Leptothorax exilis specularis

Temnothorax specularis has been reported from Italy to Spain in Mediterranean habitats; its taxonomic validity is still to be ascertained (Rigato & Toni, 2011).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Balearic Islands, Gibraltar, Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Portugal, Spain.

Portugal
Boieiro et al. (2002) - A single colony was found beneath a stone in an area of sclerophyllous vegetation near Tesoureira (UTM 29SMD8709) and several workers were also collected by means of pitfall traps in the same area. This is a rather common species in Spain, particularly in areas throughout the Mediterranean coast. In Portugal,it had been recorded for the first time by Paiva et al. (1990), but was not included in the list provided by Collingwood and Prince (1998).

Nomenclature

 *  specularis. Leptothorax exilis var. specularis Emery, 1916b: 174 (w.) ITALY. [First available use of Leptothorax tuberum subsp. exilis var. specularis Emery, 1898c: 135; unavailable name.] Santschi, 1923a: 135 (m.). Combination in Temnothorax: Bolton, 2003: 271. Junior synonym of exilis: Baroni Urbani, 1971d: 1041. Revived from synonymy and raised to species: Collingwood, 1978: 70.

Additional References

 * Boieiro, M., X. Espadaler, et al. (2002). "Four new species to the ant fauna of Portugal (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)." Bol. Soc. Port. Entomol. 202(VII-20): 254-259.


 * Rigato, F.; Toni, I. 2011. Short notes 21. Hymenoptera, Formicidae. Pp. 873-882 in: Nardi, G.; Whitmore, D.; Bardiani, M.; Birtele, D.; Mason, F.; Spada, L.; Cerretti, P. (eds.) 2011. Biodiversity of Marganai and Montimannu (Sardinia). Research in the framework of the ICP Forests network. Conservazione Habitat Invertebrati, 5. Sommacampagna, Verona: Cierre Edizioni, 896 pp.