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Evan P Economo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • evolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole
    Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2019
    Co-Authors: Georg Fischer, Benoit Guenard, Evan P Economo, Eli M Sarnat, Jenpan Huang, Nitish Narula, Milan Janda, John T Longino
    Abstract:

    AIM: The latitudinal diversity gradient is the dominant pattern of life on Earth, but a consensus understanding of its origins has remained elusive. The analysis of recently diverged, hyper-rich invertebrate groups provides an opportunity to investigate latitudinal patterns with the statistical power of large trees while minimizing potentially confounding variation in ecology and history. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic and macroecological data on a hyperdiverse (>1100 species) ant radiation, Pheidole , and evaluate the roles of three general explanations for the latitudinal gradient: variation in diversification rate, tropical conservatism, and ecological regulation. LOCATION: Global. TIME PERIOD: The past 35 million years. MAJOR TAXA STUDIED: The hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole Westwood. METHODS: We assembled geographic data for 1499 species and morphospecies, and inferred a dated phylogeny of Pheidole of 449 species, including 150 species newly sequenced for this study. We tested correlations between diversification rate and latitude with BAMM, HiSSE, GeoSSE, and FiSSE, and examined patterns of diversification as Pheidole spread around the globe. RESULTS: We found that Pheidole diversification occurred in series of bursts when new continents were colonized, followed by a slowdown in each region. There was no evidence of systematic variation of net diversification rates with latitude across any of the methods. Additionally, we found latitudinal affinity is moderately conserved with a Neotropical ancestor and phylogenetic inertia alone is sufficient to produce the gradient pattern. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Overall our results are consistent with tropical conservatism explaining the diversity gradient, while providing no evidence that diversification rate varies systematically with latitude. There is evidence of ecological regulation on continental scales through the pattern of diversification after colonization. These results shed light on the mechanisms underlying the diversity gradient, while contributing toward a much-needed invertebrate perspective on global biodiversity dynamics.

  • Introduced Pheidole of the world 1 Introduced Pheidole of the world: taxonomy, biology and distribution
    2016
    Co-Authors: Eli M Sarnat, Georg Fischer, Benoit Guenard, Evan P Economo
    Abstract:

    The objective of this study is to provide a detailed taxonomic resource for identifying and studying ants in the genus Pheidole that have established beyond their native ranges. There is an increasing need for systematists to study taxa of specific concern to 21st century environmental, food security and public health challenges. Systematics has an important role to play in both the theoretical and applied disciplines of invasion biology. Few invaders impact terrestrial ecosystems more than ants. Among the world’s 100 worst invasive species is the cosmopolitan and highly destructive Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius). Accurate identification of P. megacephala is imperative for the success of screening, management and eradication programs designed to protect native ecosystems from the impacts of this destructive species. However, accurate identification of Pheidole species is difficult because of their taxonomic diversity, dimorphic worker caste and lack of taxonomic resources. Illustrated keys are included, along with the taxonomic history, taxonomic diagnoses, biological notes and risk statements for the 14 most invasive members of the genus. Global distribution maps based on over 14,000 specimen and literature records are presented for each species. These results of this work will facilitate identification of pest species, determination o

  • revision and microtomography of the Pheidole knowlesi group an endemic ant radiation in fiji hymenoptera formicidae myrmicinae
    PLOS ONE, 2016
    Co-Authors: Georg Fischer, Evan P Economo, Eli M Sarnat
    Abstract:

    The Fijian islands, a remote archipelago in the southwestern Pacific, are home to a number of spectacular endemic radiations of plants and animals. Unlike most Pacific archipelagos, these evolutionary radiations extend to social insects, including ants. One of the most dramatic examples of ant radiation in Fiji has occurred in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole. Most of the 17 native Fijian Pheidole belong to one of two species groups that descended from a single colonization, yet have evolved dramatically contrasting morphologies: the spinescent P. roosevelti species group, and the more morphologically conservative P. knowlesi species group. Here we revise the knowlesi group, in light of recent phylogenetic results, and enhanced with modern methods of X-ray microtomography. We recognize six species belonging to this group, including two of which we describe as new: Pheidole caldwelli Mann, Pheidole kava sp. n., Pheidole knowlesi Mann, P. ululevu sp. n., P. vatu Mann, and P. wilsoni Mann. Detailed measurements and descriptions, identification keys, and high-resolution images for queens, major and minor workers are provided. In addition, we include highly detailed 3D surface reconstructions for all available castes.

  • inordinate spinescence taxonomic revision and microtomography of the Pheidole cervicornis species group hymenoptera formicidae
    PLOS ONE, 2016
    Co-Authors: Eli M Sarnat, Georg Fischer, Evan P Economo
    Abstract:

    The ant genus Pheidole—for all of its hyperdiversity and global ubiquity—is remarkably conservative with regard to morphological disparity. A striking exception to this constrained morphology is the spinescent morphotype, which has evolved multiple times across distantly related lineages of Indoaustralian Pheidole. The Pheidole cervicornis group contains perhaps the most extraordinary spinescent forms of all Pheidole. Here we present a taxonomic revision of the P. cervicornis group, and use microtomographic scanning technology to investigate the internal anatomy of the thoracic spines. Our findings suggest the pronotal spines of Pheidole majors, are possibly skeletomuscular adaptations for supporting their disproportionately large heads. The ‘head support hypothesis’ is an alternative to the mechanical defense hypothesis most often used to explain spinescence in ants. The P. cervicornis group is known only from New Guinea and is represented by the following four species, including two described here as new: P. barumtaun Donisthorpe, P. drogon sp. nov., P. cervicornis Emery, and P. viserion sp. nov. The group is most readily identified by the minor worker caste, which has extremely long pronotal spines and strongly bifurcating propodeal spines. The major and minor workers of all species are illustrated with specimen photographs, with the exception of the major worker of P. cervicornis, which is not known.

  • breaking out of biogeographical modules range expansion and taxon cycles in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole
    Journal of Biogeography, 2015
    Co-Authors: Georg Fischer, Evan P Economo, Pavel B Klimov, Eli M Sarnat, Milan Janda, Ronald M Clouse, Benjamin Blanchard
    Abstract:

    Aim We sought to reconstruct the biogeographical structure and dynamics of a hyperdiverse ant genus, Pheidole, and to test several predictions of the taxon cycle hypothesis. Using large datasets on Pheidole geographical distributions and phylogeny, we (1) inferred patterns of biogeographical modularity (clusters of areas with similar faunal composition), (2) tested whether species in open habitats are more likely to be expanding their range beyond module boundaries, and (3) tested whether there is a bias of lineage flow from high- to low-diversity areas. Location The Old World. Methods We compiled and jointly analysed a comprehensive database of Pheidole geographical distributions, the ecological affinities of different species, and a multilocus phylogeny of the Old World radiation. We used network modularity methods to infer biogeographical structure in the genus and comparative methods to evaluate the hypotheses. Results The network analysis identified eight biogeographical modules, and a suite of species with anomalous ranges that are statistically more likely to occur in open habitat, supporting the hypothesis that open habitats promote range expansion. Phylogenetic analysis shows evidence for a cascade pattern of colonization from Asia to New Guinea to the Pacific, but no ‘upstream’ colonization in the reverse direction. Main conclusions The distributions of Pheidole lineages in the Old World are highly modular, with modules generally corresponding to biogeographical regions inferred in other groups of organisms. However, some lineages have expanded their ranges across module boundaries, and these species are more likely to be adapted to open habitats rather than interior forest. In addition, there is a cascade pattern of dispersal from higher to lower diversity areas during these range expansions. Our findings are consistent with the taxon cycle hypothesis, although they do not rule out alternative interpretations.

Michael J.w. Copland - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Interference by ants in biological control of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Ghana.
    Bulletin of Entomological Research, 1993
    Co-Authors: A. R. Cudjoe, Peter Neuenschwander, Michael J.w. Copland
    Abstract:

    AbstractIn surveys of cassava fields in the coastal savanna and rain forest zones of Ghana, eight species of ants, mostly in the genera Camponotus, Crematogaster and Pheidole (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), were found attending cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero. Ant densities were much higher in the rain forest than in the savanna and, in most zones, positively correlated to mealybug population densities. Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) was the only species more abundant in the interior of fields, whereas the other species preferred the edges of fields or, like Camponotus spp., did not respond to edge effects. Weediness of the fields did not clearly influence the presence of ants. Crematogaster sp. and P. megacephala spent most of the time on cassava tips, where they built carton tents. Ants of the three genera reduced parasitism rates by the exotic Epidinocarsis lopezi (De Santis) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) to half, compared to the rates observed on mealybug colonies of equal size that were not attended. Hyperparasitism by Prochiloneurus insolitus (Alam) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Chartocerus hyalipennis Hayat (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) and predation by the indigenous Exochomus troberti Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were similarly reduced. Where ants were excluded experimentally by insectcide barriers, parasitism was 32%, compared to only 10% in the control, and predator densities were reduced three-fold. In a 24 h experiment, Pheidole megacephala was observed to remove about half the E. troberti larvae; Crematogaster sp. and Camponotus spp. were less efficient. The results show the locally strong interference of ants with biological control of the cassava mealybug. Despite this interference, mealybug populations in the rain forest were judged to be below damaging levels.

Georg Fischer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • evolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole
    Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2019
    Co-Authors: Georg Fischer, Benoit Guenard, Evan P Economo, Eli M Sarnat, Jenpan Huang, Nitish Narula, Milan Janda, John T Longino
    Abstract:

    AIM: The latitudinal diversity gradient is the dominant pattern of life on Earth, but a consensus understanding of its origins has remained elusive. The analysis of recently diverged, hyper-rich invertebrate groups provides an opportunity to investigate latitudinal patterns with the statistical power of large trees while minimizing potentially confounding variation in ecology and history. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic and macroecological data on a hyperdiverse (>1100 species) ant radiation, Pheidole , and evaluate the roles of three general explanations for the latitudinal gradient: variation in diversification rate, tropical conservatism, and ecological regulation. LOCATION: Global. TIME PERIOD: The past 35 million years. MAJOR TAXA STUDIED: The hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole Westwood. METHODS: We assembled geographic data for 1499 species and morphospecies, and inferred a dated phylogeny of Pheidole of 449 species, including 150 species newly sequenced for this study. We tested correlations between diversification rate and latitude with BAMM, HiSSE, GeoSSE, and FiSSE, and examined patterns of diversification as Pheidole spread around the globe. RESULTS: We found that Pheidole diversification occurred in series of bursts when new continents were colonized, followed by a slowdown in each region. There was no evidence of systematic variation of net diversification rates with latitude across any of the methods. Additionally, we found latitudinal affinity is moderately conserved with a Neotropical ancestor and phylogenetic inertia alone is sufficient to produce the gradient pattern. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Overall our results are consistent with tropical conservatism explaining the diversity gradient, while providing no evidence that diversification rate varies systematically with latitude. There is evidence of ecological regulation on continental scales through the pattern of diversification after colonization. These results shed light on the mechanisms underlying the diversity gradient, while contributing toward a much-needed invertebrate perspective on global biodiversity dynamics.

  • Introduced Pheidole of the world 1 Introduced Pheidole of the world: taxonomy, biology and distribution
    2016
    Co-Authors: Eli M Sarnat, Georg Fischer, Benoit Guenard, Evan P Economo
    Abstract:

    The objective of this study is to provide a detailed taxonomic resource for identifying and studying ants in the genus Pheidole that have established beyond their native ranges. There is an increasing need for systematists to study taxa of specific concern to 21st century environmental, food security and public health challenges. Systematics has an important role to play in both the theoretical and applied disciplines of invasion biology. Few invaders impact terrestrial ecosystems more than ants. Among the world’s 100 worst invasive species is the cosmopolitan and highly destructive Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius). Accurate identification of P. megacephala is imperative for the success of screening, management and eradication programs designed to protect native ecosystems from the impacts of this destructive species. However, accurate identification of Pheidole species is difficult because of their taxonomic diversity, dimorphic worker caste and lack of taxonomic resources. Illustrated keys are included, along with the taxonomic history, taxonomic diagnoses, biological notes and risk statements for the 14 most invasive members of the genus. Global distribution maps based on over 14,000 specimen and literature records are presented for each species. These results of this work will facilitate identification of pest species, determination o

  • revision and microtomography of the Pheidole knowlesi group an endemic ant radiation in fiji hymenoptera formicidae myrmicinae
    PLOS ONE, 2016
    Co-Authors: Georg Fischer, Evan P Economo, Eli M Sarnat
    Abstract:

    The Fijian islands, a remote archipelago in the southwestern Pacific, are home to a number of spectacular endemic radiations of plants and animals. Unlike most Pacific archipelagos, these evolutionary radiations extend to social insects, including ants. One of the most dramatic examples of ant radiation in Fiji has occurred in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole. Most of the 17 native Fijian Pheidole belong to one of two species groups that descended from a single colonization, yet have evolved dramatically contrasting morphologies: the spinescent P. roosevelti species group, and the more morphologically conservative P. knowlesi species group. Here we revise the knowlesi group, in light of recent phylogenetic results, and enhanced with modern methods of X-ray microtomography. We recognize six species belonging to this group, including two of which we describe as new: Pheidole caldwelli Mann, Pheidole kava sp. n., Pheidole knowlesi Mann, P. ululevu sp. n., P. vatu Mann, and P. wilsoni Mann. Detailed measurements and descriptions, identification keys, and high-resolution images for queens, major and minor workers are provided. In addition, we include highly detailed 3D surface reconstructions for all available castes.

  • inordinate spinescence taxonomic revision and microtomography of the Pheidole cervicornis species group hymenoptera formicidae
    PLOS ONE, 2016
    Co-Authors: Eli M Sarnat, Georg Fischer, Evan P Economo
    Abstract:

    The ant genus Pheidole—for all of its hyperdiversity and global ubiquity—is remarkably conservative with regard to morphological disparity. A striking exception to this constrained morphology is the spinescent morphotype, which has evolved multiple times across distantly related lineages of Indoaustralian Pheidole. The Pheidole cervicornis group contains perhaps the most extraordinary spinescent forms of all Pheidole. Here we present a taxonomic revision of the P. cervicornis group, and use microtomographic scanning technology to investigate the internal anatomy of the thoracic spines. Our findings suggest the pronotal spines of Pheidole majors, are possibly skeletomuscular adaptations for supporting their disproportionately large heads. The ‘head support hypothesis’ is an alternative to the mechanical defense hypothesis most often used to explain spinescence in ants. The P. cervicornis group is known only from New Guinea and is represented by the following four species, including two described here as new: P. barumtaun Donisthorpe, P. drogon sp. nov., P. cervicornis Emery, and P. viserion sp. nov. The group is most readily identified by the minor worker caste, which has extremely long pronotal spines and strongly bifurcating propodeal spines. The major and minor workers of all species are illustrated with specimen photographs, with the exception of the major worker of P. cervicornis, which is not known.

  • breaking out of biogeographical modules range expansion and taxon cycles in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole
    Journal of Biogeography, 2015
    Co-Authors: Georg Fischer, Evan P Economo, Pavel B Klimov, Eli M Sarnat, Milan Janda, Ronald M Clouse, Benjamin Blanchard
    Abstract:

    Aim We sought to reconstruct the biogeographical structure and dynamics of a hyperdiverse ant genus, Pheidole, and to test several predictions of the taxon cycle hypothesis. Using large datasets on Pheidole geographical distributions and phylogeny, we (1) inferred patterns of biogeographical modularity (clusters of areas with similar faunal composition), (2) tested whether species in open habitats are more likely to be expanding their range beyond module boundaries, and (3) tested whether there is a bias of lineage flow from high- to low-diversity areas. Location The Old World. Methods We compiled and jointly analysed a comprehensive database of Pheidole geographical distributions, the ecological affinities of different species, and a multilocus phylogeny of the Old World radiation. We used network modularity methods to infer biogeographical structure in the genus and comparative methods to evaluate the hypotheses. Results The network analysis identified eight biogeographical modules, and a suite of species with anomalous ranges that are statistically more likely to occur in open habitat, supporting the hypothesis that open habitats promote range expansion. Phylogenetic analysis shows evidence for a cascade pattern of colonization from Asia to New Guinea to the Pacific, but no ‘upstream’ colonization in the reverse direction. Main conclusions The distributions of Pheidole lineages in the Old World are highly modular, with modules generally corresponding to biogeographical regions inferred in other groups of organisms. However, some lineages have expanded their ranges across module boundaries, and these species are more likely to be adapted to open habitats rather than interior forest. In addition, there is a cascade pattern of dispersal from higher to lower diversity areas during these range expansions. Our findings are consistent with the taxon cycle hypothesis, although they do not rule out alternative interpretations.

Brian L Fisher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • first record of the ant Pheidole megatron fischer and fisher 2013 hymenoptera formicidae from rwanda
    African Zoology, 2021
    Co-Authors: Venuste Nsengimana, Ann Vanderheyden, Sophie Gombeer, Nathalie Smitz, Kenny Meganck, Marc De Meyer, Thierry Backeljau, Brian L Fisher
    Abstract:

    We present the first record of the ant Pheidole megatron Fischer and Fisher, 2013 in Rwanda, a species thought to be endemic to the Malagasy region. Specimens were collected in July 2019, in one of...

  • Pheidole westwood 1839 hymenoptera formicidae of madagascar an introduction and a taxonomic revision of eleven species groups
    ZooKeys, 2020
    Co-Authors: Sebastian Salata, Brian L Fisher
    Abstract:

    The present study represents an introduction to the revision of Pheidole Westwood, 1839 from Madagascar. Sixteen species groups are established, of which eleven are revised below, and illustrated identification keys to species groups and species of groups revised in this monograph are presented. Two species are raised to species level: Pheidole petax Forel, 1895 stat. nov., and P. scabrata Forel, 1895 stat. nov. We also redescribe worker castes and designate lectotypes for P. annemariae Forel, 1918, P. nemoralis Forel, 1892, P. petax Forel, 1895, P. ensifera Forel, 1897, P. longispinosa Forel, 1891, and P. scabrata Forel, 1895. The following 46 new species are described: Pheidole aelloeasp. nov., P. alasp. nov., P. andapasp. nov., P. ankeranasp. nov., P. avaratrasp. nov., P. bemarahaensissp. nov., P. bemarivoensissp. nov., P. binarasp. nov., P. boriborasp. nov., P. brevipilosasp. nov., P. curvistriatasp. nov., P. diakritossp. nov., P. ehazoarasp. nov., P. ferrugineasp. nov., P. fisakasp. nov., P. fitaratasp. nov., P. glabrasp. nov., P. goavanasp. nov., P. lamperossp. nov., P. longipilosasp. nov., P. luteasp. nov., P. madinikasp. nov., P. mahaboensissp. nov., P. maizinasp. nov., P. makaensissp. nov., P. makirovanasp. nov., P. manantenensissp. nov., P. mantadiasp. nov., P. marieannaesp. nov., P. masoalasp. nov., P. mavesatrasp. nov., P. miramilasp. nov., P. moramanaensissp. nov., P. navoatrensissp. nov., P. ocypodeasp. nov., P. parvioculasp. nov., P. podargeasp. nov., P. praegrandissp. nov., P. ranohirensissp. nov., P. rugocephalasp. nov., P. rugofitaratasp. nov., P. typhlossp. nov., P. vatovavensissp. nov., P. voasarasp. nov., P. vohemarensissp. nov., and P. zavamanirasp. nov. At present, there are 69 valid species and subspecies of Pheidole known from Madagascar, but this number is expected to increase significantly with upcoming taxonomic revisions of the species groups not revised in this study.

  • Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Madagascar – an introduction and a taxonomic revision of eleven species groups
    'Pensoft Publishers', 2020
    Co-Authors: Sebastian Salata, Brian L Fisher
    Abstract:

    In the global scale, the genus Pheidole Westwood, 1839 is one of the most diverse ant genera. However, very little is known about the Pheidole fauna of Madagascar – an island considered as a global biodiversity hotspot. Most of the data describing the diversity of this genus on the island can be found in a number of short faunistic notes in majority originating in the late 1800s. The last Madagascar Pheidole species was described more than 100 years ago. Thanks to comprehensive inventories conducted across the island the Pheidole collection deposited at the California Academy of Sciences contains more than 50,000 specimens from almost 4,500 localities. This material, combined with type specimens deposited in Museum d’Historie Naturelle, Geneva, was used as a base for a taxonomic review of this genus. Here we present an introduction to Pheidole of Madagascar, define 16 species groups, containing approximately 140 species, and revise eleven of them. The monograph also includes keys to species groups, and 52 species – members of groups revised in this monograph. This publication is meant to be the first in a series aiming to revise the taxonomy of all Pheidole in Madagascar

  • the evolution of myrmicine ants phylogeny and biogeography of a hyperdiverse ant clade hymenoptera formicidae
    Systematic Entomology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Philip S Ward, Sean G Brady, Brian L Fisher, Ted R Schultz
    Abstract:

    This study investigates the evolutionary history of a hyperdiverse clade, the ant subfamily Myrmicinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), based on analyses of a data matrix comprising 251 species and 11 nuclear gene fragments. Under both maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods of inference, we recover a robust phylogeny that reveals six major clades of Myrmicinae, here treated as newly defined tribes and occur- ring as a pectinate series: Myrmicini, Pogonomyrmecini trib.n., Stenammini, Solenop- sidini, Attini and Crematogastrini. Because we condense the former 25 myrmicine tribes into a new six-tribe scheme, membership in some tribes is now notably different, espe- cially regarding Attini. We demonstrate that the monotypic genus Ankylomyrma is nei- ther in the Myrmicinae nor even a member of the more inclusive formicoid clade - rather it is a poneroid ant, sister to the genus Tatuidris (Agroecomyrmecinae). Several species-rich myrmicine genera are shown to be nonmonophyletic, including Pogono- myrmex, Aphaenogaster, Messor, Monomorium, Pheidole, Temnothorax andTetramor- ium. We propose a number of generic synonymies to partially alleviate these problems (senior synonym listed first): Pheidole = AnisoPheidole syn.n. = Machomyrma syn.n.; Temnothorax = Chalepoxenus syn.n. = Myrmoxenus syn.n. = Protomognathus syn.n.; Tetramorium = Rhoptromyrmex syn.n. = Anergates syn.n. = Teleutomyrmex syn.n. The genus Veromessor stat.r. is resurrected for the New World species previously placed in Messor; Syllophopsis stat.r. is resurrected from synonymy under Monomorium to contain the species in the hildebrandti group;Trichomyrmex stat.r. is resurrected from synonymy underMonomorium to contain the species in the scabriceps- anddestruc- tor-groups; and the monotypic genus Epelysidris stat.r. is reinstated for Monomorium brocha. Bayesian divergence dating indicates that the crown group Myrmicinae origi- nated about 98.6 Ma (95% highest probability density 87.9-109.6 Ma) but the six major clades are considerably younger, with age estimates ranging from 52.3 to 71.1 Ma. Although these and other suprageneric taxa arose mostly in the middle Eocene or earlier, a number of prominent, species-rich genera, such as Pheidole, Cephalotes, Strumigenys, Crematogaster andTetramorium, have estimated crown group origins in the late Eocene or Oligocene. Most myrmicine species diversity resides in the two sister clades, Attini and Crematogastrini, which are estimated to have originated and diversified extensively in the Neotropics and Paleotropics, respectively. The newly circumscribed Myrmicini is Holarctic in distribution, and ancestral range estimation suggests a Nearctic origin. The Pogonomyrmecini and Solenopsidini are reconstructed as being Neotropical in origin,

Camargo-vanegas, José Juan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Las hormigas Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) en el bosque seco tropical de Santa Marta, Colombia
    'Universidad del Valle', 2020
    Co-Authors: Camargo-vanegas, José Juan, Guerrero, Roberto Jose
    Abstract:

    Ants are a conspicuous biotic component within the tropical dry forest, due to their great diversity both at the species and functional level. Of all the ants, those of the genus Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) stand out, which have been categorized as a hyperdiverse group due to the high number of species. The latter has made this group a taxonomic challenge during the development of diversity and ecology studies, therefore, local studies that offer information on the identity of the Pheidole species of a given area becomes an important resource for the decision making. The ants of the genus Pheidole in different formations of tropical dry forest in Santa Marta were studied. Thirteen species are registered, of which Pheidole guajirana extends its distributional range to the department of Magdalena, while P. impressa and P. leptina are registered for the first time in the country. The diagnosis and description of the new species P. urbana is also offered and its morphological features are compared with similar species of the “flavens” informal group. The species richness of the genus in the different sampling sites is evaluated and discussed. Distinctive morphological characteristics are offered for each of the species. Moreover, morphological variability is discussed, and multifocal color images are included for the soldiers (major worker) and workers (= minor worker) of each of the registered species.Las hormigas son un componente biótico conspicuo dentro del bosque seco tropical, debido a su gran diversidad tanto a nivel de especies como funcional. Del conjunto de hormigas se destacan las del género Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), categorizadas como grupo hiperdiverso por el alto número de especies que presenta en cualquier tipo de bosque tropical. Esta característica hace de este grupo un reto taxonómico durante el desarrollo de estudios de diversidad y ecología, por lo tanto, estudios locales que ofrezcan información sobre la identidad de las especies de Pheidole de un área determinada, se convierten en un recurso importante para la toma de decisiones. En este trabajo se documentó la fauna de hormigas del género Pheidole en diferentes formaciones de bosque seco tropical en Santa Marta, Colombia. Se registran 13 especies de las cuales Pheidole guajirana amplía su distribución al departamento del Magdalena, mientras que P. impressa y P. leptina son registradas por primera vez en el país. También se ofrece la diagnosis y descripción de la nueva especie P. urbana y sus rasgos morfológicos son comparados con especies similares del grupo informal “flavens”. Se evalúa y discute la riqueza de especies del género en los diferentes sitios de muestreo. Se ofrecen características morfológicas distintivas para cada una de las especies. Además, se discute la variabilidad morfológica y se incluyen fotografías a color para las soldados (= obrera mayor) y obreras (= obrera menor) de cada una de las especies registradas

  • Las hormigas del género Pheidole (formicidae: myrmicinae) en el bosque seco tropical de Santa Marta, Colombia.
    'Sociedad Espanola de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular (SEBBM)', 2019
    Co-Authors: Camargo-vanegas, José Juan
    Abstract:

    Colombia es una de las zonas con mayor riqueza de hormigas en el Neotrópico gracias a la variedad y heterogeneidad de sus hábitats, principalmente en la región Caribe. El género Pheidole es catalogado como un grupo hiperdiverso ya que acumula más de 600 especies en el Nuevo Mundo y comprende el 9.5% de la mirmecofauna descrita a nivel mundial. Aunque estudios previos listan 95 especies para el territorio colombiano, en el país existen pocos registros específicos para el bosque seco distribuido en el caribe colombiano. La constante degradación de este ecosistema no solo ha acotado la realización de estudios en el ámbito biológico, sino que resulta en la extinción local de las especies con la evidente pérdida de la biodiversidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue documentar las hormigas del género Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) en diferentes formaciones de bosque seco tropical en Santa Marta definiendo la identidad taxonómica de cada una de las especies. Se evaluó la composición del género en los diferentes sitios de muestreo. Se discute la variabilidad morfológica y se incluyen fotografías a color de las especies registradas. P. guajirana (Wilson, 2003), P. impressa (Mayr, 1870), P. cerina (Wilson, 2003) y P. leptina (Wilson, 2003) constituyen nuevos registros para el departamento del Magdalena, mientras que las últimas tres son registradas por primera vez en el país, lo que aumenta el número de especies conocidas para el territorio nacional a 111. Los sitios de muestreo que presentaron una mayor riqueza de especies fueron Puerto Mosquito y La reserva biológica Caoba, mientras que el BsT de la Universidad del Magdalena y Taganga registraron un 46% del total de las especies registradas. Las especies del género Pheidole se encontraron en una amplia variedad de hábitats desempeñando múltiples roles ecológicos tales como la dispersión y remoción de semillas, depredación entre otros. Los resultados de este estudio incrementan el conocimiento de la biodiversidad en el país