Author:
Knaden, M., Tinaut, A., Stökl, J., Cerdá, X. & Wehner, R.

Year:
2012

DOI:
10.25849/myrmecol.news_016:123

Title:
Molecular phylogeny of the desert ant genus Cataglyphis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Journal:
Myrmecological News

Volume:
16

Pages:
123-132

URL:
www.myrmecologicalnews.org

Keywords:
Cataglyphis, phylogeny, mtDNA, morphology, systematics.

Abstract:
Since the middle of the 20th century ants of the genus Cataglyphis – inhabiting the southern part of the Palearctic region – have become model organisms for insect navigation and various other fields of biological research. Currently ca. 100 Cataglyphis species are described. However, although molecular-based phylogenetic analyses are common practice in ant systematics, to date phylogenetic analyses of Cataglyphis have been strictly morphology-based. Here we present the first molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial Dna (754 bp) of 78 Cataglyphis specimens collected over a large part of the distributional range of the genus. By examining the same specimens based on morphological characters, we can conclude that major features of the morphology-based species-group phylogenies are supported by our molecular approach.

Publisher:
The Austrian Society of Entomofaunistics

ISSN:
Print: 1994-4136 - Online: 1997-3500