Lasius turcicus

Pashaei Rad et al. (2018) found this species in Iran on the ground in moist forest and montane areas with moderate rainfall.

Identification
Seifert (2020) - Morphologically similar to Lasius precursor but differs by larger absolute size, longer scape, smaller postocular distance and larger torulo-clypeal distance. Differences in their natural history are detailed in the biology section of L. precusor.

Distribution
Seifert (2020) - From the Aegean islands Andros (37.83°N, 24.87°E, westernmost site), Kos and Rhodos over Anatolia east to the N Iran (36.8°N, 54.4° E). The southernmost known site is Wadi Barad in Syria (33.58°N, 36.20°E). The altitudinal distribution in West Anatolia ranges from 1 to 1170 m.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Georgia, Greece, Iberian Peninsula, Iran, Russian Federation, Spain, Turkey.

Nomenclature

 *  turcicus. Lasius niger st. turcica Santschi, 1921a: 115 (w.q.) TURKEY. Subspecies of alienus: Emery, 1925b: 230; Stärcke, 1944a: 157 (in key). Junior synonym of alienus: Wilson, 1955a: 78 [Repeat of this synonymy in Arakelian, 1994: 117, is ignored.]. Revived from synonymy and raised to species: Seifert, 1992b: 10.

Seifert (2020) - Preliminary investigations of Iranian samples show significant character differences to the Anatolian population. Assessment of the taxonomic status of the former needs a special, more extensive study.

Worker
Seifert (2020) - Body size larger than in sister species Lasius precursor (CS 855 µm). Number of mandibular dents low (MaDe900 7.7). Clypeal pubescence dilute (sqPDCL900 5.34). Pronotal setae rather short (PnHL/CS900 0.127) as long as gular setae (GuHL/ CS900 0.127). Petiole scale in profile view rather thin with an acute dorsal tip. Pubescence hairs on frons rather long (PLF 34.7 µm). Dorsum of scape and hind tibiae without or occasional setae. It differs from Lasius neglectus by larger size, more developed gular pilosity (nGu900 3.96 vs. 2.92, GuHL/CS900 0.127 vs. 0.115) and less developed pilosity on posterior margin of head (nOcc900 6.88 vs. 9.77). For the most significant differences to L. precursor see there and Tab. 3. Coloration: In medium sized specimens head and gaster dark brown, mesosoma often suggested lighter; mandibles, antennae, lateral part of clypeus, tibiae and tarsae light yellowish-brown. Large specimens often show more yellowish-reddish color components on mesosoma and lateral clypeus.

Also see table 2 in Seifert 2020 for additional morphometric measurements, ratios, and functions. Abbreviations given above for measurements, ratios and functions are defined here: Seifert 2020 Lasius characters.

Type Material
Seifert (2020) - Lectotype worker on the same pin with a Prenolepis gyne, labelled ”Asie min. Angora G.d.Kerville“, ”Lasius turcicus Sant SANTSCHI det. 1920“, ”lectotype € desig. by E.O.Wilson“, ANTWEB CASENT 0912297; 2 paralectotype workers on another pin labelled ”Asie min. Angora G.d.Kerville)“, ”Lasius turcicus Sant type SANTSCHI det.1920“, ”K. 201“; depository.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

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