REVIEW OF THE APHAENOGASTER SPLENDIDA SPECIES-GROUP (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Members of the Aphaenogaster splendida group are reviewed. We recognize 12 species, of which three are new: A. hamaensis sp. nov. (Syria), A. peloponnesiaca sp. nov. (continental Greece), and A. vohraliki sp. nov. (Turkey). Species status is restored for Aphaenogaster schmitzi Forel, 1910 stat. rev., and Aphaenogaster transcaucasica Karavaiev, 1926 stat. nov. is raised to the species rank. Aphaenogaster schmitzi Forel, 1910 is recognized as a senior synonym of Aphaenogaster schmitzi syria Forel, 1910 syn. nov. and Aphaenogaster ovaticeps Emery, 1898 is recognizes as a senior synonym of Aphaenogaster muelleriana Wolf, 1915 syn. nov. Detailed descriptions, measurements, habitat and nesting preferences, and activity of workers of all 12 species are given. Keys to workers and known gynes, and photographs of all species and their known castes are presented.

Automated summary

Members of the Aphaenogaster splendida group were reviewed, with 12 species recognized including three new species. Status restoration and rank elevation were also observed for some species. Detailed descriptions, measurements, habitat preferences, and activities of all 12 species were provided. Keys to workers and known gynes, as well as photographs of all species and their known castes, were presented.