Species: Tetramorium chefketi

Güsten, R., 2006:
According to Agosti and Collingwood (1987a), the species (misspelled “chefteki”), which was described from the European part of Turkey, occurs also in Greece and Anatolia. We compared specimens from these areas with the worker syntypes (MHNG) and support this view. Schulz (1996) presented characters differentiating T. chefketi from the closely similar T. moravicum and T. forte , and Sanetra and Buschinger (2000) as well as Schlick-Steiner et al. (2005) studied its phylogenetic position in relation to T. forte , T. moravicum and T. semilaeve . Csösz et al. (unpubl.) ascribe the paralectotypes of T. forte from Alušta ( Crimea , Ukraine ) to T. caespitum sarkissiani Forel , 1911 and regard that taxon as synonymous to T. chefketi , which has equal priority.
worker (Figs 12, 17): Turkey , Prov. Konya , 20 km swAyrancı
gyne (Fig. 7): Turkey , Prov. Artvin , ca. 30 km sArtvin
Turkey , Prov. Sinop , 5 km eKabali ; Turkey , Prov. Kastamonu , 30 km sInebolu ; Turkey , Prov. Nigde , 10 km nwAcipinar ; Turkey , Prov. Konya , Eregli swamps ; Turkey , Prov. Konya , Beloeren ; Greece , Pref. Arcadia , 5 km swLevidion ; Greece , Pref. Pieria , 4 km wLitohoro

Csösz S., 2007:
Species belonging to the T. chefketi species complex can be defined by the following combination of characters:
Workers
a) polygonal striae are continuous on 1st gastral tergite, and is sometimes microreticulate basally. Polygonal striation: interstices marked by feeble anastomosing striae (Fig. 8.), compare to microreticulation: interstices marked by very feeble elevated structures, like rugulae (Fig. 6, 7.);
b) head, alitrunk and waist coarsely sculptured, dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole coarsely rugose and/ or reticulate.
c) petiole and postpetiole relatively narrow (CS/PEW and CS/PPW, Table 1);
d) ground surface on the frons is usually coarsely microreticulate;
Gynes
e) alitrunk is low, dorsum is flattened in profile;
f) scutum in dorsal view is somewhat narrowed anteriorly and does not cover completely the pronotum, humeri are well visible;
g) head, alitrunk and waist are coarsely sculptured, and petiole and postpetiole dorsum coarsely rugose or/ and reticulate;
h) polygonal striae disrupted on 1st first gastral tergite, sometimes microreticulate basally;
i) mandibles are longitudinally striate; j) petiole and postpetiole are relatively narrow (WAIST, Table 2);
Males
k) head and alitrunk with usually coarsely sculpture, ground surface microreticulate;
l) sides of petiole and postpetiole not angulate as in the ferox species complex (in dorsal view);
m) first gastral tergite usually smooth and shiny, or feebly striate;
n) stipes of genitalia blunt, curved inwards at the top, with flattened apical plate (in caudal view);
The newly defined chefketi species complex may not strictly reflect the phylogenetic relationship of the above-mentioned species. T. sulcinode and T. annectens possess several autapomorphic characters (e.g. relatively large eyes and a long psammophore) what probably may lead to place them into a separate group in a future.
Key to the species of the Tetramorium chefketi species complex
Workers
1. Ventral surface of head with a row of short and several very long setae, forming a psammophore (figs 3, 4) [sometimes setae can be broken or lost]. Eyes larger, EYE = 0.185 ...................................................2
- Ventral surface of head with several short and a few longer straight setae, psammophore not developed (fig. 5). Eyes smaller, EYE <0.185..........................................................................................................3
2(1). Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole with sinuous rugae and coarse irregular reticulation. Ground surface microreticulate. Petiole much narrower than postpetiole, PEW/PPW 0.73 [0.70, 0.75] (China and Mongolia) ............................................................................................. T. annectens Pisarski , 1969
- Dorsum of petiolar node usually with semi-circular rugulae, ground surface smooth and shiny, postpetiole longitudinally rugulose, and shiny. Petiole slightly narrower than postpetiole, PEW/PPW 0.84 [0,80; 0,88] (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan) ............................. T. sulcinode Santschi , 1927
3(1). Frons extremely wide FR/CS 0.50 [0.49, 0.54] (Middle East) ....................... T. syriacum Emery , 1922
- Frons narrower FR/CS <0.41..................................................................................................................4
4(3). Scape shorter, SL/CS = 0.75.....................................................................................................................5
- Scape longer, SL/CS = 0.76......................................................................................................................7
5(4). Dorsal surface of petiole steeply rounded backward, NOH/NOL 1.03 [0.94, 1.13] petiole relatively high, PEH/NOL 1.84 [1.68, 2.04]. Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole with very feeble concentric sinuous rugulae and reticulation, medially microreticulate. D(2b) 0.093 FR - 0.148 NOL - 2.941 = +2.647 [+1.069, +4.647] (NW Africa) ..................................................................... T. alternans Santschi , 1929
- Petiolar node cubic in profile, NOH/NOL 0.84 [0.76, 0.97], petiole relatively low and long, PEH/NOL 1.50 [1.38, 1.73]. Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole coarsely rugoso-reticulate. D(2b) 0.093 FR - 0.148 NOL - 2.941 <+0.369 [-4.206, +0.369] ....................................................................................... 6
6(5) Head dorsum and alitrunk coarsely rugoso-reticulate, ground surface coarsely microreticulate. Scape feebly costulate, first gastral tergite microreticulate. D(3b) 0.118 MW - 0.121 PEH - 0.084 PPH - 4.585 = +2.643 [-0.619, +4.595] (Asia Minor, Rhodes and Cyprus)......................... T. rhodium Emery , 1922
- Head dorsum and alitrunk feebly rugoso-reticulate, ground surface feebly microreticulate. Scape always smooth, first gastral tergite never microreticulate but well polygonally striate. D(3b) 0.118 MW - 0.121 PEH - 0.084 PPH - 4.585 = -2.643 [-4.022, -0.882] (Italy) ..... T. sanetrai Schulz & Csöszn. sp.
7(4). Base of scape with well visible dorsal carina, elongate ridge and costulae extending whole scape length (fig. 49) (Central and East Europe, SE France and NW Italy, Caucasus, and Asia Minor)....................... ............................................................................................................... T. moravicum KratochvÌl , 1941
- Base of scape without dorsal carina, surface not costulate, smooth and shiny at least basally (figs 24, 38 and 42; see also figs 17, 31, 60 and 67) ..................................................................................................8
8(7). Petiolar node cubic in profile, NOH/NOL 0.86 [0.76, 0.97], petiole relatively low and long, PEH/NOL 1.53 [1.37, 1.69] (fig. 37) (Eastern part of South Europe to Kyrgyzstan) ........... T. chefketi Forel , 1911
- Petiolar node trapezoidal in profile, NOH/NOL = 0.96, petiole relatively high, PEH/NOL> 1.74 (figs 23 and 40).................................................................................................................................................9
9(8) Dorsum of alitrunk rugoso-reticulate, ground surface microreticulate (fig. 39). Scape long, SL/CS 0.82 [0.82, 0.85], frons narrow, FR/CS 0.34 [0.33, 0.35], frontal lobes as wide as frons, FL/FR 1.0 [1.0, 1.02]. D(2a) 0.081 SL - 0.151 FL - 7.652 = +2.683 [+1.193, +3.493]. (Afghanistan) ............................... .......................................................................................................... T. exile Csösz & Radchenko n. sp.
- Dorsum of alitrunk with parallel rugulae, ground surface feebly microreticulate (fig. 22). Scape shorter, SL/CS 0.78 [0.76, 0.81], frons wider, FR/CS 0.37 [0.35, 0.39], frontal lobes wider, FL/FR 1.02 [1.0, 1.08]. D(2a) 0.081 SL - 0.151 FL - 7.652 = -2.683 [-4.682, -0.042]. (Anatolia, Turkey) .......................... ....................................................................................................... T. anatolicum Csösz & Schulz n. sp.
Gynes (gynes of T. exile , T. rhodium , and T. syriacum are unknown)
1. Ventral surface of head with a row of short and several very long setae, forming a psammophore (in gynes this character is less distinct than in workers) ..............................................................................2
- Ventral surface of head with several short and a few straight, moderately long setae, psammophore absent ......................................................................................................................................................3
2(1). Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole with sinuous rugae and coarse irregular reticulation. Petiolar node relatively low, NOH/NOL 1.38, PEH/NOL 2.56 ............................... T. annectens Pisarski , 1969
- Dorsum of petiolar node usually with semi-circular rugulae, smooth medially, postpetiole longitudinally striate. Petiolar node relatively high, NOH/NOL 1.71 [1.52, 1.91], PEH/NOL 3.30 [3.12, 3.63] ... ...................................................................................................................... T. sulcinode Santschi , 1927
3(1). Dorsal crest of petiolar node slightly convex with a well visible protuberance medially in frontal view (fig 43.). Scape basally with a well visible dorsal carina, elongated costulae sometimes extending whole scape surface (fig 45.). Head slightly narrower than scutum, MW/CS 1.07 [1.05, 1.13] .......................... ............................................................................................................... T. moravicum KratochvÌl , 1941
- Dorsal transversal crest of petiolar node straight, without protuberance medially (in frontal view). Scape basally without dorsal carina and without elongated costulae. Head wider than scutum, MW/CS <1.0 ........................................................................................................................................................4
4(3). Ventral part of katepisternum smooth and shiny. Petiolar node dorsum steeply rounded backward in profile ......................................................................................................................................................5
- Ventral part of katepisternum rugoso-reticulate and microreticulate. Petiolar node dorsum flattened in profile ......................................................................................................................................................6
5(4). Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole finely microreticulate, smooth medially. Scape shorter, SL/CS 0.69 [0.65, 0.71] ........................................................................................... T. alternans Santschi , 1929
- Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole reticulate and microreticulate. Scape longer SL/CS 0.75 [0.71, 0.77] ............................................................................................. T. anatolicum Csösz & Schulz n. sp.
6(4). Whole dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole coarsely rugose. Scape longer, SL/CS 0.77 [0.75, 0.79]. ............................................................................................................................... T. chefketi Forel , 1911
- Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole coarsely rugose, but medially smooth. Scape shorter, SL/CS 0.67 [0.66, 0.68] ................................................................................. T. sanetrai Schulz & Csöszn. sp.
Tetramorium caespitum var. chefketi Forel , 1911: 332 ([[worker]]); TYPE MATERIAL: LECTOTYPE [[worker]] and PARALECTOTYPE [[workers]] designated below, for the locality details see lectotype designation (3[[workers]] / MHNG); raised to species rank: Agosti & Collingwood 1987a: 56; Senior synonymy fixed as the first reviser act hereby. (ICZN 1999. Art. 24.2.2.).
Tetramorium caespitum var sarkissiani Forel , 1911: 332. ([[worker]]); TYPE MATERIAL: LECTOTYPE [[worker]] and PARALECTOTYPE [[workers]] designated below, for the locality details see lectotype designation (3[[workers]] / MHNG); junior synonymy fixed as the first reviser act hereby. (ICZN 1999. Art. 24.2.2.). New synonymy
Tetramorium caespitum st turcomanica Santschi 1921a: 111 [mispelled as Tetramorium caespitum st. turcomana : Emery (Sic!)]; first available use of Tetramorium caespitum caespitum var turcomanica Emery , 1909: 702 ([[worker]], [[queen]]); TYPE MATERIAL: SYNTYPES “ Dschilarik ” [now TURKMENISTAN ] (1[[worker]], 1[[queen]], / MSNG ); raised to species rank: Tarbinsky1976: 109; junior synonym of T. forte Forel : Dlussky et al. 1990: 202; not Radchenko 1992b: 52. New synonymy
Tetramorium taurocaucasicum Arnoldi , 1968: 1813 ([[worker]], [[queen]], [[male]]); TYPE MATERIAL: HOLOTYPE [[worker]], [ UKRAINE ], “ Crimea , Gurzuf , 16.vi.1948 , K. Arnoldi ” [original label is in Russian] ( ZMMU ); PARATYPES , 14 [[workers]], 4 [[queens]] and 3 [[males]] from the nest of the holotype, and from Yalta ( Crimea ), Tuapse , Novorossiysk ( NW Caucasus , RUSSIA ) and GEORGIA ([[worker]], [[queen]], [[male]] ZMMU ) ; junior synonym of T. forte : Dlussky et al. 1990: 202, Atanasov & Dlussky 1992: 152, Radchenko 1992b: 51. New synonymy
Redescription of worker (figs 35-38). Medium to large size, CS 869 [740, 972]. Whole body and appendages dark brown to black. Head nearly square, CL/CW 1.01 [0.97, 1.04], with very feebly convex sides, straight occipital margin and rounded occipital corners. Eyes small, EYE 0.171 [0.165, 0.184]. Frons moderately narrow, FR/CS 0.37 [0.35, 0.39], frontal lobes usually wider, FL/FR 1.03 [1.0, 1.09]. Scape long, SL/CS 0.82 [0.78, 0.87], without longitudinal dorsal carina basally, smooth and shiny. Promesonotal dorsum slightly convex, metanotal groove rather deep. Propodeal teeth long. Petiolar node cubic in profile, NOH/NOL 0.86 [0.76, 0.97], petiole relatively low and long, and PEH/NOL 1.52 [1.37, 1.69]. General appearance coarsely rugose, ground surface microreticulate. Head dorsum longitudinally rugose and microreticulate, occiput and sides rugoso-reticulate, ground surface microreticulate. Alitrunk dorsum, mesopleuron and dorsum of petiolar node rugoso-reticulate, ground surface coarsely microreticulate, dorsum of postpetiole longitudinally rugulose and microreticulate. Polygonal striation continuous on 1st gastral tergite (see fig. 8.). Ventral surface of head with several short and few longer straight setae, arising posterior to buccal cavity (see fig. 5.).
Redescription of gyne (figs 32-34). Large size, CS 1121 [1060, 1180]. Whole body and appendages black. Head wider than long, CL/CW 0.92 [0.89, 0.95] with sides and occipital margin straight, and widely rounded occipital corners. Frons moderately narrow, FR/CS 0.38 [0.36, 0.40], frontal lobes as wide as frons, or slightly wider FL/FR 1.01 [1.0, 1.03]. Scape long, SL/CS 0.77, without longitudinal dorsal carina basally, smooth and shiny. Head wider than scutum, MW/CS 0.94 [0.88, 1.01]. Propodeal teeth long. Dorsal crest of petiolar node straight in frontal view; in profile, node with flattened dorsal surface. Petiole and postpetiole relatively narrow, WAIST 0.90 [0.86, 0.96]. General appearance coarsely rugose, ground surface microreticulate, dull. Head dorsum, occiput and sides rugoso-reticulate, ground surface microreticulate. Frons longitudinally rugose and microreticulate. Scutum and scutellum longitudinally rugose, scutellum more or less smooth medially. Sides of alitrunk, rugoso-reticulate and microreticulate, ventral part of katepisternum always rugulose, or microreticulate. Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole coarsely reticulate and microreticulate. Polygonal striation disrupted on 1st gastral tergite, superficially microreticulate basally. Ventral surface of head with several short and few longer straight, or few C-shaped setae arising posterior to buccal cavity.
Redescription of male. Whole body and appendages black. Head with convex sides, rounded occipital margin and widely rounded occipital corners. Head as wide as scutum. Propodeal teeth short, propodeum angulate in profile. Dorsal crest of petiolar node in frontal view with sharp, slightly emarginate, transversal edge. Head, alitrunk and waist coarsely sculptured, ground surface microreticulate, dull. Head rugoso-reticulate, ground surface microreticulate. Scutum and scutellum longitudinally rugose. Sides of alitrunk longitudinally rugose. Dorsum of petiolar node and postpetiole coarsely reticulate. Polygonal striation disrupted on 1st gastral tergite.
Morphometric data of the lectotype of T. chefketi Forel , 1911:
CL: 990; CW: 990; FR: 370; FL: 385; SL: 810; ML: 1150; MW: 660; PEW: 360; PEH: 365; NOH: 220; NOL: 230; PEL: 225; PPW: 415; PPL: 230; PPH: 355; SPL: 135; SPSP: 230.
Morphometric data of the lectotype of T. caespitum var sarkissiani Forel , 1911:
CL: 760; CW: 755; FR: 275; FL: 290; SL: 615; ML: 875; MW: 475; PEW: 225; PEH: 260; NOH: 150; NOL: 180; PEL: 200; PPW: 260; PPL: 195; PPH: 240; SPL: 85; SPSP: 160.
Material examined (67 nest series including 308 workers, 37 gynes and 22 males). BULGARIA - Blagiograd (1[[worker]] / MIZ ) ; Burgas (1 [[queen]] / MIZ ) ; Kocerinovo (1[[worker]] / MIZ ) ; GEORGIA - nr. 341 , Kvarely (Kvareli) (1 [[queen]], 2[[workers]] / MIZ ) ; GREECE - Olympgebirge, 3-5km W. Litóhoro , Prov.: Pieriá , 500-700mH , 13.05.1996 . nr.191 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock (9[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Vlasti , 18.07.1979 . leg. Holgersen (1[[worker]] / MSNM ) ; KAZAKHSTAN - Koksengir, 30 km W Kizyldjar, Karag. [ Karaganda Prov. ] (4[[workers]] / ZISP ) ; Pogodaevo, 60 km NW Uralska (1 [[queen]] / ZISP ) ; Zapadno-Kazahstanskaya obl.Okr. Serebrjakova , (1[[worker]] / ZISP ) ; KYRGYZSTAN - Frunze, Con Aryk13.6.1982 . 1000m , leg. J. Odehnal (2[[queens]],3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; MACEDONIA - Tetovo, Zelino, prov.30.05.1998 . leg. Rozner (1[[queen]] / HNHM ) ; TURKEY - Aksaray- 50km NW Aksaray 10km NW Acipinar 1000mH, Artemisia Steppe, Straßenrand02.06.1993 . nr.981 . leg. Schulz (10[[males]],6[[workers]],8[[queens]] / PCAS ) ; Ankara20km SW . 04.08.1973 . leg. Bacestrieri (1[[worker]] / MSNM ) ; Ankara Basbereket ca 30 km W Ankara14.5.1998 . leg. P. Bilek (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Ankara , 05.04.1947 leg. C.Kosswig (33[[workers]] / NHM ) ; Artvinca 30 km S Artvin on the road Artvin-Tortum25.5.1998 . leg. P.Bilek (5[[workers]],4[[males]],4[[queens]] / PCAS ) ; Artvin , 10km NW Sarigl 50km SW Artvin 1300-1500mH28.06.1993 . nr.1166 . leg. Schulz (1[[queen]] / PCAS ) ; Aydintepe vil. Gümüshane 1200mH , 01.07.1975 . nr.11 . leg. Osella (3[[workers]], 4[[queens]], 1[[male]] / MSNM ) ; Ayranci20 km SW1100mH , Prov. Mersin , 07.05.1997 . nr.220. & nr.T685 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (12[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Calecit vil. Pukeva Sorgente , 01.07.1972 . leg. Osella (1[[worker]] / MSNM ) ; Denizli-Kizikbeli Gecidi 20km SE Denizli 1250mH, Steppe22.05.1993 . nr.900 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Dinitzli50km SW 1000mH, Straßenrand19.08.1992 . nr.798 . leg. Schulz (3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Giresun-Bulancak 15km W Giresun Strandgebiet04.07.1989 . leg. Schulz (2[[queens]],2[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Gümüshane , Bayburc , 05.06.1958 leg. E.S.Brown (1[[worker]] / NHM ) ; Istambul , 14.07.1968 . leg. Poldi (3[[workers]] / MSNM ) ; Izmir-Zeytinlik, Boz Dag 10km NE Ödemis , 70km SEE Izmir, Kastanienstreuwiese 18.05.1993 . nr.854 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; KarsKarakurt23.5.1998 . leg. P. Bilek (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; KarsSarikamish24.5.1998 . leg. P. Bilek (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Kars-Dagpinar 25km SE Kars 1800mH, Steppe mit Vulkangesteinen23.06.1993 . nr.1122 . leg. Schulz (3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; KastamonKastamonu env.30.5.1998 . leg. P. Bilek (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Kastamonu-Seydiler 30km S Inebolu, 50km N Kastamonu, 1200mH, Straßenrand04.07.1993 . nr.1213., nr.1214. & nr.1215 . leg. Schulz (3[[workers]], 9[[queens]], 3[[males]] / PCAS ) ; Kayseri-Sultan Salz Sümpfe 10km W Develi, 40km S Kayseri Artemisia Steppe 1000mH , 01.06.1993 . nr.965 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Kirobasi 8 rkm S, 900mH , Prov. Mersin , 07.05.1997 . nr.206 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (9[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Kizikadag, 70km W Antalya 1300-1500mH, Steppe21.05.1993 . nr.890 . leg. Schulz (3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Konya - 40km S Beysehir 15km W Seydisehir 1400mH, Laub-Tannenmischwald 90%05.06.1993 . nr.1092 . leg. Schulz (3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Konya-Belören04.06.1993 . nr.1007. & nr.1005 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Konya - Eregli Sümpfe 15km NW Eregli 1000mH, Steppe und Überschwemmungsg02.06.1993 . nr.991. & nr.992 . leg. Schulz (13[[workers]] / 1 [[queen]] PCAS ) ; Kücükgezbeli 6 km W, ca. 100 km SE Kayseri, 1700mH , Prov. Adana , 10.05.1997 . nr.274 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (4[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Mersin - 30-40km NW Mersin zwischen Arstanköy und Yeniköy 1000-1500mH , 29.05.1993 . nr.940 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Mersin - Arslankoy 45km N Mersin 2000mH, Tannenwald und Wiese30.05.1993 . nr.951 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Mersin-Gülek31.05.1993 . nr.954 leg. Schulz (3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Osmeneli vil. Blekik , 13.07.1972 . leg. Osella (5[[workers]] / MSNM ) ; Prov. Kayseri , 10 km E Bakirdagi, ca. 80 km SE Kayseri, 1500mH , 10.05.1997 . nr.272 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (9[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Prov. Kayseri , 12 km WDeveli, 1000mH , 10.05.1997 . nr.270 leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (9[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Prov. Kayseri , 2 rkm NE Incesu, 30 km SW Kayseri, 1100mH , 10.05.1997 . nr.267. & nr.268 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (21[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Sarkisla 15 rkm S, ca. 80km SW Sivas, 1400mH , Prov. Sivas , 09.05.1997 . nr.273 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (3[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Sertavul Gecidi, 1600mH , Prov. Mersin , 07.05.1997 . nr.214. & nr.684 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (9[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Sinop - 5km S Kabali 30km S Sinop 500mH, Kiefernwald 50% Südhang03.07.1993 . nr.1207 . leg. Schulz (6[[workers]], 3[[males]] / PCAS ) ; Tavsanli , Prov. Kütahya01.05.1982 . leg. Heinze (9[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; Yellibeli Gecidi 5km S. 27km N. Emenek , Prov. Konya , 1800mH , 05.05.1997 . nr.171. & nr.T678 . leg. A. Schulz, K. Vock, M. Sanetra (12[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; YozgatAkdagmadeni16.5.1998 . leg. P. Bilek (6[[workers]] / PCAS ) ; RUSSIA - Lysaja Gora , okr. Anapy, Kub. Obl. [NW Caucasus] (3[[workers]] / ZISP ) ; UKRAINE -“ nr. 253 ” leg. Radchenko (3[[workers]] / NHM ) ; Aluschta ( Crimea ) 13- 15.v. 1900 leg. Kuznetzov (10[[workers]] / ZISP ; 1[[worker]] / MIZ ) ; Kerch, Tavr. g. ( Crimea ) (1[[worker]] / ZISP ) ; Krim , Kara-Dah, E Kurortne, 100-500mH , 15.08.1995 . leg. Sanetra (6[[workers]] / PCAS , 3[[workers]] / MHNG ) ; Semidvor ’e, Yaltinsky uezd , Krim (1[[worker]] / ZISP ) .
Morphometrics: (131 workers and 11 gynes measured).
Diagnosis. Workers of T. chefketi can be separated from related species by the lack of psammophore, relatively small eyes, (EYE, Table 1.), long and smooth scape (SL/CS, Table 1.) without dorsal carina basally, coarse body sculpture and cubic petiolar node (NOH/NOL and PEH/NOL, Table 1.). Workers of T. chefketi mostly resemble those of T. rhodium and T. sanetrain. sp. , but SL/CS (Table 1.) gives appropriate discrimination between them. Discriminant D(3a) function between workers of T. chefketi vs. T. exilen. sp. and T. chefketi vs. T. anatolicumn. sp. proves the-separation (see differential diagnosis of T. exilen. sp. ).
Gynes of T. chefketi can be distinguished by lacking of psammophore, long and smooth scape (SL/CS, Table 2.), wide scutum (MW/CS, Table 2.), relatively narrow petiole and postpetiole (WAIST, Table 2.), and rugoso-reticulate katepisternum. Gynes of T. chefketi mostly resemble those of T. sanetrain. sp. , but SL/CS (Table 2.) gives appropriate discrimination between them. For further combination of morphometric characters see Table 1-2.
Distribution. SE Europe (Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania), S Ukraine, south of the European part of Russia, NW Caucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, N Kazakhstan, SW Siberia, to the east - to Kyrgyzstan and Altai Mts.
Taxonomic notes. The nomenclatural uncertainty of T. forte originally was caused by Forel (1904). He described this taxon based on workers from southern France, on workers and gynes from Crimea, and on gynes and males from Georgia; type localities originally are given as: “Cette variété se trouve dans le midi de l’Europe (Camargue, Nice, Drôme , Palavas prés Montpellier). Au Musée Zoolog. Ac. Imp. Sc, elle se trouve de Crimée (Alupka, 1 [[queen]], 2.vi.1889; mont Kastel, 1 [[queen]], 26.vi.1900; Alushta, 15 [[workers]], 13-15.v. 1900. N. Kuznecov!) et de Transcaucasie (les [[queens]] et [[male]] douteux): (Gouv. Kutais, Artwin, 1 [[queen]], 23.vi.1898; K. Derjugin!). ” (Forel 1904: 371.). From this we infer that Forel described workers and sexual forms from different nests.
One of the authors (AR) investigated Eastern workers and males from the original type series (Crimea and Caucasus) deposited at ZISP, and definitely concluded that gynes and males were T. caespitum (L.) s. l., but workers were T. forte . Arnoldi (1968) described a new species, T. taurocaucasicum , based on all three castes from Crimea and Transcaucasus. He also noted that Forel’s syntype gynes of T. forte from Crimea belong to T. caespitum , however “... several workers [e.g. from Forel’s type series, AR] belong to my described species...’ (loc. cit, p. 1815, translation from Russian, AR). Finally, Arnoldi believed that the ìtrueîT. forte was a S European species. Under the name ìtaurocaucasicumî this species was also included into the key to the identification of the ants of the European part of former USSR (Arnoldi & Dlussky, 1978). Later Atanassov & Dlussky (1992) considered taurocaucasicum as junior synonym of T. forte , that was confirmed by Radchenko (1992b), based on the investigation of the type material of both T. forte (workers from Crimea), and T. taurocaucasicum .
The fact that T. forte was described from distant parts of Europe makes additional complication on its nomenclature. Thus, west and east European authors (Emery 1909, Santschi 1936, Bernard 1967, Collingwood 1978, Schulz 1996, Seifert 1996, etc. vs. Ruzsky 1905, Dlussky et al. 1990, Atanasov & Dlussky 1992, Radchenko 1992a, 1992b, Radchenko et al. 1998, Czechowski et al. 2002) determined from the south-western and the south-eastern Europe two assuredly different species under the name “Tetramorium forte”.
In order to solve the complexity on the taxonomy of T. forteGüsten et al. (2006) designated the lectotype of T. forte from the syntype series from Albaron, Camargue, France, which conforms to T. forte as recognized by West European authors.
So, what is the species wrongly recognized by Eastern authors as T. forte ? A direct comparison of the type specimens of T. chefketi , T. caespitum var. sarkissiani , T. turcomanicum , “ T. forte ” from Crimea and T. taurocaucasicum does not show any morphological or morphometrical differences between these taxa. Tetramorium chefketi and T. caespitum var. sarkissiani are synonyms and were published on the same date in the same work (Forel 1911: 332.) the senior synonymy of Tetramorium chefketi Forel , 1911 is now fixed as the first reviser act (ICZN 1999. Art. 24.2.2.) in this paper.
Radchenko (1992a) considered T. turcomanicum as a good species, but material, referred by him to T. turcomanicum , apparently belong to T. sulcinode (see notes under T. sulcinode ). Radchenko (1992a, 1992b), examined the syntype workers of T. moravicum Kratochvíl , 1944 (ZMMU), and synonymised it with "eastern T. forte " (i.e. T. chefketi acording current paper). However, further reinvestigations of types and non-type material of T. moravicum show the heterospecifity of these species.