Cataglyphis zakharovi

Radchencko found two males and two queens "in the collection of Zoological Museum of the Moscow University, collected by Prof. A Zakharov in Turkmenistan. These males and females were found in a nest of, and belong to a new, probably socially parasitic, species that is very different from the host species."

Identification
Radchenko (1997) - Cataglyphis zakharovi differs from species of the bicolor group by small size and similarity to Cataglyphis hannae. Females differ from C. hannae by transverse head, relatively more long first funicular joint, lower petiolar node.

Differs from Cataglyphis setipes by much smaller size; besides this, its males differ from the latter species by short lateral processes on subgenital plate, which subequal to median one (lateral processes in C. setipes much longer than median one); females differ from C. setipes by the absence of coarse, thick, black bristles on hind tibiae.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Turkmenistan.

Nomenclature

 *  zakharovi. Cataglyphis zakharovi Radchenko, 1997e: 207, figs. 1-10 (q.m.) TURKMENISTAN.

Male
HOLOTYPE: HL=l.35; HW=1.3; OL=0.51; AL=2.95 mm; CI=96; SI=175; 01=39; FI=100; MPI=157; AI=174.

Head somewhat elongate (CI=96-98), widely rounded above eyes and with slightly concave sides. Eyes large (01=39-40). Antennal scape long (SI=175-180); first, second and third funicular joints long, subequal one another (FI=97-100). Mandibles not broad, masticatory margin bidentate. Maxillary palpes long (MPI=152-157), length of fourth joint equal or slightly shorter than sum of length of fifth and sixth ones, third joint slightly shorter than fourth (3:4=1:0.8). Occipital margin with 1-2 outstanding hairs, cheeks with 2 short hairs, clypeus with long setae. Antennal scape without outstanding hairs.

Alitrunk not high, rather long (AI=174-176), petiole nodiform, height of node approximately equal to its length. Dorsum of alitrunk with numerous outstanding hairs, dorsum of petiolar node with short hairs. Femora and tibiae without outstanding hairs, only internal surface of tibiae with fine bristles. Gastral tergites without outstanding hairs, sternites with numerous long hairs. Head, alitrunk and gaster densely sculptured, submate.

Subgenital plate with two short lateral and one median triangular processes. Stipes relatively short, thick and with medial appendix. Volsella curved, narrowed to the apex.

Head and alitrunk dark brown to black, tibiae and tarsi ochraceous, gaster yellow.

Size small (similar to C. hannae): HL=l.28-1.35 HW=1.25-1.30; SL=2.28; EL=0.51-0.52 AL=2.90-2.95 mm.

Queen
Head somewhat transverse (CI=l04), with somewhat convex occipital margin and slightly concave sides. Eyes rather large (OI=29); antennal scape long, (SI=128-131); first funicular joint longer than second one (FI = 148), second and third ones equal one another. Mandibles with 5 teeth (except basal tooth) Maxillary palpes long (MPI=157-160), its fourth joint somewhat longer than sum of length of fifth and sixth ones, third joint slightly shorter than fourth (3:4=1:0.8).

Alitrunk long (AI=197-201), petiole nodiform, height of node approximately equal to its length. Pronotum with sparse outstanding hairs, another parts of alitrunk and petiole without hairs. Femora, tibiae and antennal scapes without erect hairs, only internal surface of tibiae with row of fine bristles. Gastral tergites (except last one) without outstanding hairs, each of stemites with 2-3 pairs of long straight hairs. Head, alitrunk and gaster densely sculptured, submate.

Head and alitrunk orange-red, legs and scapes brownish-red, gaster dark brown.

Size small (similar to Cataglyphis hannae): HL=l.73-1.83; HW = 1.80-1.90; SL=2.35-2.43; EL=0.53-0.55; AL=3.45-3.48 mm.

Type Material
HOLOTYPE: male, T.S.S.R. (now Turkmenistan), Akybaj, 9.VIII.[19]72 (leg. A Zakharov). PARATYPES: 1 male and 2 females from the same nest. Holotypc and para types deposit at Zoological Museum of the Moscow University, Moscow.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Radchenko, A. G.. "Cataglyphis zakharovi sp. n. - second socially parasitic species in the genus Cataglyphis Förster (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)." Annales Zoologici (Warsaw) 46 (1997): 207-210.