Aphaenogaster aktaci

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Turkey.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  aktaci. Aphaenogaster (Attomyrma) aktaci Kiran & Tezcan, in Kiran, et al. 2008: 690, fig. 1 (w.) TURKEY.

Worker
Head longer than broad, broadest below eyes, occipital margins oval, without edge, occiput slightly concave. The sculpture of the head dorsum distinct, irregular and rough but not as rough as obsidiana group, from the middle of the head to occiput with various sized reticulate, increasing in size near to the occiput. Internal surfaces of reticulation without punctuations. Frontal area raised and carinate. Clypeus with a few weakly developed striae, anterior border of clypeus rather broad and shallowly notched in the middle. Mandibles well developed, triangular shaped, with few longitudinal striae and with 4 distinct teeth. Scapus surpassing occipital margin distinctly and not thickening towards the funiculus as obsidiana group. 2–6 funicular segments 1.5 times longer than broad without antennal club. Mesosoma not as robust as in obsidiana group being a little more prolonged, having regular distinct rugae appearing matt; mesonotum distinctly raised behind the pronotum. Metanotal groove distinct. Propodeal spines well developed and sharp. Propodeal dorsum smooth. Dorsum of nodes with 2–3 longitudinal striae and weakly punctuate. Gaster smooth and shiny; base of first gastral tergite longitudinally sculptured (as in the gibbosa group). Body with light brown, rather sparse, thick, erect hairs. Colour, reddish brown, head and gaster darker, legs lighter. All the body matt, except gaster.

Type Material
Holotype – worker: Turkey, Izmir-Bozdag-Golcuk Village 2 km E, (38°19' N, 28°06' E), 1160 m a.s.l., 09.VI.2001, 01/1295a (leg. S. Tezcan) (TU).

Paratypes: 49 workers, from same locality as the holotype, 28.IV.2001: 01/1222a, 1225a; 26.V.2001: 01/1270b, 1272c, 1274a; 09.VI.2001: 01/1291c, 1293a, 1294, 1295a; 01.VII.2001: 01/1310c, 1311b, 1318a; 10.VII.2001: 01/1332d; 22.VII.2001: 01/1352d; 03.VIII.2001: 01/1370b, 1374a, 17.VIII.2001: 01/1394b, 1395b, 1397b, 1398; 30.VIII.2001: 01/1417b, 1419a; 29.IX.2001: 01/1466; 13.X.2001: 01/1489 (leg. S. Tezcan) (TU, LEMT); 7 workers, Turkey, Izmir SE of Bozdag and 2 km of Golcuk Lake, (38°18' N, 28°02' E), 1030 m a.s.l., 14.IV.2001: 01/1207; 03.VIII.2001: 01/1375f; 17.VIII.2001: 01/1400a (leg. S. Tezcan) (TU).

Etymology
This species is dedicated to Prof. N. Aktac who thoroughly managed this study from the beginning.