Aphaenogaster hamaensis

Nothing is known regarding the biology of this species.

Identification
A very distinct species with the most elongated and narrowed head within the Aphaenogaster splendida species-group. Its elongated head with distinctly converging posterior sides makes this species similar to Aphaenogaster vohraliki known from Turkey. Aphaenogaster hamaensis distinctly differs in extremely short propodeal spines resembling in shape reduced teeth, while A. vohraliki has elongated propodeal spines. Aphaenogaster hamaensis also has more distinct microreticulation on pronotum and longitudinal rugae extending only to the half-length of head, while in A. vohraliki rugae extend to 2/3 of the head and pronotum is less distinctly microreticulate. Due to elongated head, slim legs and very short propodeal spines also A. kervillei resembles A. hamaensis but differs in slightly smaller body (WL 1.48–1.94 vs. 1.95–2.19), posterior sides of head weakly converging posterad, and surface of pronotum with strongly diffused microreticulation, mostly smooth. Among the remaining species of the A. splendida species-group the most similar to the Syrian species are Aphaenogaster peloponnesiaca and Aphaenogaster splendida (due to yellow head and mesosoma, and slim and elongated head and antennae). Aphaenogaster peloponnesiaca distinctly differs in regularly oval head, A. splendida differs in less converging posterad head with distinct and partly reticulate sculpture also in its posterior half, and less elongated antennae (SL/HW 1.596–1.759 vs. 2.000–2.032 in A. hamaensis).

Distribution based on type material
Syria.

Castes
Queen unknown.

Nomenclature

 * . Aphaenogaster hamaensis Salata et al., 2021: 311, figs. 39-40, 44, 47, 85 (w.) SYRIA.

Type Material

 * Holotype worker: Syria, distr. Hama |Ash’Meiseh | 1.7.1998 |V. Vohralík lgt. || Sample Nr. | V 1139 (CASENT0887500, MNHW-DBET).
 * Five paratype workers: same data as holotype (CASENT0887501–CASENT0887505, MNHW-DBET, PWC).