New data on Cataglyphis nodus (Brullé, 1833) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Iran

Abstract

Cataglyphis nodus (Brullé) is one of the fairly known ants of Iran. Here, we present new data on a morphotype from Chaharmahal-o Bakhtiari province (Cheri - Mavarz) closely related to C. nodus. The examined specimens were morphologically had very similar characters with the original description of C. nodus. In order to explore the phylogenetic position of Iranian specimens, a fragment of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) was used. The Iranian specimens belong to a clade containing C. holgerseni Collingwood & Agosti; C. niger (André), C. nodus and C. savignyi (Dufour). Surprisingly, it was clustered with C. holgerseni, indicating existence of a possibly undescribed species. The final taxonomic conclusion and description of the possible new species postponed until examination of the type specimens of both C. nodus and C. holgerseni.

Keywords

• coi sequences
• morphology
• cryptic species