Gaster with transverse microripples of small distance (RipD 4.6 μ m) and covered by dense silvery pubescence (sqPDG 3.4). Pubescence on head, meso-soma and petiole dense. Posterior vertex, often dorsal pro-mesonotum, coxae and all appendages dark brown, gaster always dark brown. Other body parts reddish. In overall impression, this species appears relatively dark with remarkable contrasts between brown and reddish parts, especially on genae.

Comments on taxonomy: Well separable from any other Palaearctic species. The very clear distinction from the other two setose species, F. rufibarbis and F. tarimica sp. n., has already been presented above (Fig. 15). The short head, short scape, large eye and pilosity on underside of head suggest certain affinities to the F. cinerea group but the very wide petiole scale and overall pilosity pattern indicate an allocation to the F. rufibarbis group.

13 samples with 54 workers were subject to a numeric analysis of 18 characters. Turkey: Halkapinar (type), 8.V.1997 [37.348° N, 34.36° E] ; Bakirdagi , 10.V.1997 [38.217° N, 35.917° E] ; Belören (3 samples), 4.VI.1993 [37.211° N, 32.546° E] ; Cankurtaran , 10.V.2003 [38.155° N, 31.239° E] ; Carmadi (2 samples), 31. V.1993 [37.823° N, 35.102° E] ; Imrasan Gecidi (2 samples), 3.V.1997 [37.133° N, 31.800° E] ; Seydisehir , 5.VI.1993 [37.350° N, 31.750° E] ; Sylemaniye , 5.VI.1993 [37.100° N, 31.750° E] ; Ücpinnar, 4.VI.1993 [37.126° N, 32.250°] .

Distribution and biology: So far only known from south-central Anatolia in the region of the Taurus Mountains (Toros Daglari). Occurring there at elevations between 1300 and 1900 m. Most remarkable habitat selection: so far only found in woodland stands with Abies, Juniperus, Quercus and other deciduous tree species, occasionally interspersed with grassland patches.