Chemotaxonomy ofTapinomaand some Dolichoderinae ants from Europe and North Africa

Abstract

AbstractCuticular hydrocarbons of some Dolichoderinae species from France and various places like Spain, North Africa, and Italy were studied. TheTapinoma nigerrimumgroup was particularly analyzed and replaced in the genusTapinoma. All species were correctly discriminated and a new hydrocarbons profile was found in Spanish mountains in theT. nigerrimumgroup, which was provisionally namedT. sp. Spain. We added numerous unknown spots for the distribution of these ants. We also tested aggression between someT. magnumcolonies and it appeared that this species forms supercolonies like other invasive species, but does not form giant supercolonies like the Argentine ant