4.4.9 Lasius turcicus Santschi 1921

Lasius niger st. turcica Santschi 1921 [type investigation]

Type material: Lectotype worker on the same pin with a Prenolepis gyne, labelled ”Asie min. Angora G.d.Kerville“, ” Lasius turcicus Sant SANTSCHI det. 1920“, ” lectotype € desig. by E.O.Wilson “, ANTWEB CASENT 0912297; 2 paralectotype workers on another pin labelled ”Asie min. Angora G.d.Kerville)“, ” Lasius turcicus Sant type SANTSCHI det.1920“, ”K. 201“; depository NHM Basel.

All material examined. The full set of 16 standard NUMOBAT characters was available in 77 nest samples with 332 workers from Greece (3 samples) and Turkey (74). This refers largely to the material collected by Cremer et al. (2008). For details see supplementary information SI1. In further 43 samples no data of PoOc, EYE, dClAn, MP6, nGen and nSt were available making a safe separation from L. neglectus and L. precursor sp. nov. impossible. However in a number of these samples, large absolute worker size allowed a sufficiently credible determination and conclusions on geographic distribution east and south of the investigation area of Cremer et al. (2008).

Geographic range. From the Aegean islands Andros (37.83°N, 24.87°E, westernmost site), Kos and Rhodos over Anatolia east to the N Iran (36.8°N, 54.4° E). The southernmost known site is Wadi Barad in Syria (33.58°N, 36.20°E). The altitudinal distribution in West Anatolia ranges from 1 to 1170 m.

Diagnosis (Tab. 2, Figs. 17 –18; key; images in www. antWeb.org with specimen identifiers CASENT0906080, CASENT 09122972):

Body size larger than in sister species (CS 855 µm). Number of mandibular dents low (MaDe 900 7.7). Clypeal pubescence dilute (sqPDCL 900 5.34). Pronotal setae rather short (PnHL/CS 900 0.127) as long as gular setae (GuHL/ CS 900 0.127). Petiole scale in profile view rather thin with an acute dorsal tip. Pubescence hairs on frons rather long (PLF 34.7 µm). Dorsum of scape and hind tibiae without or occasional setae. It differs from L. neglectus by larger size, more developed gular pilosity (nGu 900 3.96 vs. 2.92, GuHL/CS 900 0.127 vs. 0.115) and less developed pilosity on posterior margin of head (nOcc 900 6.88 vs. 9.77). For the most significant differences to L. precursor sp. nov. see there and Tab. 3. Coloration: In medium sized specimens head and gaster dark brown, mesosoma often suggested lighter; mandibles, antennae, lateral part of clypeus, tibiae and tarsae light yellowish-brown. Large specimens often show more yellowish-reddish color components on mesosoma and lateral clypeus.

Biology. See statements under Lasius precursor sp. nov.

Comments. Preliminary investigations of Iranian samples show significant character differences to the Anatolian population. Assessment of the taxonomic status of the former needs a special, more extensive study.