Strumigenys membranifera Emery 1869

Strumigenys membranifera Emery, 1869

Distribution. Globally introduced to all continents except Antarctica; in eastern USA from Florida to Virginia, west to Arkansas; in western USA occurs in Arizona, California, and Texas.

Comments. An unmistakable introduced species, S. membranifera is a global tramp with unclear origin (Wetterer 2011). Brown & Wilson (1959) suggested this species was native to Africa, however this native origin was questioned by Bolton (1983) and its phylogenetic position places it as Indomalayan in origin (Booher et al. 2021). This species is often found in grass clippings, mulch piles, and litter debris in more open and disturbed areas. It is more commonly collected in eastern states. It has been collected infrequently in the western states of California (Los Angeles and Yolo counties), Arizona (Maricopa County) and Texas (Brazos and Robertson counties).

Strumigenys membranifera, like several other Strumigenys tramp species, reproduces asexually through thelytokous parthenogenesis (Ito et al. 2010) and produces alate queens over a much longer period when compared with natives. In southeastern USA states, alate queens have been collected in all months between June and November, whereas in California alates have been collected in February and late July. A confirmed male identification for this species suggests it may also be capable of reproducing sexually. This male specimen was identified genetically (Booher et al. 2021).