Meet Tetramorium immigrans.
I have never been more pleased to report a taxonomic name change than this one. Long called “Tetramorium caespitum”, then “Tetramorium species E” once it became clear the Eurasian T. caespitum was a complex of cryptic forms, the pavement ant has spread across the world and is now among most common urban ants in North America. After decades of confusion, Herbert Wagner has published a fine monograph on the taxonomy of the species complex. Among Wagner’s many discoveries was that Santschi’s 1927 “immigrans” was valid for this world-traveller. An apt change, and a fine resolution of a long-standing problem.
source:
- Wagner, H.C. et al (2017). Light at the end of the tunnel: Integrative taxonomy delimits cryptic species in the Tetramorium caespitum complex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)”. Myrmecological News 25: 95-129
Finally, a new post. 😉
I know, right?
The Daily Ant is thrilled about this long-awaited name change – and also the long-awaited return of activity on Myrmecos!
So.. I’m not sure if I understand it right – there is now no T. caespitum at all or the name was given to T. species E from North America?
T. caespitum still exists as a valid European species. T. immigrans is now the current name for “species E”.
So glad the blog is back! I don’t really do Facebook anymore–will you be able to return to regular blogging?
Thanks JasonC! I honestly have no idea how active the blog will be, the last two posts were kind of on a whim, and I still don’t have much time for blogging.
At last… finally we hear you back here again. The next article in Myrmecological News is also very good, about Teleutomyrmex. Those parasites live in Tetramorium nests. Sadly, the names of the hosts in the T. caespitum complex aren’t updated….
Marc! So happy to see you comment here again. I hope all is well.
My health and my job are not so well but the love for my wife and the love for ants are bigger than before…
So good to see your blog again – always enjoyable and informative. Whilst the “integrative taxonomy” is impressive and I have to assume correct, it is outwith the capabilities of all but a minute number of taxonomists and possibly falls foul of the vague what is a “species” definition (indeed what is a species). However I postulated from behaviour changes that a malaria vector “Anopheles farauti” might separate into cryptic species. That was in 1973. Now DNA studies, etc., seem to have shown my postulation was correct. Time marches on! 🙂
I hate these ants but this type of animal photography is nice. I like this type of work.
Yeah! I am glad you are back.