Temnothorax laconicus

It can be inferred that this species, described as a cryptic species easily mistaken for Temnothorax lichtensteini, inhabits xerothermous open forests.

Identification
Part of a Temnothorax lichtensteini complex of cryptic species, T. laconicus can be separated from Temnothorax lichtensteini by measuring a series of workers and using a Nest Centroid Clustering function (see Csősz et al. 2013).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Greece.

Nomenclature

 *  laconicus. Temnothorax laconicus Csősz, Seifert et al., 2013: 8, figs. 4-7 (w.) GREECE.

Worker
General colouration of this species somewhat darker than in Temnothorax lichtensteini; appendages, mesosoma, waist and basis of first gaster tergite dirty yellowish-brown to light-brown. Head dorsum and the posterior surfaces of gaster tergites darker, usually light-brown to brown. Small species (CS 545 μm), but similar in size to its sister species. Head significantly longer than broad (CL/CWb 1.226) and with feebly convex sides. Vertexal corners rounded, posterior margin of vertex strait. Scape long (SL/CS 0.788) with variable pubescence: adpressed (0–5°) to decumbent (10–15°) on the surface that is adjacent to head surface when the scape is directed fully caudad and subdecumbent (30°) to suberect (35–45°) on the surface that becomes external in the same scape position. Clypeus between sagittal level of frontal carinae with a number of longitudinal carinulae, interstices smooth and shiny. Eyes rather large (EL/CS 0.246) and more approached to hind margin of vertex (PoOc/CL 0.396). Vertex with fine microreticulate sculpture that is superimposed by a number of longitudinal rugulae. Frontal carinae non-divergent. Frontal lobes widely distant (FRS/CS 0.344). Propodeal spines very long, longer than in T. lichtensteini (SPST/CS 0.409) and acute, in lateral view deviating from longitudinal axis of mesosoma by 20–25°. Propodeal spines in dorsal view much more divergent than in related species (SPWI/CS 0.434), spine-tips curving inward (SPTI/CS 0.410). Mesosoma as wide as in related species (MW/CS 0.608). Metanotal depression well visible, moderately deep. Mesosoma with microreticulate sculpture that is superimposed by a few irregular or longitudinal rugulae. Petiole and postpetiole covered by a fine reticulate microsculpture that can occasionally be superimposed by a few irregular rugulae in particular on dorsum of petiolar node. Petiole in profile with a high node and a rather straight or slightly concave anterior face; the top of the node forms a short truncate dorsum that slopes down to caudal cylinder without a distinct step.

Type Material
Holotype worker Taygethos Oros, Street to Profitis Ilias (GRE:S_342), N36.968, E22.404, 800 mH, 01.05.2011, leg: A. Schulz, (1 worker / HNHMBudapest).

Paratypes Taygethos Oros, Street to Profitis Ilias (GRE:S_342), N36.968, E22.404, 800 mH, 01.05.2011, leg: A. Schulz, (2 workers / CAS San Francisco [unique specimen identifier CASENT0906682], 3 workers / Budapest, 3 workers / SMNG); W Taygethos Oros, Pigadia Canyon (GRE:S_358), N36.984, E22.262, 700-800 mH, 01.05.2011, leg: A. Schulz, (2 workers / HNHM Budapest); Taygethos Oros, Street to Profitis Ilias (GRE:2011:0345), N36.968, E22.404, 800 mH, 01.05.2011, leg: A. Schulz, (4 workers / HNHM Budapest); W Taygethos Oros, Pigadia Canyon (GRE:2011:0356), N36.984, E22.262, 700-800 mH, 01.05.2011, leg: A. Schulz, (3 workers / HNHM Budapest); Taygethos Oros, Street to Profitis Ilias (GRE:2011:0336), N36.968, E22.404, 800 mH, 01.05.2011, leg: A. Schulz, (4 workers  / HNHM Budapest);

Etymology
This adjective laconicus (masculinum) refers to Laconia, the region of the Peloponnese peninsula in which the type locality is situated.