Ant Genus Strumigenys Research Articles

Strumigenys emmae (Emery, 1890) (Myrmicinae) new to Britain, with an updated key to the known Strumigenys of the West Palaearctic.

The ant genus Strumigenys is a hyper diverse pantropical group of specialised predatory leaf litter dwelling ants. Species richness peaks within tropics, with few species extending into the West Palaearctic realm. A significant proportion of Strumigenys species known from the West Palaearctic are non-native, spread via human commerce, and predominately establishing populations within artificially heated greenhouses. In Britain, two Strumigenys species were previously known, S. rogeri Emery, 1890 and S. perplexa (Smith, 1876). Here we add a third species, S. emmae (Emery, 1890) based upon specimens from the humid tropical biomes at the Eden Project, Cornwall (UK). A single record outlined here is noted as the earliest known record of S. emmae from Europe thus far, pre-dating previous records by four years. We provide high resolution images, measurements, and discussion on the ecology of the species. In addition, an updated key to the Strumigenys of the Europe is supplied.

Further additions to the knowledge of Strumigenys (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) within South East Asia, with the descriptions of 20 new species

The species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 from Southeast Asia are reviewed based on recent sampling efforts as well as unreported historical material from southern mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. We report 42 new species records for these regions. A total of 20 species new to science are described: S. anhdaoae sp. nov., S. claviseta sp. nov., S. crinigera sp. nov., S. decumbens sp. nov., S. delicata sp. nov., S. densissima sp. nov., S. doydeei sp. nov., S. fellowesi sp. nov., S. intermedia sp. nov., S. jaitrongi sp. nov., S. liuweii sp. nov., S. longidens sp. nov., S. mediocris sp. nov., S. rongi sp. nov., S. scutica sp. nov., S. strummeri sp. nov., S. xenopilus sp. nov., S. yamanei sp. nov., S. zanderi sp. nov. and S. zhenghuii sp. nov. The descriptions of the existing species S. elegantula (Terayama & Kubota, 1989) and S. nathistorisoc Tang et al., 2019 are revised. Strumigenys formosensis Forel, 1912 syn. nov. is synonymized with S. feae Emery 1895 in the light of recently collected specimens. Three species complexes are created within the S. leptothrix-group: elegantula-complex, leptothrix-complex and zanderi-complex, based on differences in dentition. A new species group, S. nathistorisoc-group, is introduced. The key to Strumigenys of East Asia (as Pyramica) by Bolton is partially revised to accommodate species from these species groups that were described since the publication of the key. Finally, the implication of our results to the region and the current limitation of species groups and complexes of the genus is discussed.
 A correction has been published: Tang K.L. & Guénard B. 2024. Further additions to the knowledge of Strumigenys (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) within South East Asia, with the description of 20 species – Corrigendum. European Journal of Taxonomy 917: 194–197. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.917.2399

New data on the genus Strumigenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Sumatra

The hitherto unknown queen of the ant species Strumigenys datryx Bolton, 2000 is described. Five species of the ant genus Strumigenys F. Smith, 1860 are newly recorded from Sumatra and illustrated: S. dohertyi Emery, 1897, S. edaragona Bolton, 2000, S. panopla Bolton, 2000, S. rotogenys Bolton, 2000, and S. sydorata Bolton, 2000. A list of 36 species of Strumigenys recorded from Sumatra is provided.

Lectotype designation and redescription of four commonly collected Neotropical species of Strumigenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

In 1887, Mayr described four species of the ant genus Strumigenys collected in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina: Strumigenys unidentata, Strumigenys subedentata, Strumigenys denticulata, and Strumigenys crassicornis. All of them were described based on a series of one to several specimens, without designation of a holotype, as usual at that time. The same can be said about Strumigenys eggersi, described by Emery in 1890 based on specimens collected in Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), without designation of a holotype. In 1961, Brown designated a lectotype for S. unidentata and synonymized it under Strumigenys louisianae. However, the specimens belonging to the type series of the other four species remain as syntypes. Considering that these are four of the most frequently collected species of Strumigenys in the Neotropical region, in this work we provide lectotype designations and complete redescriptions for S. crassicornis, S. denticulata, S. eggersi, and S. subedentata to ensure the taxonomic stability of these names

Morphology of the novel ventral scape gland in the ant genus Strumigenys

We describe a novel ventral scape gland in all 19 species of the genus Strumigenys that we examined, confirming the postulated existence of this gland by Bolton (1999). The gland occurs in workers and queens; it belongs to ‘class-1’ and is formed by a layer of epithelial secretory cells that line the ventrodistal tegumental cuticle of the antennal scape. The gland is characterized by its bowl-shape, by the ultrastructural characteristics of microvillar arrangement and by the presence of nerves in between the epithelial cells. These features make this gland structurally very similar to 3 other epithelial glands that occur exclusively in Strumigenys. Besides the epithelial ventral scape gland, also scattered class-3 glandular cells are found. The function of both glands in the scape remains unclear, although a role in prey attraction cannot be excluded.

Morphology of the Novel Basimandibular Gland in the Ant Genus Strumigenys (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

Simple SummaryAnts form a diverse group of social insects that are characterized by an overwhelming variety of exocrine glands, that play a key function in the communication system and social organization of the colony. Our focus goes to the genus Strumigenys, that comprise small slow-moving ants that mainly prey on springtails. We discovered a novel gland inside the mandibles of all 22 investigated species, using light and electron microscopy. As the gland occurs close to the base of the mandibles, we name it ‘basimandibular gland’ according to the putative description given to this mandible region in a publication by the eminent British ant taxonomist Barry Bolton in 1999. The gland exists in both workers and queens and appeared most developed in the queens of Strumigenys mutica. These queens in addition to the basimandibular gland also have a cluster of gland cells near the tip of their mandibles. The queens of this species enter colonies of other Strumigenys species and parasitize on them. We expect that the peculiar development of these glands inside the mandibles of these S. mutica queens plays a role in this parasitic lifestyle, and hope that future research can shed more light on the biology of these ants.In 1999, Barry Bolton postulated the presence of a basimandibular gland in the mandibles in all species of the ant genus Strumigenys, solely based on scanning microscopy observations. We now confirm the presence of this putative gland in the proximal outer part of the mandibles of 22 investigated species by histological and ultrastructural examination, including 10 short- and 12 long-mandibulate species. All species have a basimandibular gland, that is formed by 15–25 µm thick epithelial cells and belongs to class-1 following the standard classification of insect exocrine glands. We consider it a novel gland because of its peculiar bowl-shape and special arrangement of the microvilli that are confined to large vacuolar spaces instead of reaching the cuticle. The gland is most pronounced in S. mutica, particularly in the queen. In addition to this gland, we also found scattered class-3 intramandibular gland cells in the mandibles. Queens of S. mutica are peculiar in having a cluster of these cells in the distal tip of their mandibles. As this species is a social parasite, further research is required to determine whether the development of these mandibular glands is related to its parasitic lifestyle.

Using controlled vocabularies in anatomical terminology: A case study with Strumigenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Morphological studies of insects can help us to understand the concomitant or sequential functionality of complex structures and may be used to hypothetize distinct levels of phylogenetic relationship among groups. Traditional morphological works, generally, have encompassed a set of elements, including descriptions of structures and their respective conditions, literature references and images, all combined in a single document. Fast forward to the digital era, it is now possible to release this information simultaneously but also independently as data sets linked to the original publication in an external environment. In order to link data from various fields of knowledge, disseminating morphological information in an open environment, it is important to use tools that enhance interoperability. For example, semantic annotations facilitate the dissemination and retrieval of phenotypic data in digital environments. The integration of semantic (i.e. web-based) components with anatomic treatments can be used to generate a traditional description in natural language along with a set of semantic annotations.The ant genus Strumigenys currently comprises about 840 described species distributed worldwide. In the Neotropical region, almost 200 species are currently known, but it is possible that much of the species' diversity there remains unexplored and undescribed. The morphological diversity in the genus is high, reflecting an extreme generic reclassification that occurred in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Here we define the anatomical concepts in this highly diverse group of ants using semantic annotations to enrich the anatomical ontologies available online, focussing on the definition of terms through subjacent conceptualization.

Review of the genus Strumigenys (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) in Hong Kong with the description of three new species and the addition of five native and four introduced species records.

The species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 found in Hong Kong are reviewed based on new sampling efforts performed over the past five years (2014–2018). Prior to this, 12 Strumigenys species had been recorded from Hong Kong, all confirmed here. Moreover, we add to this list three newly described species: S.hirsutasp. n., S.lantauisp. n., and S.nathistorisocsp. n., and describe for the first time the worker caste of S.formosa Terayama, Lin & Wu, 1995. We report new records for nine additional species, bringing the total number of species to 24, including four newly recorded species (S.hexamera Brown, 1958, S.membranifera Emery, 1869, S.nepalensis Baroni Urbani and De Andrade, 1994, and S.rogeri Emery, 1890) which are considered to be introduced to Hong Kong. A global review of the introduced Strumigenys species is presented. The taxonomic validity of S.feae and S.formosensis is discussed in light of new specimen measurements. New ecological information on the swarming periods of 11 species is presented on the basis of year-long sampling of aerial insects. Finally, the importance of our results within Southeast Asia and the need for future sampling efforts in the region is discussed.

Chemotaxonomic Analysis of the Venom Composition within the Ant Genus Strumigenys (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Taiwan

In Taiwan, the ant genus Strumigenys is represented by 13 species, nine of which being endemic to this island. Classic morphological taxonomy can be complex and may lead to equivoque identification within this group. To clarify subtle species assignments, we investigated the venom composition of five Strumigenys species, using SPME extraction and GC/MS analyses, and searched for a suitable chemical marker. Our results indicate that three out of the five species tested showed enough specificity in their chemical profiles to allow clear differentiation. However, the two remaining species could not be distinguished from each other on the basis of their venom composition. We further assessed the phylogenetic relationships between the five species, analyzing both morphological and chemical characters. Our clusters revealed congruency between some species associations and suggested that the analysis of venom composition may apply, at least partially, to Strumigenys chemosystematics. However, important discrepancies also appeared, signifying that selective pressures for chemical diversification have operated differentially during the speciation and dispersal processes within this genus inTaiwan.

First record of the ant genus Strumigenys S. Smith, 1860 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Qatar by the invasive species S. membranifera Emery, 1869

The dacetine ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 is recorded for the first time from Qatar by the invasive species S. membranifera Emery, 1869. This is the second known record for the genus and for this species from the Arabian Peninsula. The distribution of the known species of the genus Strumigenys recorded from the Arabian Peninsula is also provided and ecological notes are given for S. membranifera.

Two New Strumigenys F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) from Montane Forests of Ecuador

Two new species from the myrmicine ant genus Strumigenys found in cloud forests above 2000 m in southern Ecuador are described and illustrated. S. lojanensis n. sp. is a member of the gundlachi complex described from 8 workers and 2 queens. S. madrigalae n. sp. is a member of the schulzi group described from 1 worker and 1 queen. Characters that permit separation from closely appearing species are presented. The gundlachi group of Strumigenys now has at least 5 species known from andean cloud forests above 2000 m in northern South America.

Notes on Ants of the genus Strumigenys F. Smith, 1860 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Arabian Peninsula, with a key to species.

The ant genus Strumigenys in the Arabian Peninsula is treated. Three species are recognized, S. arnoldi Forel, S. emmae (Emery) and S . membranifera Emery. The invasive species S . membranifera and the Afrotropical species S. arnoldi are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. A key to the Arabian species based on the worker caste is presented. Biological, ecological and distribution notes for each species are given. A regional distribution map for the three species is also presented.

Taxonomic Studies on the Ant Genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) with Report of Two New Species and Five New Records Including a Tramp Species from India

The Indian species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 are keyed. 24 species are recognized two of which are described as new and five represent new records to India. The 24 Indian species are: S. aduncomala de Andrade, 2007; S. assamensis de Andrade, 1994; S. emmae (Emery, 1890); S. exilirhina Bolton, 2000; S. fixata Bolton, 2000; S. godeffroyi Mayr, 1866; S. habropilosa Bolton, 2000; S. hemisobek (Bolton, 2000); S. hostilis Bolton, 2000; S. hypoturba Bolton, 2000; S. lyroessa (Roger, 1859); S. membranifera Emery, 1869; S. mitis (Brown, 2000); S. mukkaliensis sp. n.; S. mutica (Brown, 1949); S. nannosobek (Bolton, 2000); S. nanzanensis Lin & Wu, 1996; S. nepalensis de Andrade, 1994; S. peraucta Bolton, 2000; S. podarge (Bolton, 2000); S. rogeri Emery, 1890; S. smythiesii Forel, 1902; S. thanikkudyensis sp. n. and S. virgila Bolton, 2000. 5 species S. hemisobek; S. mitis; S. mutica; S. nannosobek and S. rogeri represent first records from India. Among these S. rogeri is a tramp species which extends its limit to India as well. A revised key to the Indian ants of this genus is also provided herewith.

The ant genus Strumigenys Fred. Smith in the Ethiopian and Malagasy regions.

The ant genus Strumigenys Fred. Smith in the Ethiopian and Malagasy regions.

The Neotropical species of the ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: group of gundlachi (Roger).

The Neotropical species of the ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: group of gundlachi (Roger).

The Neotropical Species of the Ant Genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: Group of Gundlachi (Roger)

This paper is a continuation of my series on the New World fauna of the dacetine ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith. Earlier parts, containing keys to the abbreviations for measurements and proportions, may be found in Jour. New York Ent. Soc. 61: 53‐59, 1o1‐11o (1953). In addition to these, other parts have been published or are being prepared. At the end of the series, an illustrated key to the New‐ World members of the genus will be forthcoming.

The Neotropical Species of the Ant Genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: Group of Cultriger Mayr and S. Tococae Wheeler

The present paper is a continuation of my series on the New World fauna of the dacetine ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith. Earlier parts, containing keys to the abbreviations for measure? ments and proportions, may be found in Jour. New York Ent. Soc. 61: 53-59, 101-110 (1953). Other parts are in press. Discussed here are S. cultriger Mayr, S. deltisquama new spe? cies, and S. tococae Wheeler, considered as members of the man dibularis series. S. cultriger and S. deltisquama seem to be re? lated, and these two may be considered as members of group cultriger. They are characterized by having basic mandibularis series mandibular dentition, with the addition, on the inner or masticatory borders of each of the shafts, of a straightedged, translucent lamella which ends in a right angle just short of the proximal preapical tooth. S. cultriger shows obvious close rela? tionships to the smithii group of the mandibularis series ; S. delti? squama is somewhat more aberrant. S. tococae has mandibularis-series dentition, except that the apical fork has two, instead of only one, intercalary teeth. A rudimentary lamella is also present on the inner mandibular border, but this does not imply a close relationship to the cult? riger group; in fact, the relationships of tococae are obscure, and its assignment to the mandibularis series is tentative. Each of these three species remains known from a single col? lection at the present time, so little can be said concerning their probable distribution. S. tococae is known to inhabit plant cavities above the ground, and its very large eyes appear to rep? resent an adaptation to arboreal foraging habits.

The Neotropical Species of the Ant Genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: Group of Saliens Mayr

The Neotropical Species of the Ant Genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: Group of Saliens Mayr

The Neotropical species of the ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: group of mandibularis Fr. Smith.

The Neotropical species of the ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: group of mandibularis Fr. Smith.

The Indo-Australian Species of the Ant Genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: S. Wallacei Emery and Relatives

This article has no abstract.