Lasius tapinomoides

Notice:

This page is derived from the original publication listed below, whose author(s) should always be credited. Further contributors may edit and improve the content of this page and, consequently, need to be credited as well (see page history). Any assessment of factual correctness requires a careful review of the original article as well as of subsequent contributions. If you are uncertain whether your planned contribution is correct or not, we suggest that you use the associated discussion page instead of editing the page directly. This page should be cited as follows (rationale): Salata S, Borowiec L (2018) A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys (789) : 139–159, doi. Versioned wiki page: 2018-10-10, version 171572, https://species-id.net/w/index.php?title=Lasius_tapinomoides&oldid=171572 , contributors (alphabetical order): Pensoft Publishers. Citation formats to copy and paste BibTeX: @article{Salata2018ZooKeys, author = {Salata, Sebastian AND Borowiec, Lech}, journal = {ZooKeys}, publisher = {Pensoft Publishers}, title = {A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)}, year = {2018}, volume = {}, issue = {789}, pages = {139--159}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.789.27022}, url = {https://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=27022}, note = {Versioned wiki page: 2018-10-10, version 171572, https://species-id.net/w/index.php?title=Lasius_tapinomoides&oldid=171572 , contributors (alphabetical order): Pensoft Publishers.} } RIS/ Endnote: TY - JOUR T1 - A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) A1 - Salata S A1 - Borowiec L Y1 - 2018 JF - ZooKeys JA - VL - IS - 789 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.789.27022 SP - 139 EP - 159 PB - Pensoft Publishers M1 - Versioned wiki page: 2018-10-10, version 171572, https://species-id.net/w/index.php?title=Lasius_tapinomoides&oldid=171572 , contributors (alphabetical order): Pensoft Publishers. M3 - doi:10.3897/zookeys.789.27022 Wikipedia/ Citizendium: <ref name="Salata2018ZooKeys">{{Citation | author = Salata S, Borowiec L | title = A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) | journal = ZooKeys | year = 2018 | volume = | issue = 789 | pages = 139--159 | pmid = | publisher = Pensoft Publishers | doi = 10.3897/zookeys.789.27022 | url = https://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=27022 | pmc = | accessdate = 2025-03-06 }} Versioned wiki page: 2018-10-10, version 171572, https://species-id.net/w/index.php?title=Lasius_tapinomoides&oldid=171572 , contributors (alphabetical order): Pensoft Publishers.</ref> See also the citation download page at the journal.

Taxonavigation

Ordo: Hymenoptera
Familia: Formicidae
Genus: Lasius

Name

Lasius tapinomoides Salata & Borowiec, 2018 sp. n. – Wikispecies link – ZooBank link – Pensoft Profile

Type material

Holotype (w.): ‘‘Lasius / tapinomoides sp. nov. / HOLOTYPE // Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR00976 // GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Antonios Spilia Gorge / 35°15.245 N,24°34.220 E / 11 V 2013, 342 m / L.Borowiec // CASENT0845075’’ (DBET); paratypes (6w.,1q.): data same as holotype, CASENT0845076 to CASENT0845082 (DBET, NHMC, NHMB); paratypes (15w.), CASENT0845460 to CASENT0845474: ‘‘GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Kato Malaki / 35.28333 N,24.4 E / 15 V 2013, 235 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET, NHMC, BMNH).

Non-type material

2w. (pin): ‘‘Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR00467 // GREECE, W Crete, 339 m / Plemeniana n. Kandanos / 35.31666 N,23.71666 E / 2 V 2011, L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin): Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR01420 // GREECE, Crete, Rethymno / Orthes Gorge, 318 m / 35.3336 N,24.6848 E / 28 IV 2014, S. Salata’’ (DBET); 2w. (pin): ‘‘Collection L. Borowiec / Formicidae / LBC-GR00993 // GREECE, Crete, Rethymno / n. Argioupolis / 35.28333 N,24.33333 E / 13 V 2013, 197 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET); 1w. (pin): ‘‘GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Preveli Beach / 35.16666 N,24.46666 E / 7 V 2013, 10 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET); 7w. (pin): ‘‘GREECE, Crete, Rethymno Pr. / Road to Preveli Beach loc. 1 / 35.16666 N,24.45 E / 7 V 2013, 58 m / L. Borowiec’’ (DBET; 12w. (EtOH), Crete, Lasithi Prov., Gorge of Richtis, 35.16667N, 25.98333E, 245m, 08.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Orthes Gorge, 35.3336N,24.6848E, 318 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Antonios Spilia Gorge, 35°15.245 N,24°34.220, 342m, 11.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), road to Preveli Beach loc. 1, 35.16666N,24.45E, 58m, 7.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET).

Etymology

The name refers to the similarity of this species to species of the Tapinoma genus, caused by a very shallow metanotal groove.

Description

Worker.
Measurements: see Table 1.
Head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster uniformly coloured, brown to dark brown. Antennae, tibiae and tarsi bright brown to orange (Figs 1–4).

Table 1. Measurements and indices: L.tapinomoides and L.turcicus.

Measurements and indices	L.tapinomoides N = 10	L.turcicus N = 10
HL	0.707 ± 0.02 (0.679–0.749)	0.891 ± 0.06 (0.782–0.983)
HW	0.578 ± 0.03 (0.525–0.637)	0.798 ± 0.06 (0.682–0.905)
SL	0.668 ± 0.02 (0.625–0.715)	0.836 ± 0.04 (0.743–0.95)
EL	0.179 ± 0.008 (0.167–0.19)	0.214 ± 0.012 (0.201–0.235)
EW	0.132 ± 0.004 (0.123–0.136)	0.157 ± 0.015 (0.123–0.184)
ML	0.791 ± 0.04 (0.726–0.827)	1.06 ± 0.08 (0.935–1.18)
HTL	0.709 ± 0.02 (0.682–0.76)	0.892 ± 0.05 (0.799–0.961)
PNW	0.417 ± 0.018 (0.38–0.447)	0.558 ± 0.04 (0.48–0.631)
HI	81.8 ± 3.3 (73.4–85.0)	90.2 ± 1.8 (87.2–92.8)
SI1	94.5 ± 1.5 (91.4–96.3)	93.9 ± 2.9 (87.8–98.7)
SI2	115.7 ± 4.4 (112.2–127.6)	104.7 ± 3.6 (97.3–109.3)
MI	89.0 ± 3.1 (84.8–95.5)	84.5 ± 3.0 (81.1–91.9)
EI1	74.0 ± 3.6 (68.7–80.2)	73.3 ± 4.6 (61.2–78.3)
EI2	18.9 ± 0.9 (17.0–19.9)	17.8 ± 1.3 (15.0–19.8)
TI	82.0 ± 2.6 (75.8–85.2)	89.2 ± 2.2 (85.4–93.8)

Head oval, 1.2 times as wide as long, lateral surfaces above eyes convex, occipital margin of head slightly convex (Figs 3–4). Clypeus shiny and smooth, its anterior margin convex, lacking median anterior notch, covered with sparse, decumbent to erect pubescence, average distance between setae longer than three fourths of their length. Masticatory border of mandibles with 7–8 teeth. Eyes medium-sized, oval, 0.25 times as long as length of the head. Antennal scape long, straight or slightly curved on its anterior part, 0.9 times as long as length of the head, exceeding beyond occipital margin of head, in apex gradually widened. Pedicel more than 2.0 times longer than wide, average 2.5 times longer than second segment of funiculus. Other funicular segments from 1.5 to 2.0 times longer than wide (Figs 3–4). Surface of scape with very fine microreticulation, shiny. Its surface covered with thin, dense, adpressed setae, on its apical part several suberect setae also occur. Genae with few adpressed to suberect setae (Figure 3). Underside of head with thin, dense, adpressed setae and a few long, suberect to erect setae (Figure 1). Whole frontal head surface covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as three fourths of their length (Figs 3–4).

Mesosoma short, 1.9 times as long as wide. In lateral view, promesonotum low and flattened, metanotal groove very shallow, propodeum very low, propodeal dorsum slightly convex, propodeal declivity convex, less than twice length of propodeal dorsum (Figure 1). Whole mesosoma surface shiny with sparse microreticulation, covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence, and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as half of their length, metapleuron below the level of the propodeal spiracle with more than 5 setae (Figs 1–2).
Petiole scale low, in lateral view with slightly convex sides, its dorsal crest thick and arched (Figure 1). Gaster with very rare and fine microreticulation, shiny, bearing pilosity similar to this covering mesosoma. Legs long, shiny, with fine microreticulation. Surface of tibia and femora with thin, dense, adpressed to subdecumbent setae, extensor profile without erect setae (Figs 1–2).

Description

Gyne.
Measurements and Indices (n=1): HL: 1.03; HW: 1.2; SL: 0.9; EL: 0.3; EW: 0.24; ML: 2.3; HTL: 1.3; PNW: 1.4; HI: 116.5; SI1: 87.4; SI2: 75; MI: 56.5; EI1: 80; EI2:23; TI: 92.
Head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster dark brown. Antennae, tibiae and tarsi bright brown to orange (Figs 5–7). Head trapezoidal, 1.1 times as wide as long, lateral surfaces above eyes convex, sides of occipital margin of head slightly convex, its central part concave (Figure 5). Clypeus shiny and smooth, its anterior margin convex, lacking median anterior notch, covered with decumbent to erect setae, average distance between setae longer than one third of their length. Masticatory border of mandibles with seven teeth. Eyes medium-sized, oval, 0.3 times as long as length of the head. Antennal scape short, curved on its anterior part, 0.9 times as long as length of the head, slightly exceeding beyond occipital margin of head, in apex gradually widened. Pedicel more than 2.0 times longer than wide, 2.0 times longer than second segment of funiculus. Other funicular segments from 1.5 to 2.0 times longer than wide (Figure 5). Surface of scape with very fine microreticulation, shiny. Its surface covered with thin, dense, adpressed to decumbent pubescence, on its apical part a few short, suberect setae also occur. Genae with thin, dense adpressed pubescence and a few suberect setae (Figure 5). Underside of head with thin, dense, adpressed pubescence and a few long, suberect setae (Figure 6). Whole frontal head surface covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as three fourths of their length (Figs 5–6).
Mesosoma long, 1.6 times as long as wide. In lateral view moderately high, its dorsum slightly convex, propodeal dorsum slightly convex, propodeal declivity convex (Figure 6). Whole mesosoma surface shiny with very sparse microreticulation, covered with short, adpressed and dense pubescence, and sparse, long, thick suberect to erect setae, the distance between setae at least as long as half of their length (Figs 6–7).
Petiole scale low and wide, in lateral view with slightly convex sides, its dorsal crest wide and deeply concave in central part. Gaster with moderately thick and fine microreticulation, shiny, bearing pilosity denser than this covering mesosoma. Legs long, shiny, with fine microreticulation. Surface of tibia and femora with thin, dense, adpressed to subdecumbent setae, extensor profile of tibia with erect setae (Figs 6–7).

Differential diagnosis

Worker. As a member of the L.alienus group it is characterized by dorsal plane of scape, genae, and extensor profile of hind tibiae lacking or having very few erect or suberect setae and, in all species known from Crete, presence of >15 erect setae on the occipital edge of the head. Within the L.alienus group it can be classified to the L.turcicus complex. This complex can be characterized by small number of mandibular teeth (6–8), usually lack of suberect setae on hind tibia, very sparse clypeal pubescence, and more or less shallow metanotal groove. There are three known species of this complex: L.turcicus, L.neglectus and L.austriacus. Lasiustapinomoides sp. n. differs from all of them in presence of suberect to erect setae on antennal scape covering its apical part (ca. 1/3 upper part of the scape). Additionally from first two relatives it differs also in very shallow metanotal groove and from L.austriacus it differs in more flattened promesonotum, antennal sockets set not very close to posterior clypeal margin and habitat preferences. Lasiusaustriacus is related with xerothermous sites (Schlick-Steiner et al. 2003, Steiner et al. 2004) while L.tapinomoides inhabits moist, closed canopy forests.
There are two other species of the L.alienus group known from Crete: L.bombycina Seifert & Galkowski, 2016 and L.turcicus Santschi, 1921. Lasiustapinomoides differs from all of them in very small body size. Nevertheless, at the first glance it can be confused with small workers of L.turcicus, from which it differs in the following measurements (L.tapinomoides sp. n. vs L.turcicus): HI: 81.8 ± 3.3 (73.4–85.0) vs 90.2 ± 1.8 (87.2–92.8), SI2: 115.7 ± 4.4 (112.2–127.6) vs 104.7 ± 3.6 (97.3–109.3), TI: 82.0 ± 2.6 (75.8–85.2) vs TI: 89.2 ± 2.2 (85.4–93.8). For more measurements data see Table 1.
Gyne. During our fieldwork we could observe several gynes of L.tapinomoides and all detected nests were monogynous. Unfortunately, we were able to collect only a single specimen, therefore we provide very scarce data. As a coherent differential diagnosis is impeded, we decided to limit it to the most visible difference. Based on the morphology, L.tapinomoides differs from L.turcicus, L.austriacus and L.neglectus in presence of erect setae on tibiae.

General distribution

Greece: Crete – endemic species.

Biology

Species inhabiting moist, closed canopy forests, which are most often located in stream valleys. Nesting in wet soil, under shallow and small rocks. Nests, most often, located in the vicinity of water sources. Workers were found in the litter or on the rocks surrounding the nest entrance. Colonies monogynous.
The following ant species were recorded in the same areas as L.tapinomoides:
Antonios Spilia Gorge: Aphaenogastercecconii Emery, A.rugosoferruginea Forel, A.simonellii Emery, Camponotuscandiotes Emery, C.lateralis (Olivier), Crematogasterionia Forel, Messorwasmanni Krausse, Pheidolecf.pallidula, Stigmatommadenticulatum Roger, Temnothoraxariadnae Csősz, Heinze & Mikó, T.cf.graecus, T.cf.exilis, T.cf.luteus, Tetramoriumcaespitum (Linnaeus), T.diomedeum Emery;
Plemeniana n. Kandanos: Aphaenogasterrugosoferruginea, A.simonellii, Camponotuscandiotes, C.gestroi Emery, C.lateralis, Colobopsistruncata (Spinola), Crematogastercf.ionia, Lasiuslasioides (Emery), Messoribericus Santschi, Tetramoriumcaespitum;
Orthes Gorge: Aphaenogastercecconii, A.cf.subterranea, A.simonellii, Camponotusbaldaccii Emery, C.candiotes, C.jaliensis Dalla Torre, C.kiesenwetteri (Roger), C.rebeccae Forel, Crematogastersordidula (Nylander), Lasiuslasioides, Lepisiotanigra Dalla Torre, Messorcf.muticus, M.wasmanni, Tetramoriumcf.caespitum, T.kephalosi Salata & Borowiec
n. Argioupolis: Aphaenogastercecconii, A.rugosoferruginea, A.simonellii, Camponotuscandiotes, C.lateralis, Crematogastercf.ionia, Lepisiotanigra, Messorcf.muticus, M.wasmanni, Pheidolecf.pallidula, Plagiolepispallescens sensu Radchenko, Temnothoraxcf.luteus, T.ariadnae, T.cf.exilis, T.cf.graecus, Tetramoriumcf.caespitum;
Preveli Beach: Aphaenogastercecconii, Crematogasterionia, Lasiuspsammophilus Seifert, Lepisiotamelas (Emery), Pheidolecf.pallidula, Tapinomafestae Emery, Tetramoriumkephalosi;
road to Preveli Beach loc. 1: Aphaenogasterrugosoferruginea, A.simonellii, Camponotusbaldaccii, C.candiotes, C.gestroi, C.kiesenwetteri, C. lateralis, Cardiocondylamauritanica Forel, Crematogastercf.ionia, Cryptoponeochracea (Mayr), Lasiuslasioides, L.bombycina Seifert & Galkowski, L.psammophilus, Lepisiotanigra, Messoribericus, M.wasmanni, Pheidolecf.pallidula, Plagiolepispallescens sensu Radchenko, Temnothoraxcf.luteus, T.cf.graecus, T.recedens (Nylander), Tetramoriumcf.caespitum;
Kato Malaki: Aphaenogastersimonellii, Camponotusbaldaccii, C.gestroi, C.jaliensis, Crematogastercf.ionia, Crematogastersordidula, Messoribericus, M.wasmanni, Pheidolecf.pallidula, Plagiolepispallescens sensu Radchenko, Temnothoraxariadnae, T.recedens, Tetramoriumdiomedeum, Tetramoriumpunctatum Santschi;
Gorge of Richtis: Aphaenogasterrugosoferruginea, Camponotuscandiotes, C.gestroi, C.lateralis, Crematogastersordidula, Lasiuslasioides, Messorwasmanni, Temnothoraxcf.exilis, T.cf.graecus, Tetramoriumcf.caespitum.

Comments

We examined several hundred specimens of Lasiusturcicus from 76 samples across Greece and western Turkey (including initial nest samples), also numerous samples from Crete (see new material listed below). In none of these samples did we find specimens with such a shallow metanotal groove like in L.tapinomoides. This character is constant in all examined specimens and is always correlated with very small body size of workers and preference to humid habitats. Across all the sampled area within Greece and Turkey, where we collected species of the L.turcicus complex, we have not found workers or nests with workers similar to L.tapinomoides. Moreover, L.tapinomoides is the only known member of the L.turcicus complex that have suberect to erect setae on the apical 1/3 part of the antennal scape. This has prompted us to hypothesize that Cretan samples represent a new species. New records of Cretan members of the genus Lasius Lasiusbombycina Seifert & Galkowski, 2016
GREECE, Crete: 2w (EtOH), Omalos, 35.31667N,23.9E, 1122 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (pin), 03.v.2011, Omalos Plateau, 35.33333N,23.88333E, 1034 m, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Potamida n. Mythimna, 35.46666N,23.68333E, 37 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), W of Georgioupoli, 35.36666N,24.25E, 17 m, 02.v.2007, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 8w. (EtOH), Zaros Lake, 35.13333N,24.9E, 409 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kato Symi loc. 3, 35.05N,25.48333E, 818 m, 16.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Lasithi Platou – Plati, 35.16667N,25.43333E, 831 m, 01.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Orino, 35.06667N,25.9E, 523 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (pin), Ag. Joannis Forest loc. 1, 35.23333N,24.4E, 448 m, 06.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Ampelakiou, 35.26666N,24.46666E, 464 m, 10.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Fourfouras, 35.21666N,24.71666E, 578 m, 14.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), n. Velonado, 35.25N,24.36667E, 373 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), n. Vilandredo, 35.25N,24.31667E, 354 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), road to Preveli Beach loc. 1, 35.16666N,24.45E, 58 m, 7.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Selli-Oros rd., 35.28333N,24.5E, 473 m, 11.v.2013, leg. S. Salata, (DBET); 1w. (pin), Spili-Gerakari rd. loc. 2, 35.21987N,24.57144E, 804 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Asi Gonia, 35.25N,24.26667E, 716 m, 29.v.2001, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Niato plateau, 35.28333N,24.13333E, 1200 m, 19.vii.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Therisso to Kaloros Mt., 35.35N,23.95E, 1130 m., 31.xii.2013, leg. Simaiakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Therisso to Kaloros Mt., 35.3667N,23.9833E, 1134 m., 19.Vii.2013, leg. Simaiakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Diplori, 35.1667N,24.9333E, 1350 m., 19.x.1999, leg. Nikolakakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Dikti Mt., 35.11667N,25.4667E, 1450 m., 9.i.2001, leg. Simaiakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Tigania, 35.28333N,24.7333E, 1100 m., 7.iv.2000, leg. Nikolakakis (NHMC).
Lasiusmyops Forel, 1894
GREECE, Crete: 3w. (pin), 3w. (EtOH), Anopoli, 35.26667N,24.06667E, 1780 m, 22.vii.2006, leg. Chatzaki M. (NHMC, DBET).
Lasiusillyricus Zimmermann, 1935
GREECE, Crete: 6w. (pin), Limnakarou platou, 35.13333N,25.46667E, 1130 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Limnakarou platou, 35.13333N,25.46667E, 1130 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Dikti mt., 35.1N,25.46667E, 1750 m, 05.viii.2000, leg. M. Chatzaki (NHMC).
Lasiuslasioides (Emery, 1869)
GREECE, Crete: 1w. (pin), Agia, 6 km SW Chania, 35.46666N,23.91666E, 22 m, 03.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 5w. (pin), Askifou, 35.26666N,24.16666E, 730 m, 01.v.2007, leg. L. Borowiec & M.L. Borowiec (DBET); 7w. (EtOH), Diktamos Gorge n. Stilos, 35.43333N,24.1E, 160 m, 04.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kalives river, 35.45N,24.13333E, 26 m, 01.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), Kourna Lake, 35.31666N,24.28333E, 95 m, 03.v.2007, leg. L. Borowiec & M.L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Koutsomatados-Mili rd., 35.38333N,23.66666E, 308 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Omalos, 35.31667N,23.9E, 1122 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), Plemeniana n. Kandanos, 35.31666N,23.71666E, 339 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Potamida n. Mythimna, 35.46666N,23.68333E, 37 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 17w. (EtOH), Therisso Gorge, 35.43333N,23.98333E, 320 m, 01.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Ganies–Kalamaki road, 35.28333N,24.93333E, 439 m, 16.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Iraklion city-walls, 35.31667N,25.11667N, 46 m, 03.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kastelli 1 km E, 35.2N,25,33333E, 363 m, 15.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Katofigi, 35.08333N,25.4E, 560 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Miamou, 34.96667N,24.93333E, 494 m, 24.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Rouvas Forest loc. 1, 35.15N,24.93333, 1316 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Rouvas Gorge, 35.13333N,24.9E, 455 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Xanias–Miliarades road, 35.08333N,25.38333E, 504 m, 13.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Dead’s Gorge, 35.08333N,26.25E, 15 m, 09.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Gorge of Richtis, 35.16667N,25.98333E, 245 m, 08.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Hristos–Mathokotsana road, 35.08333N,25.56667E, 703 m, 11.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kalami–Psari Forada road, 35.016667N,25.48333, 419 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Kato Symi loc. 1, 35.05N,25.48333E, 1206 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Lasithi Platou – Pinakiano, 35.18333N,25.45E, 806 m, 23.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Lastros, 35.13333N,25.88333E, 336 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 10w. (EtOH), Limnakarou plato, 35.13333N,25.46667E, 1130 m, 26.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Merisini, 35.16667N,25.9333E, 309 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Mesa Lasithi, 35.16667N,25.5E, 838 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Moni Kapsa, 35.01667N,26.05E, 1 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Neapoli–Vrisses road, 35.2333N,25.6E, 443 m, 05.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Perma–Koutounari road, 35.01667N,25.83333E, 0 m, 11.iv.2014, S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Schinokapsala–Agios Ioannis road, 35.05N,25.85, 452 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Tourloti–Mirsini road, 35.15N,25.93333E, 266 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Voila, 35.08333N,26.1E, 578 m, 10.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 12w. (EtOH), Ag. Joannis Forest loc. 2, 35.23333N,24.4E, 480 m, 06.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Chromonastiri, 35.326944N,24.510278E, 262 m, 10.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Katsifou Gorge, 35.2N,24.38333E, 57 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Kissos, 35.18333N,24.56667E, 623 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Klisidi, 35.26666N,24.63333E, 642 m, 06.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), n. Velonado, 35.25N,24.36667E, 373 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), n. Vilandredo, 35.25N,24.31667E, 354 m, 13.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Orthes Gorge, 35.33333N,24.68333, 318 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Plakias, 35.191389N,24.395E, 4 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 41w. (EtOH), Plakias; Akrotiri Kakomouri, 35.16667N,24.398055E, 28 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), road to Preveli Beach loc. 1, 35.16666N,24.45E, 58 m, 07.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Spili, 35.21666N,24.53333E, 537 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Vistagi, 35.23333N,24.68333E, 563 m, 06.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Xirokambos, 35.110556N,24.558889E, 24 m, 12.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kournas lake, 35.31667N,24.26667E, 30 m, 10.vii.1997, leg. P. Lymberakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Kardaki, 650 m, 35.2N,24.61667E, 21.vii.1999, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC).
Lasiuspsammophilus Seifert, 1992
GREECE, Crete: 4w. (EtOH), Agia Triada n. Kalamaki, 35.0508N,25.7542E, 1 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Moni Kapsa, 35.01667N,26.05E, 1 m, 24.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Episkopi beach, 35.35N,24.35E, 0 m, 09.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (pin), Gerakari, 35.21666N,24.58333E, 751 m, 09.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Plakias, 35.191389N,24.395E, 4 m, 05.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (pin), Preveli Beach, 35.154444N,24.472778E, 10 m, 07.v.2013, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Irakleio, 35.33333N,25.13333E, 10 m, 18.ix.2010, leg. E. Panagiotou (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Chamaitoulo, 35.03333N,26.2E, 06.v.2001, 180 m, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC).
Lasiusturcicus Santschi, 1921
GREECE, Crete: 3w. (EtOH), Kalives river, 35.45N,24.13333E, 26 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 13w. (EtOH), Kato Daratso n. Chania, 35.5N,23.983333E, 35–40 m, 07.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 4w. (pin), Koutsomatados–Mili rd., 35.38333N,23.66666E, 308 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Potamida n. Mythimna, 35.46666N,23.68333E, 37 m, 02.v.2011, leg. L. Borowiec (DBET); 1w. (pin), Agia Triada n. Kalamaki, 35.0508N,25.7542E, 1 m, 24.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Agios Eirini, 35.26667N,25.15E, 130 m, 02.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Avgeniki, 35.18333N,25.01667E, 227 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kastelli 1 km E, 35.2N,25.33333E, 363 m, 16.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Katofigi, 35.08333N,25.4E, 560 m, 13.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Panastros, 35.11667N,24.98333E, 545 m, 03.v.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), Sfendili, 35.25N,25.38333E, 151 m, 06.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Stoli–Louves road, 35.03333N,25.01667E, 197 m, 30.iii.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Xanias–Miliarades road, 35.08333N,25.38333E, 504 m, 25.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Dead’s Gorge, 35.08333N,26.25E, 15 m, 09.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Hametoulo, 35.05N,26.18333E, 520 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Kalamafka, 35.06667N,25.65E, 472 m, 12.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Lasithi Platou – Pinakiano, 35.18333N,25.45E, 806 m, 28.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Praisos, 35.11667N,26.06667E, 193 m, 11.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 6w. (EtOH), Ag. Joannis forest loc. 1, 35.23333N,24.4E, 448 m, 06.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Chromonastiri, 35.326944N,24.510278E, 262 m, 10.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Frati, 35.2N,24.46666E, 297 m, 7.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Kissos, 35.18333N,24.56667E, 623 m, 09.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Kissou Kambros, 35.16666N,24.55E, 514 m, 14.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Palelimnos, 35.3N,24.41666E, 262 m, 15.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 4w. (EtOH), Plakias, 35.191389N,24.395E, 4 m, 05.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 5w. (EtOH), road to Nida platou, 35.25N,24.88333E, 1166 m, 01.iv.2014, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 3w. (EtOH), Setoures, 35.26667N,24.38333E, 305 m, 15.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 2w. (EtOH), Vistagi, 35.23333N,24.68333E, 563 m, 16.v.2013, leg. S. Salata (DBET); 1w. (EtOH), Agia lake, 35.46667N,23.93333E, 40 m, 08.vii.1997, leg. P. Lymberakis (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Almyros river, 35.33469N,25.05441E, 297 m, 03.vi.2012, leg. E. Aspradaki (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Aposelemis, 35.33333N,25.33333E, 7 m, 02.viii.2000, leg. A. Trichas (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Dikti mt., 35.11667N,25.46667, 1450 m, 05.viii.2000, leg. S. Simaiakis (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Dikti mt., 35.1N,25.46667E, 1750 m, 10.v.2001, leg. M. Chatzaki (NHMC); 2w. (EtOH), Before Amygdali after Neapoli, 35.2N,25.58333E, 561 m, 06.viii.1997, leg. I. Stathi (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Agios Titos, 35.18333N,24.75E, 1000 m, 14.iv.2000, leg. M. Papadimitrakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Ano Meros, 35.16667N,24.65E, 750 m, 15.iv.2000, leg. I. Stathi (NHMC); 3w. (EtOH), Garazo, 35.33333N,24.78333E, 100 m, 07.iv.2000, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC); 1w. (EtOH), Tigania, 35.28333N,24.73333, 1100 m, 07.iv.2000, leg. E. Nikolakakis (NHMC).

Key to Cretan Lasius species (based on the worker caste)

Key to Cretan Lasius species (based on the worker caste) — S. Salata , L. Borowiec

1.		Maxillary palps short, not reaching midpoint between mouth and occipital foramen, body yellow to orange (Fig. 15)    L.myops Forel
–		Maxillary palps long, distinctly reaching beyond midpoint between mouth and occipital foramen, body brown to black or bicoloured (Figs 1, 16–20)    2
2.		Scape, genae and hind tibiae only with perfectly adpressed pubescence, without setae, occipital margin of head usually with 8 erect setae at most (Fig. 21)    L.lasioides (Emery)
–		Scape, genae and hind tibiae often with occasional setae, pubescence not perfectly adpressed, occipital margin of head with more than 8 erect setae (Figs 22–25)    3
3.		Scape with few (>5) erect setae, body bicoloured, hind tibiae with numerous erect setae, mesosoma brighter than head and gaster (Figs 17, 22)    L.illyricus Zimmerman
–		Scape without or with maximum 5 erect setae, hind tibiae without or with a few erect setae, body uniformly coloured or head and mesosoma uniformly coloured, brighter than gaster (Figs 18–20, 23–25)    4
4.		Clypeus with dense pubescence, average distance between setae 3.5 times shorter than their length (Fig. 24)    L.bombycina Seifert & Galkowski
–		Clypeus with sparse pubescence, average distance between setae equal or longer than a half of their length (Figs 3–4, 23, 25)    5
5		Workers small, ML 0.726–0.827 mm, mesosoma with very shallow metanotal groove, apical part of scape with >5 suberect to erect setae (Figs 1–4)    L.tapinomoides sp. n.
–		Workers larger, ML 0.935–1.18 mm, metanotal groove distinct, apical part of scape without or with <5 suberect to erect setae (Figs 18–19, 23, 25)    6
6		Metanotal groove relatively shallow, propodeal dorsum flattened, hind tibia usually without suberect setae, number of mandibular dents < 7.7 (Fig. 19)    L.turcicus Santschi
–		Metanotal groove deeper and sharp, propodeal dorsum convex, hind tibia with few suberect setae, number of mandibular dents >7.7 (Fig. 18)    L.psammophilus Santschi

Original Description

• Salata, S; Borowiec, L; 2018: A new species of the ant genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 from Crete (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) ZooKeys, (789): 139-159. doi

Images

Figures 1–2. Lasiustapinomoides sp. n., holotype. 1 Lateral view 2 Dorsal view. Scale bar: 0.5 mm.  Figures 3–5. Lasiustapinomoides sp. n. 3 Holotype, head with antennae 4 Holotype, head 5 Gyne, head. Scale bar: 0.5 mm.  Figures 6–7. Lasiustapinomoides sp. n., gyne. 6 Lateral view 7 Dorsal view. Scale bar: 0.5 mm  Figures 15–20. Lateral view. 15Lasiusmyops Forel 16L.lasioides (Emery) 17L.illyricus Zimmerman 18L.psammophilus Santschi 19L.turcicus Santschi 20L.bombycina Seifert & Galkowski.  Figures 21–25. Head and scapus. 21L.lasioides (Emery) 22L.illyricus Zimmerman 23L.turcicus Santschi 24L.bombycina Seifert & Galkowski 25L.psammophilus Santschi.