Review and reclassification of Cataglyphis (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract

Exactly 100 years ago Forel made a misidentification of Cataglyphis viaticus as C. megalocolus, one of the most characteristic insects of North Africa. This farreaching error has influenced the systematics of the genus ever since. What really are the species of Cataglyphis? Cataglyphis is unique among formicine ants in that the morphology of the male genitalia is highly diverse: their characteristics are used for the differentiation of species groups and as a basis for postulated phylogenetic relationships within the genus. A synopsis, a key to the species-groups, and a full catalogue of all the available names are given. Of the 104 taxa currently recognized as valid, Cataglyphis albicans var. mixtus is a new combination, Cataglyphis cursor ssp. flavicornis is transferred to Alloformica, and Cataglyphis mauritanicus and Cataglyphis nigripes are given a new status. Camponotus phaenogaster is a new synonym, and Cataglyphis hispidus is a nomen nudum. A lectotype has been fixed for Cataglyphis savignyi.

Keywords :

• Formicidae
• Cataglyphis
• key
• catalogue
• phylogeny