Ant genus Strongylognathus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Bulgaria: a preliminary review

Abstract

Strongylognathus Mayr, 1853 is a Palaearctic genus, comprising 25 ant species, all permanent social parasites, infesting colonies of various species of Tetramorium Mayr, 1855. They have patchy distribution throughout their areas, and most of them are very rare and listed as vulnerable.The taxonomy of the Strongylognathus huberi group needs thorough revision and the results presented below can be considered as preliminary, but possibly useful for future studies.Four species of the socially parasitic ant genus Strongylognathus (S. karawajewi Pisarski, 1966, S. huberi dalmaticus Baroni Urbani, 1969, Strongylognathus cf. afer Emery, 1884 and Strongylognathus cf. italicus Finzi, 1924) are recorded for the first time from Bulgaria, and together with the previously known S. testaceus and S. bulgaricus their total number reaches six. The taxonomic position and geographic distribution of all species are discussed, and a Key for their identification based on worker caste is compiled.

Keywords

• ants
• Balkans
• fauna
• social parasites
• taxonomy