Tramp Species Research Articles

Filling gaps in global myrmecology: ants of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

ABSTRACT We present the first faunal analysis of the ants (Formicidae) of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), an island nation in the Arabian Gulf. We document a total of 35 ant species based on published, unpublished and new specimen records, including 26 presumed native species and nine non-native tramp species. The native fauna was predominantly of Palaearctic origin, with a few Afrotropical species. A new species of the genus Lepisiota Santschi, 1926, L. bahrainensis sp. n., is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. Habitat suitability modelling of the ant fauna of Bahrain was generated using a total of 157 recorded points against the panel of 19 bioclimatic factors. We used Maxent software to generate the final map which indicates a significantly high and excellent habitat suitability of species on the northern part of the country and high suitability on the eastern coasts. Our results show that the mean temperature of the driest season is the most effective parameter in modelling the distribution, and we present interpretations of the very low habitat suitability in the extremely arid desert in the southern regions of the main island. Finally, we present ecological and biological remarks and distribution maps for each species. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:18D05DD2-4B64-4A87-8389-582D5714411C http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:DA93B16A-C23B-45F8-8C6A-867B8734D587

On the report of a new world millipede (Rhinotus purpureus) from India

The Indian millipede fauna is diverse with many families and genera but remains seriously underexplored. Among the families of the order polyzoniida, Siphonotidae is the only family to have reports from the southern hemisphere. The tropical tramp species of this family, Rhinotus purpureus (Pocock, 1894) shows a cosmopolitan distribution. It has been repeatedly described as a new species leading to more than a dozen synonyms. It is designated as a common tramp species as it is frequently found in green houses and other synanthropic habitats from many different parts of the world including Kew Gardens in England, green houses in Germany, Central America and Southern USA, Comoro Islands, Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands. The present study provides the first record of R. purpureus, from the Indian subcontinent.

Worker Reproduction in the Highly Polygynous Ant Crematogaster pygmaea Forel, 1904 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

In most ant species, workers have retained functional ovaries, allowing them to potentially lay viable unfertilized eggs that develop into males. Mechanisms (ex.: queen and/or worker policing) have nevertheless evolved to control worker reproduction when the queen is present. In many species with a high degree of polygyny, especially in tramp species, complete sterility of workers has evolved, presumably to “trap” them within their “worker phenotype”. Our study showed for the first time that in the highly polygynous and polydomous ant Crematogaster pygmaea, workers retained the full capacity to produce reproductive eggs in queenless colonies, with at least some of them developing in adult males. We provide evidence that worker-produced males are reproductively functional. Although most queenless colonies produced eggs, few larvae developed into pupae and adult males. We conclude that workers strongly police the worker-produced offspring, even in the queen's absence. Probable high relatedness between queens of C. pygmaea colonies and strong genetic proximity between brood and workers could force the workers in their helper, non-reproductive function even if they keep the ability to reproduce. Our observations indicate that the production of adult males and gynes in C. pygmaea is controlled by seasonal factors related to the rainy season.

A revision of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Cardiocondyla Emery 1869 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

A synopsis of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Cardiocondyla Emery 1869 is provided. The four species groups which are of Palaearctic origin or which are restricted in their distribution to this faunal zone, the C. elegans, C. ulianini, C. batesii and C. stambuloffii group-consisting of 25 recognized species-are taxonomically revised. Further nine species belonging to species groups of Ethiopic and Oriental origin which may penetrate into and build up true outdoor populations in the southern Palaearctic are only treated in the determination key. The main working rationale of this 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 the species considered comprise 727 worker samples with 1555 individuals and 23,300 primary data. Including high-resolution photos of surface microstructures, all species are depicted by z-stack imaging in four standard visual positions. Numeric data on 19 phenotypical characters are presented in comparative tables and supplementary verbal descriptions are given. In contrast to species groups with Ethiopian, Oriental and Australasian origin, no member of the four Palaearctic species groups has developed a tramp species potential to spread globally. Four cryptic species are described as new: Cardiocondyla dalmaticoides n. sp., C. caspiense n. sp., C. verdensis n. sp. and C. rolandi n. sp. Confirmed were the synonymies of Cardiocondyla elegans santschii Forel 1905, C. provincialis Bernard 1956 and Xenometra gallica Bernard 1957 with C. elegans Emery 1869, that of C. elegans eleonorae Forel 1911 with C. bulgarica Forel 1892, that of C. elegans torretassoi Finzi 1936 with C. nigra Forel 1905, and that of C. bogdanovi Ruzsky 1905, C. montandoni Santschi 1912 and C. stambuloffii taurica Karavajev 1927 with C. stambuloffii Forel 1892. Cardiocondyla bicoronata Seifert 2003 was newly synonymized with C. nigra Forel 1905.

Parthenogenetic Reproduction in Strumigenys Ants: An Update

Parthenogenetic reproduction is a common feature for social Hymenoptera, as males typically develop from unfertilized eggs (arrhenotoky). Production of female offspring without the involvement of sperm (thelytoky) also exists but is rather exceptional as it has been reported for only 16 ant species so far. Three of these belong to the genus Strumigenys: S. hexamera, S. membranifera and S. rogeri. Our observations on the reproductive biology in various Oriental Strumigenys species extends this list of thelytokous ants with three more species: S. emmae, S. liukueiensis and S. solifontis. Of these six thelotykous species, S. emmae, S. membranifera and S. rogeri are known as tramp species. Reproduction without the need to fertilize eggs no doubt offers these species a considerable advantage when establishing colonies in new environments. Published histological data on S. hexamera and S. membranifera already showed that the queens possess a functional spermatheca. We now provide evidence that this is also the case for the four other thelytokous Strumigenys species. Retaining a functional spermatheca and reproductive system may keep the queens ready for the exceptional event of mating and hence increase genetic variability, as males do occur very rarely.

Anthropogenic Influence on the Distribution of the Longlegged Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

The longlegged ant Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith) is a highly invasive tramp ant species known for its deleterious effects on native ecosystems. While tramp ants are associated with human activity, information on how different intensities of human activity affect their distribution is limited. This study investigated how anthropogenic activities affected the distribution of A. gracilipes in Penang, a tropical island in northern peninsular Malaysia. Three study sites (Youth Park, Sungai Ara, and Bukit Jambul/Relau) were selected, containing four sub-locations corresponding to different levels of human activity (low, moderate, high, and very high), determined by the average number of passersby observed over 30 min. Baited index cards were placed at each sub-location to evaluate ant abundance and distribution. The results demonstrated that A. gracilipes worker abundance was highest in areas of moderate human activity, as opposed to areas with low and higher human activity. The low abundance of A. gracilipes in comparatively undisturbed localities may be attributed to unsuitable microclimate, lack of propagule pressure, and diminished honeydew availability. In contrast, its exclusion from more urbanized localities could be explained by high interspecific competition with other tramp species and the absence of preferred nesting sites.

The Ant Genus Cardiocondyla (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): The Species Groups with Oriental and Australasian Origin

The world-wide fauna of the genus Cardiocondyla is assessed to have 79 currently recognized species and is subdivided into 14 informal species groups plus three monotypical clades. It is argued that the phylogenetic placement of Cardiocondyla next to the genus Ocymyrmex Emery, 1886 as proposed by Blaimer et al. (2018) is doubtful. The main body of the paper is a species-level taxonomic revision of those six species groups and the one monotypical clade which have their centers of origin in the Oriental and Australasian regions. The fauna of this area comprises 26 species eleven of which are described as new: Cardiocondyla schulzi n.sp., C. argentea n.sp., C. semiargentea n.sp., C. argyrotricha n.sp., C. latifrons n.sp., C. micropila n.sp., C. allonivalis n.sp., C. excavata n.sp., C. goroka n.sp., C. subspina n.sp. and C. sulcata n.sp. Recognized as junior synonyms were: Cardiocondyla tsukuyomi Terayama, 1999 and C. breviscapus Seifert, 2003 of C. minutior Forel, 1899 and C. brevispinosa (Donisthorpe, 1948) of C. paradoxa Emery, 1897. Each confirmed species is characterized by verbal descriptions, 18 numerically recorded phenotypic characters, z-stack images in three viewing positions, the key, a differential diagnosis and, if available, a brief life history. Exploratory and hypothesis-driven data analyses of phenotypic characters support the separation of the cryptic species Cardiocondyla minutior Forel, 1899, C. goa Seifert, 2003 and C. tjibodana Karavajev, 1935, two of which have dispersed as tramp species to the New World. Missing development of postzygotic isolation due to very strong prezygotic barriers is indicated in the closely related species Cardiocondyla latifrons n.sp. and C. micropila n.sp. which produce fertile hybrids in laboratory rearings but apparently do not hybridize in a natural context even if nesting in close neighborhood. The strong prezygotic isolation is supposed to be generated by the prevalence of intranidal mating and the difficulty for a mated heterospecific gyne to become accepted in a foreign colony.

Diversity and composition of ant species in different urban areas in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Harahap IS, Asnan TAW, Widayanti S, Widhiastuti H. 2022. Diversity and composition of ant species in different urban areas in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4090-4096. Land use change, from natural to urban areas, is a threat to biodiversity because the disturbance created by human can destroy the habitat and decrease species richness. Ant is one of the most abundant animals in tropical habitats and most intrusive in an urban area. This research aims to determine the types of ants commonly found in various urban ecosystems in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Ant observation and sampling were carried out in Bogor City Areas at four different urban ecosystems, i.e., office area, shopping mall, housing area, and bus station. At each sampling location, ten observation plots were taken under different environmental conditions. Sampling was carried out for 6 months, from April to October 2021 with the direct collection and trapping method. The sample was then carried out to the laboratory for identification and data analysis process. The results of the species inventory obtained 7532 individuals and 28 species from 4 subfamilies, namely Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, and Ponerinae. The diversity of ant species at each location showed that the ant species in the bus station were not significantly different from the mall area. However, the diversity of ant species in three locations, namely bus stations, malls, and housing estates, showed significant differences with the diversity of ant species in office habitats. Anoplolepis gracilipes which is an invasive tramp species, is one type of ant found in all sampling locations with a relatively high abundance.

The previous concept of the cosmopolitan pest ant Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793) includes two species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Tapinoma)

Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793), known under the vernacular name Ghost Ant and being a widely distributed cosmopolitan tramp species with significant pest status, has been considered long-since to represent a single species. Yet, investigation of 83 worker samples from the whole globe provided evidence that the Ghost Ant consists of two species: 8.4 % of the samples belonged to the new species T. pithecorum sp. nov. whereas 91.6 % were classified as T. melanocephalum. Absence of mixed samples indicates that T. melanocephalum and T. pithecorum sp. nov. do not represent morphs of the same species. T. pithecorum sp. nov. is known from a greenhouse finding in Germany and outdoor populations from the south of the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, India, Malaysia and the Fiji and Christmas Islands. The phenotypical separation of the new species from other minute Tapinoma species of Orientalic, Indo-Australian and Australasian origin is very clear, allowing identification even by evaluation of z-stack photos. A detailed argumentation is presented that Tapinoma pellucida (Smith, 1857), T. coronatum (Forel, 1908), T. malesianum (Forel, 1913), T. australis (Santschi, 1928), T. australe (Santschi, 1928), T. luffae (Kurian, 1955), T. wallacei (Guerrero, 2018) and T. jerdoni nom. nov. should be considered as synonyms of T. melanocephalum. Synomymies of T. melanocephalum and T. pithecorum sp. nov. with T. indicum (Forel, 1895) and Tapinoma minutum (Mayr, 1862) are clearly excluded by morphometric data. Diagrams of principal component analyses, photos, a key as well as a morphometric table to separate these four species are presented. In a concluding section, is argued that the true number of species related to these four species is much larger than presently known and a warning is given regarding careless use of pigmentation characters in ant identification.

Japanese Tetramorium queens: identification key and species diagnoses (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae).

In Japan, nine species have been known in the ant genus Tetramorium, of which five or more are considered tramps. A key to the queens of nine Tetramorium species found in Japan is presented. The tramp species T.tonganum Mayr, 1870 is excluded from the key because no queen was available for us, while T.pacificum Mayr, 1870 is included because it was once intercepted at a port in Japan and exotic queens were available. Diagnosis of the queen of each species is provided together with differences between the two female castes. Tetramoriumtanakai Bolton, 1977 is resurrected from synonymy with T.kraepelini Forel, 1905 based mainly on the queen characters.

First Report of the Tramp ant Technomyrmex vitiensis Mann, 1921 (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae) in Brazil with Cytogenetic and Sperm Structure Data and an Updated Key to Brazilian Dolichoderinae Genera.

Invasive ants are usually harmful taxa and are considered a potential problem to biodiversity due to their negative ecological impacts, as they can outcompete native ant species. Ten such species are reported in Brazil. In this study, we report for the first time the Asian tramp ant Technomyrmex vitiensis Mann, 1921 at the municipality of Oiapoque, in the Brazilian Amazon. The colony studied contained workers, intercastes, males and larvae, which provided sperm structure and cytogenetic data. Considering the unprecedented report of the genus Technomyrmex as well as the recent finding of the primarily Australian genus Leptomyrmex in Brazil, we present a revised key for the workers of Brazilian Dolichoderinae genera. Technomyrmex vitiensis presented 2n = 16 chromosomes; all metacentrics and comparative cytogenetics on the genus is provided. A single rDNA 18S site located in intrachromosomal region was observed in this species, which is a common trait in ants. The spermatozoa of T. vitiensis had a filiform shape, with 78.13 (± 1.96) μm of total length and 11.43 (± 0.51) μm of nucleus length. Total and nucleus sperm size length fit with the known variation observed in other ant species. The occurrence of T. vitiensis in Brazil is probably a result of traffic between French Guiana and the Amapá state. Cytogenetics and sperm structures of T. vitiensis enhance the biological knowledge of this tramp species. We highlight the scarce knowledge of ant diversity in the state of Amapá and the consequences that the presence of this species may have in this region.

Diversity and Distribution of Forest Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Nepal: Implications for Sustainable Forest Management.

Simple SummaryThere is little information available about the species diversity and distribution patterns of Nepalese ants, as well as their importance in maintaining forest health. A survey of forest ants was conducted in Nepal to learn about their diversity, distribution, and role in forest management. Ants were collected using vegetation beating, sweeping, and hand collection methods in eastern, central, and western Nepal. Seventy ant species from thirty-six genera and six subfamilies were recorded in the study. The research also discovered five genera and nine species new for the country, as well as eight tramp species, four of which are major ecological, agricultural, and/or household pests. The study discovered that western Nepal and the Siwalik region have a relatively high ant diversity. Ant diversity was found to decrease with increasing elevation. The assessment of ant diversity using multiple sampling methods that cover all seasons and forest types may be useful in obtaining complete ant diversity data. Early intervention through sustainable forest management initiatives would aid in preventing invasive ant incursions in the forests of Nepal.The information available on the diversity of ant species and their distribution and interaction with forest health in Nepal remains limited. As part of a nationwide project on forest health, we conducted inventories to assess the diversity and distribution of forest ants and their role in forest management in Nepal. Ants were collected from 187 plots of 10 m × 10 m size along the north–south belt transects in eastern, central, and western Nepal. We used vegetation beating, sweeping, and hand collection methods in selected forest types. In each transect, we designed six plots in each major forest type (Sal, Schima–Castanopsis, and broadleaf mixed forests) and three plots each in deodar, Alnus, riverine, and Cryptomeria forests. We recorded 70 ant species from 36 genera and six subfamilies. This includes five genera and nine species new for the country, as well as eight tramp species, four of which are major ecological, agricultural, and/or household pests. Our study indicates that forest ant species richness is high in western Nepal and the Siwaliks, and it decreases as elevation increases. The high diversity of ant species in the forests of Nepal needs to be assessed with further exploration using multiple sampling methods covering all seasons and forest types. Ants can be useful indicators for ecosystem management and human impacts on forests. Reports of invasive ants in Nepalese forests indicate the relevance of urgent interventions through sustainable forest management initiatives to prevent future incursions.

IN1336] Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), is an insect native to South America, but an invasive species in many parts of the world. It is globally distributed. Linepithema humile is considered a pest species, primarily due to its feeding habits of tending and protecting honeydew producing insects, such as scale insects, which are often damaging to crops and ornamental plants. This aggressive, populous ant species also has a negative effect on native ant species. Linepithema humile colonies have multiple queens, allowing colonies to grow and spread rapidly. Under certain conditions, the argentine ant may also become a household pest if it finds a way into homes. Linepithema humile has been designated as a tramp ant species, meaning that it has an incredible ability to spread and establish in new areas and is difficult to control. Linepithema humile, like other tramp species, can establish in new locations quickly due to the multi-queen nature of the colonies, their abitlity to forage and find resources, and the extensive network of interrelated colonies they are able to form. This document provides an in-depth synopsis of the insect's life history, biology, and management.

Evaluating the conservation value of sacred forests for ant taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in highly degraded landscapes

Land use changes and accelerating deforestation rates impact biodiversity on a global scale. While it is well established that the loss of primary forests is devastating, considerably less is understood about the conservation value of sacred forests (e.g. Feng shui woods in China) as local biodiversity reservoirs in human influenced landscapes. When these forests were assessed, the focus was generally on floral diversity, while faunal aspects were neglected. Here we address this knowledge gap by evaluating several dimensions of faunal biodiversity in Hong Kong Feng shui woods. We compare taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional elements of the leaf litter dwelling ant fauna collected over five years among Feng shui woods and two woody habitats corresponding to two distinct successional stages. Ant assemblages in Feng shui woods presented higher species richness that were more resilient to invasions by tramp species, and encompassed specialist species with a distinct set of traits. Phylogenetic diversity was similar in Feng shui and successional woods, while functional diversity was clustered in early successional habitats. The scarcity of tramp species and presence of specialists in Feng shui woods despite their close proximity to human settlements highlights their conservation value for native species in highly degraded landscapes. Our results provide much needed insight on the faunal biodiversity of Feng shui woods. We highlight the conservation value and urgent need for a better protection of these widely overlooked sacred forests in highly disturbed landscapes.

Diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in mangrove forest of Pariaman

Ants are a social insect with high diversity and distributed widely to the world in many types of habitats including mangrove ecosystem. They also plays important role in mangrove ecosystem, but the study of ant in this habitat of West Sumatra still scanty. The purpose of this study was to understand the ant diversity in mangrove ecosystem of Pariaman, West Sumatra. The collection method used in this research is baited trap, beating and hand collection. A total of 11 species, 10 genera of ants belonging to 3 subfamilies were found in this study. Formicinae is the subfamily with highest number of species (5 spp.) and follows by Myrmicinae (4 spp.) and Dolichoderinae (2 spp.). The following invasive and tramp species were found in the present study, Anoplolepis gracilipes, Tapinoma melanochepalum, Tetramorium simillimum, and Tetramorium bicarinatum. The ant species diversity index in this study is moderate (H '= 1,2), while the evenness index classified as moderate (E = 0,5), and no species of ants dominate of this area were found (D = 0,5)

Ant Diversity in Campus Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, West Sumatra

Measuring biodiversity of ants in urban area is an essential part in management concept of invasive and tramp species. The aim of this study was to investigate ground-dwelling ant species diversity in the campus of Universitas Negeri Padang. Honey baited trap was applied to collect ants at two sites in this area. A total 11 species of ants belonging to 9 genera, 3 subfamilies were identified in the main campus of Universitas Negeri Padang. The highest diversity was by the subfamily Myrmicinae (with four genera, Monomorium, Pheidole, Solenopsis, Tetramorium), and followed by Formicinae (three genera, Nylanderia, Oecophylla, Paratrechina), and Dolichoderinae (two genera, Dolichoderus, Tapinoma). The location of campus Universitas Negeri Padang which is near the coastline and in the center of the city, have affected the biodiversity of ants. In the present study, invasive and tramp species were recorded in this area.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological reassessments of thief ants identify a new potential case of biological invasions

Species delimitation offered by DNA-based approaches can provide important insights into the natural history and diversity of species, but the cogency of such processes is limited without multigene phylogenies. Recent attempts to barcode various Solenopsidini ant taxa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae), including the thief ant Solenopsis saudiensis Sharaf & Aldawood, 2011 described from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), were precipitated by the unexpected existence of a closely related species, the Nearctic S. abdita Thompson, 1989 within the S. molesta species complex native to Florida. This finding left the species status of the former uncertain. Here, we investigated the taxonomy and phylogeny of these two species to determine whether or not S. abdita represents a new global tramp species. We inferred a phylogeny of the two species using DNA sequence data from four nuclear genes (Abd-A, EF1α-F1, EF1α-F2, and Wingless) and one mitochondrial gene (COI) sampled from populations in Florida, Guatemala, Hawaii, and Saudi Arabia. Both species clustered into one distinct and robust clade. The taxonomy of S. saudiensis was re‐examined using morphometrics. A reassessment of the morphological characters used to diagnose the worker and queen castes were consistent with molecular evidence. Based on combined morphological and molecular evidences S. saudiensis is declared as a junior synonym of S. abdita (syn. nov.). In addition, our findings indicate that S. abdita is a novel global tramp species which has a far wider distribution than previously thought and has established itself in many new habitats and different geographic realms.

Interactive effects of urbanization and year on invasive and native ant diversity of sacred groves of South India

Urbanization is a major threat to native biodiversity. Invasion of tramp species is a major consequence of urbanization, which might threaten native species. Ants are established robust ecosystem indicators. We assessed the changes of ant community in sacred groves (SGs) of urban and rural landscapes of south India between 2013 and 2019, and asked, 1) what is the effect of urbanization on ant community? 2) has the population of invasive ants, particularly Anoplolepis gracilipes – a globally notorious tramp species, changed in response to urbanization and year? 3) is species composition of ants in SGs different between landscapes and years? and 4) has the population of native ants or any ant functional groups responded with the population of invasive ants? The richness of overall species, native species, and invasive species was not affected by year or landscape, but the abundance was. In six years, the abundance of ants doubled, but due to A. gracilipes. A. gracilipes, previously restricted only in the urban SGs had established in rural SGs in six years. A significant turnover of native species was observed across years and with the population rise of A. gracilipes. While Generalist Myrmecines and Tropical Climate Specialists increased with the abundance of invasive ants, Cryptic Species decreased. We consider the stability maintained in the native species composition and richness in SGs, the aftermath of the conditions provided by SGs. However, the evident shift in the composition of native ants over the years point out how invasive ants affect the native species composition.

Non-native and Invasive Nylanderia Crazy Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the World: Integrating Genomics to Enhance Taxonomic Preparedness

AbstractInvasive species have devastating economic and ecological impacts worldwide, but proactive monitoring programs are rare on the global stage. By definition, tramp ants are associated with disturbance and human-mediated dispersal, making them especially concerning invasive threats. A proactive—rather than reactive—approach to monitoring for, preventing, and managing invasive species depends on taxonomic preparedness, which enables rapid and accurate identification. Emerging tools and technologies, including genomic barcoding and interactive online keys, can aid in species delimitation and diagnosis. However, resolving tramp species’ identities remains the fundamental first step in invasive species management because diagnostic tools cannot be developed and disseminated until species names are stable. Diagnosis of morphologically difficult species requires basic knowledge of species boundaries, biogeography, and phylogenetic relationships. This review comprehensively synthesizes information available for 15 known and five potential tramp ant species in Nylanderia (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): a globally distributed genus of over 130 described species, many of which are only diagnosable by subtle morphological characters. Nylanderia records were drawn from published literature, specimen databases, and museum collections to compile known distributions, biology, natural history, and taxonomy for each species. We review existing resources for visualizing known geographic ranges and high-resolution images of ants globally and encourage the use of these types of tools in support of invasive species diagnosis and distribution tracking. Finally, we discuss how taxonomic and life history information can be used synergistically with genomic and digital technology to develop tools for identification of these, and other emerging invasive insect species.

A Checklist of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pakistan

The present paper provides an updated checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Pakistan. These include seven of the 21 known extant subfamilies with 101 valid ant species in 33 genera. Five species are reported for the first time from Pakistan: Cardiocondyla wroughtonii Forel, 1890; Crematogaster biroi Mayr, 1897; Ooceraea biroi (Forel, 1907); Pseudoneoponera rufipes Jerdon, 1851 and Strumigenys godeffroyi Mayr, 1866. Images to scientifically validate new faunal records from Pakistan and facilitate prompt identification are provided. Among the newly recorded species, three species viz., C. wroughtonii; O. biroi and S. godeffroyi are considered as tramp species having the cosmopolitan distribution. Notes about type localities, depositories and distribution in Pakistan are provided to each species record. The list provides a synthesis of the regional taxonomical work carried out until now and will serve as a baseline survey for future studies.