Fabrizio Rigato

Human activities and habitat fragmentation are known to greatly influence biodiversity. The aim of this study was to update an entomological checklist of a prealpine area in Italy, and also to evaluate the influence of different habitats and the proximity to cities on the entomological fauna. This study included different areas of a local park in Northern Italy, covering about 4000 ha, and situated at altitudes between 190 and 960 m asl. The surveys were carried out between 2010 and 2013 using different monitoring techniques (pitfall traps, car mounted nets, light traps, direct catches on soil and vegetation, visual sampling, gall collection). Furthermore, to assess the effect of habitat and locality on the composition of epigeic beetles, pitfall traps were set and inspected from April to September. All captured specimens were classified to species level. A total of 409 species were recorded, belonging to 7 orders and 78 families. A total of 76.1% were represented by Coleoptera, 13%...

<i>Polyrhachis weissi</i> Santschi <i>Polyrhachis weissi</i> Santschi, 1910: 395. Holotype worker, CONGO: Brazzaville (<i>A. Weiss</i>) (NHMB). <i>Polyrhachis natalensis</i> Santschi, 1914: 41. Syntype workers, SOUTH AFRICA: Natal, Stamford Hill, 25.i.1905 (NHMB). <b>Syn. n.</b> <i>Polyrhachis revoili</i> var. <i>conduensis</i> Forel, 1915: 351. Syntype workers, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the CONGO: Kasai, Kondue (<i>E. Luja</i>) (MHNG) [synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 342]. <i>Polyrhachis revoili</i> var. <i>donisthorpei</i> Forel, 1916: 453. Syntype workers, NORTH RHODESIA [= ZAMBIA] (MHNG) [synonymized with <i>P. revoili</i> by Bolton, 1973: 338]. <b>Syn. n.</b> <i>Polyrhachis revoili</i> subsp. <i>crassa</i> Emery, 1921: 23. Syntype worker and gyne, CAMEROUN, 1895 (L. Conradt) (MSNG) [synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 342]. <i>Polyrhachis revoili</i> subsp. <i>crassa</i> var. <i>phaenogaster</i> Emery, 1921: 24. Syntype worker and gyne, CAMEROUN, 1895 (L. Conradt) (MSNG) [referred to <i>P. weissi</i> by Bolton, 1973: 342]. [unavailable name] <i>Polyrhachis revoili</i> subsp. <i>balli</i> Santschi, 1939: 10. Syntype workers, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the CONGO: Gazi, xii.1937 (<i>Beinaert</i>) (NHMB) [synonymized by Bolton, 1973: 342 under <i>P. we i s s i</i>]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> <i>Polyrhachis weissi</i> looks easily identifiable within the <i>revoili</i> -group for this unique combination of features: 1) clypeus with an uniformly rounded anterior margin; 2) head in full face view distinctly trapezoidal with a strongly transverse, weakly convex posterior border; 3) eyes moderately convex and placed close to posterior corners; 4) mesosoma fully immarginate and stout (in dorsal view pronotum and mesonotum strongly transverse, propodeal dorsum trapezoidal, much wider in front than behind and distinctly shorter than its maximum width); 5) propodeal dorsum bearing a pair of small, sharp upturned teeth at its posterior corners; 6) petiole with two pairs of spines, the mid pair slightly curved backward and distinctly longer; 7) body mos [...]

<i>Polyrhachis wilmsi</i> Forel stat. n. <i>Polyrhachis cubaensis</i> subsp. <i>wilmsi</i> Forel, 1910b: 30. Holotype worker, MOZAMBIQUE: Lobombo Borges (<i>F. Wilms</i>) [not seen, not at MHNG]. [Junior synonym of <i>P. cubaensis</i> Mayr: Bolton 1973:325.] <b>Diagnosis.</b> A <i>viscosa</i> -group species with standing hairs on frons and vertex, four similarly long petiolar spines, and a well developed median prominence along the ridge separating propodeal dorsum and declivity. <b>Comment.</b> The type of <i>P. cubaensis</i> subsp. <i>wilmsi</i> has not been found in the MHNG collection, where it should have been preserved. Therefore, my interpretation of this taxon is based on the original description and a comparison with some more recently collected material. Forel (1910b) briefly described <i>Polyrhachis cubaensis</i> subsp. <i>wilmsi</i> mentioning this important feature: a median triangular tooth ("dreieckigen Zahn") on the ridge running between the propodeal spines ("Dornen" and not "Zähnen" as pointed out by Forel himself). Such a condition exactly matches the Bolton (1973) description of " <i>P. cubaensis</i> ". In addition, Forel (1910b) stated that <i>wilmsi</i> was 6.5 mm long and had a well developed longitudinal rugosity on head and mesosoma. All of these features correspond to Bolton's <i>cubaensis</i> as well, and not to <i>gerstaeckeri</i> (see under this species), whose full size was reported as 5.4 mm. As no other African <i>Polyrhachis</i> seems to share <i>wilmsi</i> 's main features, I think that, in absence of the type, the best way to interpret any specimen with the above mentioned characters is to name them as <i>P. wilmsi</i>. Bolton (1973) based his description of <i>cubaensis</i> on some South African specimens I could examine and which are very similar to some Somalian specimens at MSNM. All of them well fit Bolton's description, except that the Somalian specimens are slightly smaller, have a lower SI, and lack proximal hairs on the clypeal dorsum (a few ones occur in South African [...]

<i>Polyrhachis phidias</i> Forel <i>Polyrhachis phidias</i> Forel, 1910a: 450. Syntype workers, Equatorial Africa (locality unknown) (MHNG) [examined]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> A small <i>militaris</i> -group species with trapezoidal head, the lateral pair of petiolar spines a little longer than the dorsal pair, and scape devoid of standing hairs. Bolton (1973) saw the two syntype workers only. I could study a long series of workers and gynes that match the type specimens very well. Their measurements are as follows: <i>Worker</i> (n=20). HL 1.13–1.30, HW 0.97–1.13, CI 83–91, SL 1.15–1.28, SI 109–119, FW 0.42–0.47, FI 40–44, PW 1.08–1.24, WL 1.37–1.66, HTL 1.11–1.30. <i>Gyne</i> (n=6). HL 1.30–1.40, HW 1.15–1.20, CI 83–89, SL 1.27–1.35, SI 110–117, FW 0.46–0.52, FI 40–44, ScW 1.30–1.37, MnL 1.57–1.70, WL 2.13–2.21, HTL 1.32–1.50. <b>Material examined. CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.</b>: P.N. Dzanga–Ndoki, Mabéa Bai 21.4 km 53° NE Bayanga, 3°02'N 16°25'E, 510 m, 1–7.v.2001 (<i>B.L. Fisher</i>) #4004 (2 w, CAS: CASENT0415811, CASENT0415829); Res. Dzanga–Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga, 3°00'N 16°12'E, 420 m, 10–17.v.2001 #4123 (<i>B.L. Fisher</i>) (1 g, CAS: CASENT0403726); Res. Dzanga–Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga, 3°00'N 16°12'E, 470 m, 10–17.v.2001 #4087 (<i>B.L. Fisher</i>) (3 g, 9 w, CAS: CASENT0403844, CASENT0403878, CASENT0403902, CASENT0403922, CASENT0403939, CASENT0403944, CASENT0403982, CASENT0403990, CASENT0403991, CASENT0403996, CASENT0403997, CASENT0404033); Res. Dzanga– Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga, 3°00.27'N 16°11.55'E, 420 m, 11.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 g, CAS: CASENT0090716 CAR01-S105); Res. Dzanga–Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga, 3°00.27'N 16°11.55'E, 420 m, 12.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 w, CAS: CASENT0090832 CAR01-S120); Res. Dzanga–Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga, 3°00.27'N 16°11.55'E, 420 m, 15–16.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 w, CAS: CASENT0087662 CAR01- M142); Res. Dzanga–Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga, 3°00.27'N 16°11.55'E, 420 m, 16–17.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 g, CAS: CASENT008754 [...]

<i>Polyrhachis submarginata</i> n. sp. (Figures 12 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A relatively large species in the <i>revoili</i> -group, with somewhat slender head and appendages, incomplete and weak pronotal margination, and very weak propodeal ridges. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 1.66, HW 1.25, CI 75, SL 2.02, SI 162, FW 0.45, FI 36, PW 1.13, WL 2.17, HTL 1.98. Clypeus medially subcarinate and with anterior margin bearing a protruding rectangular lobe, whose lateral corners are right angled. Head in full face view moderately elongate, oval, wider behind than in front, posterior margin widely convex. Eyes moderately large and convex. Mesosoma stout and evenly convex in profile. In dorsal view pro- and mesonotum distinctly transverse; propodeal dorsum somewhat longer than wide. Pronotum laterally weakly marginate and armed with two small diverging teeth; the margination incomplete and somewhat difficult to see even because of sculpturation and pubescence. Mesonotum and propodeum immarginate. Propodeal dorsum with two faint posterolateral ridges at its posterior corners, medially propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent in a blunt curvature. Promesonotal suture slightly impressed, metanotal suture faint. Petiole with a dorsal pair of widely separated, moderately long and diverging spines and a pair of lateral sharp teeth; the space between dorsal spines straight. First gastral tergite anteriorly weakly concave. Mandibles faintly longitudinally striolate and with sparse piligerous pits, mostly shining. The whole body and appendages finely reticulate-punctate. Body opaque, appendages weakly shining. Head and mesosomal dorsum with a superimposed, fine, irregular longitudinal rugulation. Standing hairs abundant everywhere and longer on head and mesosoma. Hairs on scapes at most a little longer than scape diameter at midlength; hairs on tibiae at most about as long as half the maximum tibial width. Body and appendages coated with dense, short and silvery to slightly golden pubescence, not masking the sculpturation and longer o [...]

<i>Polyrhachis limitis</i> Santschi <i>Polyrhachis alexisi</i> st. <i>limitis</i> Santschi, 1939: 12. Holotype worker, DEMOCRATIC REP. of the CONGO: Pale (<i>Gérard</i>) (NHMB) [examined]. <i>Polyrhachis limitis</i> Santschi: Bolton 1973:350. <b>Diagnosis.</b> An <i>alexisi</i> -group species identifiable by: pronotum and propodeum laterally marginate, petiole quadrispinose, head oval, with moderately convex sides, and eyes somewhat slightly breaking the head outline in full face view. The following data refer to the recently collected second known worker of this species. This Tanzanian specimen differs from the type only by its smaller size; yet I could not detect any significant difference from the type. HL 1.34, HW 1.16, CI 87, SL 1.47, SI 127, FW 0.37, FI 32, PW 1.14, WL 1.66, HTL 1.40. <b>Material examined. TANZANIA</b>: Kigoma Region, Gombe Stream N.P., 4°42'S 29°37'E, thickset woodland, from trail, 798–1115 m, ix.2009–i.2010 (<i>R. O'Malley</i>) (1 w, HLMD: RO 09-1253).

<i>Polyrhachis omissa</i> n. sp. (Figures 11 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A stout species in the <i>viscosa</i> -group, with strongly reduced pilosity, opaque integument, propodeal dorsum and declivity separated by a medially protruding transverse ridge, and petiole armed with a lateral pair of spines and a dorsal pair of teeth. Very similar to <i>P. v i s c o s a</i>, but with ordinary shaped scape and first funicular joint. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 1.62, HW 1.49, CI 92, SL 1.80, SI 121, FW 0.41, FI 28 PW 1.33, WL 2.10, HTL 1.70. Clypeus ecarinate, its anterior margin evenly convex and medially crenulate. Head widely oval, distinctly wider around the level of the eyes and much narrower at the level of mandibular insertions. Frons relatively narrow, frontal carinae sinuous. Antennae moderately long. Eyes large and flat, placed close to the posterior corners of the head. Mesosoma stout, nearly flat in profile, mesonotum more than twice as wide as long. Promesonotal suture narrow, but well marked, metanotal suture faint, hardly visible. Pronotal teeth well developed and slightly diverging. Propodeal dorsum bearing an upturned small tooth at each posterior corner; propodeal dorsum and declivity separated by a thin ridge strongly medially raised as an antero-posteriorly flattened lobe. Petiolar scale wide, armed with 4 equidistant spines and teeth: a lateral pair of spines and a dorsal pair of sharp teeth; the space between dorsal teeth straight. First gastral tergite anteriorly concave. Integument matt; ground sculpture finely reticulate-punctate all over the body and more superficially so on appendages. A superimposed, irregular reticulate rugulosity covers most of head and mesosoma in a somewhat areolate pattern. Standing hairs almost lacking: occurring only at the anterior clypeal margin and on gastral tergites III–V and all sternites. Pubescence very short and sparse, hardly visible on the body. Colour black throughout. <i>Paratype gynes</i> (n=12). HL 1.76–1.99, HW 1.49–1.72, CI 82–88, SL 1.81–2.13, SI 116–128, FW [...]

<i>Polyrhachis latharis</i> Bolton <i>Polyrhachis latharis</i> Bolton, 1973: 348, figs. 49, 60. Holotype worker, GHANA: eastern region, Mt. Atewa, primary forest, by pyrethrum knock-down, sample A5/7, 12.vii.1969 (<i>D. Leston</i>) (BMNH) [not seen. AntWeb pictures under the code CASENT0903460]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> Among <i>alexisi-</i> group species it is distinctive for its somewhat trapezoidal elongate head, whose sides are faintly concave in front of the eyes, quadrispinose petiole, and marginate pronotum and propodeum. Lateral propodeal margins run much closer to each other than the actual propodeal width. Bolton's figures (1973) show a 4-toothed clypeal lobe; yet the holotype's lobe is actually 5-toothed as well as in a single worker recently collected in the Republic of the Congo, whose measurements are: HL 1.34, HW 1.15, CI 86, SL 1.50, SI 130, FW 0.36, FI 31, PW 1.28, WL 1.83, HTL 1.48. <b>Material examined. REP. of the CONGO</b>: Niari Region, 2.31614 S 12.80933 E, 666 m, 4.vii.2013, primary forest, canopy fogging (<i>L. Niemand</i>). (1 w, AFRC: LN-RC1 0 38, CASENT0250035).

<i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> (Fabricius) (Figures 10 a–c) <i>Formica militaris</i> Fabricius, 1782: 493. Holotype gyne, "Tropical Africa" (BMNH) [not seen] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> (Fabricius); F. Smith, 1858: 72, pl. 3, fig. 5 and pl. 4, fig. 35. [Combination in <i>Polyrhachis</i>] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>cupreopubescens</i> Forel, 1879: 120. Holotype gyne, "Tropical Africa" (<i>Sauss</i>) (MHNG) [not seen]. [Synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>striativentris</i> Emery, 1892: 566. Syntype workers, IVORY COAST: Assinie (<i>Ch. Alluaud</i>) (MSNG) [not seen]. [Synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>cupreopubescens</i> var. <i>transversaria</i> Forel, 1901: 77. Holotype gyne, LIBERIA (<i>Hadler</i>) (MHNG) [not seen]. [Unavailable name, referred to <i>militaris</i> by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> var. <i>calabarica</i> Forel, 1907: 38. Syntype workers, NIGERIA: Old Calabar, vi.1892 (<i>Luke</i>) (MHNG) [examined]. [Synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> var. <i>ssibangensis</i> Forel, 1907: 38. Holotype worker, GABON: Ssibange (<i>Soyaux</i>) (MHNG) [examined]. [Synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>cupreopubescens</i> var. <i>argentatus</i> Stitz, 1910: 150. Syntype workers, CAMEROUN: Bibundi (<i>Tessmann</i>) (MNHU) [not seen]. [Unavailable name, referred to <i>militaris</i> by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>bruta</i> Santschi, 1912: 166. Holotype gyne, "CONGO" (<i>Bondroit</i>) (NHMB) [not seen]. [Synonymy by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>cupreopubescens</i> var. <i>sankisiana</i> Forel, 1913b: 348. Syntype workers, DEM. REP. of the CONGO: Katanga, Sankisia, (<i>J. Bequaert</i>) (MHNG) [examined]. [Unavailable name, referred to <i>militaris</i> by Bolton, 1973: 313] <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> subsp. <i>cupreopubescens</i> var. <i>dido</i> Wheeler, 1922: 261. [Proposed as a replacement name for <i>Polyrh [...]

<i>Polyrhachis luteipes</i> n. sp. (Figures 9 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A small, thickset species in the <i>revoili</i> -group, with a lobed clypeal margin, minute pronotal teeth, a virtually unarmed propodeum, shining integument and testaceous legs. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 1.09, HW 0.90, CI 83, SL 1.30, SI 144, FW 0.34, FI 38, PW 0.68, WL 1.40, HTL 1.16. Clypeus ecarinate and with its anterior margin bearing a distinct protruding rectangular lobe, whose lateral corners are right-angled. Head in full face view oval, wider behind than in front, posteriorly widely convex. Eyes moderately large and convex. Mesosoma evenly convex in profile and immarginate. Pronotal humeri armed with two minute, diverging teeth. Propodeal dorsum with two faint ridges at its posterior corners. Propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent and forming a blunt obtuse angle in profile. Promesonotal suture clearly visible, metanotal suture faint. Petiole with a dorsal pair of moderately long and diverging spines and a pair of lateral sharp teeth; the space between dorsal spines straight. First gastral tergite anteriorly concave. Mandibles at most superficially shagreened/striolate with sparse piligerous pits. The whole body mostly superficially reticulate, shining. Standing hairs thin and pale, moderately abundant on body and appendages, relatively long especially on the head; longest hairs on scapes about four times as long as scape diameter at midlength. Longest standing hairs on tibiae about as long as maximum tibial width. Pubescence moderately long and sparse on the head, longer and fairly dense on the mesosoma, short and fairly sparse on the gaster. Body and coxae black, mandibles, antennae and legs mostly testaceous; forefemurs mostly brown. <i>Paratype workers</i> (n=2). HL 1.22, HW 0.98–1.00, CI 80–82, SL 1.47–1.49, SI 147–152, FW 0.40–0.41, FI 41, PW 0.85, WL 1.57–1.59, HTL 1.32–1.36. They mostly differ from the holotype by their completely unarmed propodeum, without any trace of teeth or ridges. Moreover, scape and first funicular j [...]

<i>Polyrhachis lestoni</i> Bolton <i>Polyrhachis lestoni</i> Bolton, 1973: 349, figs. 48, 61. Holotype worker, GHANA: eastern region, Mt. Atewa, primary forest, by pyrethrum knock-down, sample A5/1, 12.vii.1969 (<i>D. Leston</i>) (BMNH) [not seen; Antweb pictures under the code CASENT0903459]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> An easily recognizable <i>alexisi-</i> group species, whose petiole is armed just with a pair of lateral teeth. This species was known from Ghana only. Yet, some recently collected material strongly increases its known range. It must be pointed out that the weak transverse ridge separating the propodeal dorsum from declivity may be virtually absent in some specimens. In such cases dorsum and declivity are differently sculptured: the dorsum is longitudinally, posteriorly convergently striolate, the declivity superficially reticulate-punctate. HL 1.25–1.35, HW 1.12–1.19, CI 86–90, SL 1.28–1.35, SI 112–121, FW 0.29–0.34, FI 26–30, PW 1.08–1.11, WL 1.45–1.60, HTL 1.19–1.30. (n=6) <b>Material examined. CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.</b>, P.N. Dzanga–Ndoki, 21.4 km 53° NE Bayanga, 3°02,01'N 16°24.57'E, 510 m, 4.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 w, CAS: CASENT0088927 CAR01-S15). <b>REP. of the CONGO</b>: Niari Region, 2.30757 S 12.82985 E, 660 m, 3.vii.2013, primary forest, canopy fogging (<i>L. Niemand</i>) (3 w, AFRC: LN-RC1-087, -088, -034; CASENT0250009, -10, -30); Niari Region, 2.30921 S 12.82224 E, 754 m, 4.vii.2013, primary forest, canopy fogging (<i>L. Niemand</i>) (1 w, AFRC: LN-RC1-089 CASENT0250011). <b>KENYA</b>: Kakamega Distr., Yala, Kakamega Forest, 0.10°N 34.52°E, 1600 m, x.2002, T. n. # 127, fogging <i>Teclea nobilis</i> (<i>W. Freund</i>) (1 w, HLMD: M 00023); Busumbuli, Kakamega Forest, 0.27°N 34.88°E, 1600 m, i.2003, T. n. # 135, fogging ex <i>Teclea nobilis</i> (<i>W. Freund</i>) (2 w, HLMD: M 0 0 162, M 00878).

<i>Polyrhachis gibbula</i> n. sp. (Figures 7 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A species in the <i>viscosa</i> -group well characterised by its trapezoidal head with bulging eyes, dorsum of head and mesosoma with distinct longitudinal rugulosity and strongly transversely-arched propodeum. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 1.49, HW 1.29, CI 87, SL 1.58, SI 122, FW 0.44, FI 34, PW 1.39, WL 1.9, HTL 1.57. Clypeus subcarinate, with an evenly convex anterior margin. Head in full face view subtrapezoidal, wider behind than in front, with distinct, rounded posterior corners and weakly convex posterior margin. Eyes placed posteriorly and strongly bulging. Scapes moderately long. Mesosoma stout; in dorsal view all of its segments distinctly wider than long. In profile mesosoma convex at the level of anterior pronotum and postero-dorsal propodeum, and almost flat medially. Pronotal spines relatively well developed and strong, mostly anteriorly directed. Pronotum and mesonotum transversely evenly and weakly convex; propodeal dorsum humped medially and forming a stronger transverse convexity. Mesosoma distinctly marginate along its sides, the marginations not forming flanges or lobes. Promesonotal and metanotal sutures distinct but not impressed. Propodeal dorsum and declivity separated by a distinct margin. Propodeal teeth small, upturned and sharp. Petiole with four spines, the dorsal pair weakly diverging, directed upward and backward and about twice as long as the lateral pair; in frontal (or posterior) view the space between the dorsal spines almost straight with a very shallow convexity in the middle. First gastral tergite anteriorly concave. Mandibles mostly finely shagreened and with sparse, small piligerous pits. Integument weakly shining, finely reticulate-punctate throughout (including appendages), gaster more superficially so. Dorsum of head and mesosoma with superimposed fine and dense longitudinal rugulation. Mesosoma laterally roughly reticulaterugose. Propodeal declivity superficially finely reticulate. Scattered, thin, yellow [...]

<i>Polyrhachis dubia</i> n. sp. (Figures 3 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A medium-sized species in the <i>revoili</i> -group, with convex anterior clypeal margin, immarginate mesosoma, minute pronotal teeth, very weak propodeal ridges and relatively abundant fine standing hairs on body and appendages. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 1.47, HW 1.21, CI 82, SL 1.66, SI 137, FW 0.44, FI 36, PW 0.95, WL 1.88, HTL 1.56. Clypeus ecarinate and with evenly convex anterior margin. Head in full face view oval, with anteriorly converging sides and convex posterior border. Eyes moderately developed and convex. Mesosoma stout, immarginate, in profile more convex anteriorly than posteriorly. Pronotal teeth minute, their anterior edge perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. Propodeal dorsum posterolaterally bearing a pair of weak ridges. Promesonotal suture visible, metanotal suture hardly so. Petiole with a median pair of moderately long, slightly diverging spines and a lateral pair of small teeth. In frontal (or posterior) view the space between the spines evenly shallowly concave. First gastral tergite anteriorly weakly concave. Mandibles weakly striolate and with sparse piligerous pits. Head, mesosoma and petiole mostly reticulatepunctate. A superimposed irregular rugosity occurs on the head (except clypeus), and a finer, mostly longitudinal irregular rugulosity on the mesosoma. Appendages finely reticulate-punctate and subopaque. Head and mesosoma feebly shining; gaster superficially sculptured and shining. Standing, pale, thin and flexuous hairs of uneven length are fairly abundant on body and appendages; on average they are slightly shorter on gaster and even shorter on legs and funiculi. Longest hairs on scapes easily surpass maximum scape width, on the tibiae always shorter than maximum tibial width. Pubescence whitish, relatively dense, especially on mesosoma, petiole and gaster; shorter and more regularly arranged on the latter. Body and coxae black, antennae, mandibles and remaining leg segments mostly ferrugineous. [...]

<i>Polyrhachis esarata</i> Bolton <i>Polyrhachis esarata</i> Bolton, 1973: 303, figs. 45, 55. Holotype worker, GHANA: eastern region, Bunso, by pyrethrum knockdown (sample B. 3/8), 7.vii.1969 (<i>D. Leston</i>) (BMNH) [not seen]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> A medium sized <i>militaris</i> -group species very similar to <i>decellei</i> (see above) and separated by the latter mostly because of its comparatively larger and elliptical eyes in profile, and shorter scape (SI <170 vs. SI> 170). <i>Polyrhachis esarata</i> was described from a single worker. I consider as conspecific with it one worker and one gyne from Dem. Rep. of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea, respectively. The worker is a little larger than the holotype and lacks the distinctive couple of hairs on the head dorsum, but the corresponding hair pits are present. Also, the eyes are only moderately convex and not strongly protruding as in the type. <i>Worker</i>. HL 1.65, HW 1.30, CI 79, SL 2.13, SI 164, FW 0.38, FI 29, PW 1.08, WL 2.27, HTL 2.19. <i>Gyne</i>. HL 1.72, HW 1.40, CI 81, SL 2.08, SI 149, FW 0.42, FI 30, ScW 1.57, MnL 1.97, WL 2.87, HTL 2.34. <b>Material examined. EQUATORIAL GUINEA</b>: Bioko, Moka, 3°21'36"N 8°39'49"E, 1300 m, 1–11.x.1998, at lights (<i>D. Ubick, D.K. Dabney, R.C. Drewes, J.V. Vindum, L. Henwood, R.W. Tomos, M. Boko, M.P. Ndung</i>) (1 g, CAS). <b>DEM. REP. of the CONGO</b>: 56 km N Matadi, 28.vii.1957 (<i>E.S. Ross & R.E. Leech</i>) (1 w, CAS).

<i>Polyrhachis decellei</i> Bolton <i>Polyrhachis decellei</i> Bolton, 1973: 349, figs. 46, 54. Holotype worker, GHANA: eastern region, Begoro, 10.vi.1968 (<i>C.A. Collingwood</i>) (BMNH) [not seen]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> A medium sized <i>militaris</i> -group species with mesosoma lacking standing hairs, but coated with long, dense pubescence, which is distinctly longer than on head and gaster, and with a pair of long standing hairs on the head vertex, and, in profile, relatively small and round eyes. A single worker from CAS matches the original description and drawings. HL 1.63, HW 1.13, CI 69, SL 1.97, SI 174, FW 0.40, FI 35, PW 1.08, ML 2.18, HTL 2.08. <b>Material examined. CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.</b>, P.N. Dzanga–Ndoki, 38.6 km 173° S Lidjombo, 2°21,60'N 16°03.20'E, 350 m, 22.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 w, CAS: CASENT0092432 CAR01-S218).

<i>Polyrhachis epinotalis</i> Santschi stat. n. (Figures 4 a–c) <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> st. <i>epinotalis</i> Santschi, 1924: 222 (in key). Lectotype worker and one paralectotype worker (by present designation), DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the CONGO: Elizabethville [= Lubumbashi], ix.1911 (<i>Miss. Agric Leplae</i>). [First available use of <i>Polyrhachis militaris</i> r. <i>cupreopubescens</i> var. <i>epinotalis</i> Forel, 1913a: 357; unavailable name (Bolton, 1973b: 313). Junior synonym of <i>militaris</i>: Dorow, 1995: 36.] (MHNG) [examined]. <b>Stat. n.</b> <b>Diagnosis.</b> A large species in the <i>militaris</i> -group with relatively slender body, oval head, abundant, long and, at least partially, golden pubescence, and upturned propodeal spines. <i>Lectotype worker</i>. HL 2.68, HW 2.05, CI 76, SL 3.21, SI 157, FW 0.74, FI 36, PW 1.66, WL 3.52, HTL 3.60. Anterior clypeal border medially bearing a laterally obtusely angled shallow lobe. Head in full face view oval, with moderately convex sides strongly converging to the short posterior margin. Eyes moderate in size and strongly convex. Mesosoma strongly, often flange-like marginate along its sides. Promesonotal suture well marked; metanotal suture deeply incised and narrow. Disc of pronotum and mesonotum approximately transverse; propodeal dorsum longer than wide. Pronotal spines long and sharp. Propodeal teeth long, upturned and spine-like; in profile nearly as long as the height of the propodeal declivity. Petiole with four sharp spines, the dorsal pair much longer than the lateral pair. The entire body mostly reticulate-punctate and dull, longitudinally rugulose on occiput and vertex, including the space between eyes and frontal carinae. Mandibles finely longitudinally striolate. Pubescence abundant throughout, long and golden especially dorsally where it mostly hides the sculpturation. Standing hairs abundant on body and appendages; relatively short on antennae, longer on the legs and even longer on most of the dorsum of the body. Integument mostly bla [...]

<i>Polyrhachis doudou</i> n. sp. (Figures 2 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A moderately large species in the <i>militaris</i> -group, with somewhat rectangular head, appendages without standing hairs, and moderately abundant short greyish pubescence. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 2.14, HW 1.60, CI 75, SL 2.93, SI 183, FW 0.55, FI 34, PW 1.43, WL 3.03, HTL 2.93. Clypeus faintly carinate medially, anterior clypeal margin evenly convex. Head in full face view subrectangular with weakly convex sides, broadly rounded posterior corners and slightly medially protruding occiput. Eyes moderately convex, placed relatively posteriorly; behind each eye a very blunt margination separates the head dorsum from the side. Scapes long and thin. Mesosoma moderately stout, in profile forming a broad curvature interrupted at the sutures, of which the metanotal one is the most impressed; all mesosoma segments look flat transversely. Mesonotum twice as wide as long, propodeal dorsum as wide as long. In profile, propodeal dorsum and declivity similar in length. Pronotal spines long, moderately anteriorly divergent and thin. Mesosoma distinctly marginate along its sides, the marginations mostly forming narrow flanges interrupted at the sutures. Propodeal dorsum and declivity separated by a sudden change of sculpturation. Propodeal teeth small and upturned. Petiole bearing a mid pair of long, erect, well separated and moderately divergent spines, and a lateral pair of small sharp teeth, close to the base of the spines. In frontal view petiole flat between the spines. First gastral tergite anteriorly shallowly concave. Mandibles finely longitudinally striolate and with sparse, small piligerous pits. Clypeus finely reticulatepunctate with sparse rough puncturation giving a scabrous appearance, especially laterally. Most of head dorsum and mesosoma, including the sides, finely and almost regularly longitudinally rugulose, with a finely reticulatepunctate ground sculpture. Propodeal declivity finely reticulate-imbricate. Petiole, gaster and appendages f [...]

<i>Polyrhachis brevipilosa</i> n. sp. (Figures 1 a–c) <b>Diagnosis.</b> A small species in the <i>revoili</i> -group with lobed clypeus, weakly marginate pronotum, minute propodeal teeth, rough reticulate-punctate sculpture, and relatively abundant and short standing hairs on body and appendages. <i>Holotype worker</i>. HL 1.07, HW 0.89, CI 83, SL 1.21, SI 136, FW 0.33, FI 37, PW 0.79, WL 1.27, HTL 1.21. Clypeus medially fairly distinctly carinate and with its anterior margin bearing a small protruding rectangular lobe, whose lateral corners are distinctly right-angled. Head in full face view subtrapezoidal, wider behind than in front, posterior margin wide and weakly convex with widely rounded posterior corners. Eyes relatively large and protruding. Mesosoma stout, evenly convex in profile. Pronotum laterally marginate, the margination interrupted a little in front of the promesonotal suture; mesonotum and propodeum immarginate. Pronotal teeth anteriorly diverging, relatively short and sharp. Promesonotal suture distinct, metanotal suture weaker and hardly interrupting the sculpturation. Propodeal teeth reduced to minute tubercles. Propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent in a blunt curvature. Petiole with four thin spines, the dorsal pair directed upward and slightly backward and about 1.5 times as long as the lateral pair. Petiolar dorsum in frontal (or posterior) view obtusely angled in the middle. First gastral tergite anteriorly concave. Mandibles superficially striolate/shagreened and with sparse piligerous pits. Head, mesosoma, petiole and appendages reticulate-punctate and with a rough appearance, dull. Dorsum of head, pronotum and mesonotum also with a superimposed, relatively dense, coarse longitudinal, sometimes inconspicuous, rugulation. Gaster finely reticulate-punctate and fairly shining. Pubescence fine, whitish, short and moderately dense on most of the body and appendages, but sometimes poorly visible and never hiding the sculpturation. Standing hairs relatively short and moderately abundant on [...]

<i>Polyrhachis andrei</i> Emery <i>Polyrhachis andrei</i> Emery, 1921: 22, figs. 1a, b, c. Holotype gyne, CAMEROUN (<i>L. Conradt</i>) (MSNG) [not seen]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> A distinctive <i>militaris-</i> group species with six petiolar spines or teeth and eyes placed at or just in front of the midlength of the head sides. <i>Worker</i> (n=1). HL 1.63, HW 1.33, CI 82, SL 1.58, SI 119, FW 0.63, FI 47, PW, 1.30 WL 2.08, HTL 1.78. Head somewhat rectangular, side subparallel and weakly convex; posterior corners broadly rounded. Anterior clypeal border with its median third straight and almost lobe-like. Frons relatively wide. Eyes protruding and placed slightly in front of the midlength of head sides. Mesosoma entirely laterally marginate; the margination overhanging the sides. Promesonotal and metanotal groove distinct, especially the latter which is also clearly incised in lateral view. Pronotum, mesonotum and propodeum wider than long. Pronotum with anterolaterally directed strong teeth at its anterior corners. Propodeal dorsum bearing at its posterior corners a pair of very stout upturned and weakly outward directed spines. Propodeal dorsum and declivity mostly confluent. Petiolar node with a pair of strong teeth medially and two pairs of long, mostly straight spines laterally. The spines of each lateral pair diverge: the anteriormost spine is slightly in front and dorsolaterally directed, the posteriormost one arises from a lower point and is more backward tilted. Mandibles finely reticulate-punctate with overlaying weak striolation and several hair-bearing pits. Clypeus superficially shagreened with sparse hair pits. Head dorsum mostly longitudinally rugose, the rugae posteriorly diverging; around the eyes the sculpturation is mainly reticulate-rugose. Dorsum of mesosoma longitudinally rugose. Mesosoma laterally reticulate-rugose with a more longitudinal pattern on pronotal and propodeal sides. Petiole roughly reticulate. Gaster finely reticulate-punctate and moderately shining. Standing, yellowish stiff hairs o [...]

<i>Polyrhachis alexisi</i> Forel <i>Polyrhachis alexisi</i> Forel, 1916: 455, fig. 7. Syntype workers, DEM. REP. of the CONGO (<i>H. Kohl</i>) (MHNG) [not seen]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> The only species of the <i>alexisi</i> -group with a combination of four petiolar spines or teeth and immarginate propodeum. This rare, but distinctive species was known from type specimens only (Bolton, 1973). A recently collected worker fully matches the description and drawings reported by Bolton (l.c.) and has these measurements: HL 1.25, HW 1.11, CI 89, SL 1.41, SI 127, FW 0.30, FI 27, PW 1.00, WL 1.56, HTL 1.35. <b>Material examined. CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.</b>: P.N. Dzanga–Ndoki, 21.4 km 53° NE Bayanga, 3°02.01'N 16°24.57'E, 510 m, 6.v.2001 (<i>S. van Noort</i>) (1 w, CAS: CASENT0089667, CAR01-S66).

A recent catalog of the ants of Europe and surrounding areas listed no ants recorded from San Marino. One afternoon of collecting in urban sites of San Marino yielded 23 ant species: Aphaenogaster subterranea, Camponotus aethiops, Camponotus fallax, Camponotus lateralis, Camponotus piceus, Crematogaster scutellaris, Formica cunicularia, Formica gagates, Hypoponera eduardi, Lasius emarginatus, Lasius lasioides, Lasius paralienus, Messor structor, Pheidole pallidula, Plagiolepis pygmaea, Tapinoma nigerrimum s.l., Temnothorax angustulus, Temnothorax flavicornis, Temnothorax italicus, Temnothorax lichtensteini, Temnothorax tergestinus, Temnothorax unifasciatus, and Tetramorium caespitum. Surprisingly, despite collecting in heavily disturbed urban sites, none of the ants known so far from San Marino are exotic to Europe.

Abstract. Seven new Myrmica species (M. curiosa, M. mixta, M. pararitae, M. poldii, M. sinoschencki, M. weii and M. polyglypta) are described from Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces of China. Their taxonomic positions are discussed. M. sinoschencki is placed in the schencki-group, M. pararitae and M. poldii — in the ritae-group and M. mixta — in the inezae-group, while the position of the other three species is still uncertain. M. sinica Wu et Wang, 1995 is formally synonymised with M. excelsa Kupyanskaya, 1990.

<i>Polyrhachis kohli</i> Forel <i>Polyrhachis kohli</i> Forel, 1916: 454. Lectotype worker [AntWeb photo: CASENT0910954], two paralectotype worker and one paralectotype gyne (by present designation), DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the CONGO (<i>H. Kohl</i>). (MHNG) [examined]. <b>Diagnosis.</b> A hairy, moderately large <i>revoili</i> -group species with immarginate mesosoma, propodeal dorsum distinctly longer than wide, and long and sinuous standing hairs on the appendages. <i>Lectotype worker</i>: HL 1.37, HW 0.99, CI 72, SL 1.74, SI 175, FW 0.37, FI 37, PW 0.88, WL 1.87–, HTL 1.70. Clypeus with relatively narrow protruding rectangular anterior lobe at its anterior margin. Head in full face view elongate oval, with anteriorly converging sides and convex posterior margin. Eyes moderately large and protruding. Mesosoma slender, fully immarginate, both transversely and longitudinally convex. In dorsal view, pro- and mesonotum look weakly transverse and the propodeum twice as long as wide, when considering as a reference width the outer ends of the propodeal ridges. In profile, propodeal dorsum a little longer than the declivity. Pronotal teeth small, their anterior edge almost perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. Propodeal dorsum and declivity separated by two moderately developed ridges, leaving a narrow gap between them; the gap is slightly narrower than each ridge. Promesonotal and metanotal sutures weak. Petiole with a dorsal pair of moderately long, diverging spines and a lateral pair of small sharp teeth; the dorsal margin of the petiole almost straight and about 1.5 times as long as each spine. First gastral tergite anteriorly concave. Mandibles weakly sculptured: proximally subopaque and shagreened and becoming apically smoother. Clypeus superficially reticulate. Head dorsum mostly irregularly longitudinally rugulose. Mesosoma and petiole reticulate-punctate, mesosomal dorsum with a more or less developed superimposed longitudinal rugulation. Appendages finely reticulate-punctate. Gaster finely reti [...]