Formica anatolica

This species has been found in woodland stands with Abies, Juniperus, Quercus and other deciduous tree species, occasionally interspersed with grassland patches (Seifert and Schultz 2009).

Identification
Seifert and Schultz (2009) - A member of the Formica rufibarbis group. Well separable from any other Palaearctic species. Its distinction from the other two setose species, Formica rufibarbis and Formica tarimica, is stated under the identification sections of these other species. The short head, short scape, large eye and pilosity on underside of head suggest certain affinities to the Formica cinerea group but the very wide petiole scale and overall pilosity pattern indicate an allocation to the Formica rufibarbis group.

Distribution
Seifert and Schultz (2009) - Known from south-central Anatolia in the region of the Taurus Mountains (Toros Daglari). Occurring there at elevations between 1300 and 1900 m.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Turkey.

Nomenclature

 *  anatolica. Formica anatolica Seifert & Schultz, 2009: 267, fig. 8 (w.) TURKEY.

Worker
Large Serviformica species (CS 1.401 mm), head and scape significantly shorter than in F. rufibarbis (CL / CW1.4 1.110, SL / CS1.4 1.031) and eye distinctly larger (EYE / CS1.4 0.303). Petiole very wide (PEW / CS1.4 0.484). Clypeus with sharp median keel and fine longitudinal microcarinulae. Frontal triangle finely transversely rippled and with 55 - 80 short pubescence hairs. Eyes with microsetae of 8 - 10 μm maximum length. Total mean of unilateral setae numbers on different body parts predicted for a specimen with CS = 1.4 mm: pronotum 8.9, mesonotum 4.2, propodeum plus dorsolateral metapleuron 0.1, petiole dorsal of spiracle 0.8, flexor profile of hind tibia 1.4, underside of head 1.6 (only species of the F. rufibarbis group usually having gular setae). Posterior margin of head normally without setae. Ventral coxae and gaster tergites with long setae. Dorsal mesonotum in profile broadly convex. Metanotal depression rather deep. Propodeal dome in profile obtuse-angled or rounded, the basal profile sometimes linear or slightly concave. Dorsal crest of petiole in frontal view rounded, sometimes (especially in larger specimens) with a straight or slightly excavated median portion. Petiole scale in lateral aspect thin, with convex anterior and more straight posterior profile. Gaster with transverse microripples of small distance (RipD 4.6 μm) and covered by dense silvery pubescence (sqPDG 3.4). Pubescence on head, mesosoma and petiole dense. Posterior vertex, often dorsal promesonotum, coxae and all appendages dark brown, gaster always dark brown. Other body parts reddish. In overall impression, this species appears relatively dark with remarkable contrasts between brown and reddish parts, especially on genae.

Type Material
Holotype worker plus 4 worker paratypes labelled “TUR: 37.348°N, 34.360°E Halkapinar-32 rkm SE, Aydos Dagi 1600-1800 m, A.Schulz 1997.05.08-214” and “Holotype Formica anatolica Seifert & Schultz” / “Paratype Formica anatolica Seifert & Schultz”; SMN Görlitz.

Etymology
From the distribution in Anatolia.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Seifert B., and R. Schultz. 2009. A taxonomic revision of the Formica rufibarbis Fabricius, 1793 group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Myrmecological News 12:255-272.