Lepisiota omanensis

The type locality of this species, Jebel Qahwan, is located in the Eastern Hajar Mountains, an area with substantial floral and faunal biodiversity. The two paratypes from UAE were collected at Ain Al Waal (Huw Hoberts, pers. comm.). This site is characterised by areas with rocks and boulders surrounding semi-permanent pools near a dam. The water in the pools is used by the endangered Arabian tahr, Arabitragus jayakari (Thomas). Lepisiota omanensis seems to have an association with the plants Ochradenus arabicus Chaudhary, Hillc. & A.G.Mill. (Resedaceae), but two other plants are also present in the area, Aerva javanica (Amaranthaceae) and Tephrosia apollinea (Fabaceae). A nest was observed about a metre away from the base of a Lycium shawii (Solanaceae) plant. The two paratype workers were observed carrying leaf material.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Oman.

Nomenclature

 *  omanensis. Lepisiota omanensis Sharaf & Monks, 2016: 4, figs. 2A-E (w.) OMAN.