Rossomyrmex minuchae

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Iberian Peninsula, Spain.

Biology
R. minuchae is an obligate slave-making ant that enslaves workers of (Ruano & Tinaut, 1999; D'Ettorre & Heinze, 2001; Errard et al., 2006; Ruano et al., 2013; de la Mora et al., 2021). Both species are endemic to the high mountains of southern Spain, but while P. longiseta is common, R. minuchae is rare and with limited distribution (Ruano & Tinaut, 1999).

Behavioural observations and limited nest excavations revealed that sexuals are not produced every year, the number of sexuals is low, and the sex ratio tends to be female biased (Ruano & Tinaut 2005). Queens typically exhibit two distinct activity periods. First, the mating period takes place in early afternoon: queens “call” near the natal nest, mate and then re-enter their nest. Second, the dispersal period takes place in late afternoon: the mated queens exit their nest and fly in search of a new, non-parasitized Proformica longiseta host nest.

Nomenclature

 *  minuchae. Rossomyrmex minuchae Tinaut, 1981: 195, figs. 1-3 (w.q.) SPAIN. Tinaut, Ruano & Fernandez Escudero, 1995: 348 (m.).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Errard C., F. Ruano, F. J. Richard, A. Lenoir, A. Tinaut, and A. Hefetz. 2006. Co-evolution-driven cuticular hydrocarbon variation between the slave-making ant Rossomyrmex minuchae and its host Proformica longiseta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Chemoecology 16: 235240.
 * Ruano F., O. Sanllorente, A. Lenoir, and A. Tinaut. 2013. Rossomyrmex, the slave-maker ants from the arid steppe environments. Psyche Article ID 541804, 7 pages.
 * Sanllorente O., P. Lorite, F. Ruano, T. Palomeque, and A. Tinaut. 2017. Phylogenetic relationships between the slave-making ants Rossomyrmex and their Proformica hosts in relation to other genera of the ant tribe Formicini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J Zool Syst Evol Res. 1–13.
 * Tinaut A. 2016. Ants of the Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Mountains Natural Park (Andalusia, Spain) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Boln. Asoc. esp. Ent., 40 (1-2): 125-159.