Pheidole teneriffana | |
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P. teneriffana major worker from the United States | |
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Species: | P. teneriffana |
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Pheidole teneriffana Forel, 1893 | |
Pheidole teneriffana is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. Other ways of defining species include their karyotype, DNA sequence, morphology, behaviour or ecological niche. In addition, paleontologists use the concept of the chronospecies since fossil reproduction cannot be examined. While these definitions may seem adequate, when looked at more closely they represent problematic species concepts. For example, the boundaries between closely related species become unclear with hybridisation, in a species complex of hundreds of similar microspecies, and in a ring species. Also, among organisms that reproduce only asexually, the concept of a reproductive species breaks down, and each clone is potentially a microspecies.
Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the Cretaceous period, about 140 million years ago, and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. More than 12,500 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their elbowed antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
In biological classification, a subfamily is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end subfamily botanical names with "-oideae", and zoological names with "-inae".
Pheidole teneriffana is an Asian species with collection records scattered over several continents and islands across the globe. Described from the Canary Islands and found widely distributed throughout the greater Mediterranean region. Probably introduced to the Malagasy region, it was described from Madagascar as P. voeltzkowii , only one year after the publication of the senior synonym. Morphologically, P. teneriffana can be grouped together with, and is possibly related to, P. fervens , P. indica , P. oceanica , and P. sinaitica . In the New World, Pheidole teneriffana has been introduced to California, Cuba, Peru, and the West Indian islands. It seems to be common in dry habitats, especially along coasts and in urban areas, and has been described as aggressive toward other ant species, locally abundant, and spreading in urban areas. In the Malagasy region P. teneriffana was collected on the Comoros, Mauritius, the Seychelles, and from coastal towns in Madagascar, usually from under stones, ground nests, or foraging on the ground or lower vegetation in urban or garden habitats at elevations between 2 and 296 m, on Mayotte in native littoral and secondary forest (7 m elevation). It has been collected in Saudi Arabia from soil, under stones, and foraging on the ground on a few farms at elevations between 570 and 1620 m. [1]
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago and the southernmost autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean, 100 kilometres west of Morocco at the closest point. The Canary Islands, which are also known informally as the Canaries, are among the outermost regions (OMR) of the European Union proper. It is also one of eight regions with special consideration of historical nationality as recognized by the Spanish Government. The Canary Islands belong to the African Plate like the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the two on the African mainland.
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 kilometres off the coast of East Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, Madagascar split from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by the encroachment of the rapidly growing human population and other environmental threats.
Morphology is a branch of biology dealing with the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features.
Pheidole megacephala is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is commonly known as the big-headed ant in the USA and the coastal brown ant in Australia. It is a very successful invasive species and is considered a danger to native ants in Australia and other places. It has been nominated as one of the hundred "World's worst" invaders.
Tanipone is a Malagasy genus of ants in the subfamily Dorylinae.
Leptogenys is a genus of ants in the subfamily Ponerinae. Leptogenys is the most diverse ponerine ant genus in the world; it is widespread throughout tropical and subtropical regions and there are over 260 extant species described. Most species have ergatoid queens, and many have falcate, bowed mandibles and are specialists on isopod prey.
Pheidole komori is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole parva is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae. This genus is an invasive species but is rarely seen in urban areas, the alates, however are very commonly seen after storms performing a nuptial flight.
Pheidole ragnax is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole fervens is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae. Pheidole fervens, described from Singapore, is a widespread invasive species and could be native to the Oriental or the Oceanic region.
Pheidole dodo is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole megatron is a species of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole braueri is a species of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole loki is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole decepticon is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole vulcan is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Pheidole jonas is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Myrmisaraka is a Malagasy genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae. Described in 2014, the genus contains two species.
Vitsika is a Malagasy genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae. Described in 2014, the genus contains 14 species.
Royidris is a Malagasy genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae. Described in 2014, the genus contains 15 species endemic to Madagascar.
Meranoplus cryptomys is a Malagasy species of ant in the genus Meranoplus.
Meranoplus mayri is a Malagasy species of ant in the genus Meranoplus.
Meranoplus radamae is a Malagasy species of ant in the genus Meranoplus.
Zootaxa is a peer-reviewed scientific mega journal for animal taxonomists. It is published by Magnolia Press. The journal was established by Zhi-Qiang Zhang in 2001 and new issues are published multiple times a week. As of December 2012 more than 26,300 new taxa have been described in the journal. Print and online versions are available.
In computing, a Digital Object Identifier or DOI is a persistent identifier or handle used to identify objects uniquely, standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). An implementation of the Handle System, DOIs are in wide use mainly to identify academic, professional, and government information, such as journal articles, research reports and data sets, and official publications though they also have been used to identify other types of information resources, such as commercial videos.
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