@article {57, title = {Ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen): zoogeography, distribution and description of a new species.}, journal = {Journal of Natural History}, volume = {51}, year = {2017}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Brian L. Fisher and Cedric A. Collingwood and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {56, title = {The ants (Hymenoptera:formicidae) of Rawdhat Khorim Nature Preserve, Saudi Arabia, with description of a new species of the genus Tetramorium Mayr}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3709}, year = {2013}, pages = {565{\textendash}580}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and MAHMOUD S. ABDEL-DAYEM and Hathal M. Al Dhafer and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {55, title = {The Formicine Ant Genus Plagiolepis Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Arabian Peninsula, with Description of Two New Species.}, journal = {Transactions of the American Entomological Society}, volume = {137}, year = {2011}, pages = { 203-215}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood and Brian Taylor} } @article {54, title = {Technomyrmex montaseri sp n., a new ant species of the T. gibbosus-group from Oman (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) with a key to the Technomyrmex species of the Arabian Peninsula}, journal = {zooKeys}, volume = {108}, year = {2011}, pages = {11-19}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Cedric A. Collingwood and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {53, title = {Taxonomy of ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collected by pitfall traps from Sinai and Delta region, Egypt}, journal = {egptian Journal of natural history}, volume = {3}, year = {2001}, pages = {40-61}, author = {Salwa mohamed and Samy zalat and Hassan H. Fadl and sohair gadalla and Mostafa R. Sharaf} } @article {52, title = {A new species and an updated checklist of the genus Spogostylum Macquart (Bombyliidae: Diptera) from Egypt}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control}, volume = {28}, year = {2018}, keywords = {Bee flies, Ectoparasitoides, Efflatoun{\textquoteright}s collection, List of species, Sinai, Spogostylum niphasoides sp. nov.}, author = {Magdi S. El-Hawagry} } @article {51, title = {Foraging activity and food preferences of the samsum ant, Pachycondyla sennaarensis}, journal = {Bulletin of Insectology}, volume = {66}, year = {2013}, pages = {187-193}, author = {Mashaly, Ashraf Mohamed Ali and Al-Mekhalfi, Fahad Abdu and Abdullah M. AL-QAHTANI} } @article {50, title = {Black (samsum) ant induced anaphylaxis in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {Saudi medical journal}, volume = {27}, year = {2006}, pages = {1761-1763}, author = {Mohammed Al-Shahwan and Sultan Al-Khenaizan and Mohammed Al-Khalifa} } @article {45, title = {Materiali per una revisione della sottofamiglia Leptanillinae Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).}, journal = {Entomologica Basiliensia}, volume = {2}, year = {1977}, month = {07/01/1977}, pages = {427-488}, author = {Baroni Urbani, C.} } @article {44, title = {UAE invertebrates.}, journal = {Tribulus}, volume = {2}, year = {1992}, pages = {40}, author = {Wingate, B.} } @book {43, title = {Insects of Eastern Arabia.}, year = {1987}, pages = {xvi + 175}, publisher = {MacMillan}, organization = {MacMillan}, address = {London, UK}, author = {Walker, D.H. and A.R. Pittaway} } @article {42, title = {The influence of the lunar cycle on ground-dwelling invertebrates in an Arabian desert.}, journal = {Journal of Arid Environments}, volume = {43}, year = {1999}, pages = {171{\textendash}182}, author = {Barbara J. Tigar and Osborne, P.E.} } @article {41, title = {A priliminary list of ant records from Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE.}, journal = {Tribulus}, volume = {3}, year = {1993}, pages = {13{\textendash}14}, author = {Barbara J. Tigar and Cedric A. Collingwood} } @article {40, title = {A new ant species of the genus Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Saudi Arabia, Including a revised key to the Arabian species.}, year = {2011}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {39, title = {First occurrence of Solenopsis Westwood, 1840 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with description of a new species S. saudiensis n. sp.}, journal = {Annales de la Soci{\'e}t{\'e} Entomologique de France}, year = {2011}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {38, title = {A new ant species of the Technomyrmex albipes-group from Saudi Arabia (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).}, journal = {Fauna of Arabia}, volume = {24}, year = {2009}, pages = {211{\textendash}216}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf} } @book {37, title = {Insects of the UAE. A Checklist of Published Records.}, year = {2005}, pages = {85}, publisher = {Dar al Ummah Publishing}, organization = {Dar al Ummah Publishing}, address = {Abu Dhabi}, author = {Antonius van Harten} } @inbook {36, title = {The insects of Jebel Hafit.}, booktitle = {Jebel Hafit, a natural history.}, year = {2004}, pages = {94{\textendash}143}, publisher = {Emirates Natural Group}, organization = {Emirates Natural Group}, address = {Abu Dhabi}, author = {M. P.T. Gillett and Brigitte Howarth and S. Aspinall and P. Hellyer} } @article {35, title = {A winter survey of insects and other terrestrial invertebrates on Marawah Island, Abu Dhabi.}, journal = {Tribulus}, volume = {12}, year = {2002}, pages = {12{\textendash}19}, author = {M. P.T. Gillett and C. P.D.T. Gillett} } @article {34, title = {Hypersensivity to Samsun ants.}, journal = {The Lancet}, volume = {339}, year = {1992}, pages = {552{\textendash}553}, author = {Dip, G. and R.K. Ferguson and V. Slijivic} } @article {33, title = {Allergie {\`a} la fourmi Pachycondyla sennaarensis aux Emirats Arabes Unis.}, journal = {Bulletin de la Soci{\'e}t{\'e} de Pathologie Exotique}, volume = {85}, year = {1992}, pages = {400{\textendash}408}, author = {Dip, G.} } @article {32, title = {The ants (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Socotra Archipelago.}, journal = {Fauna of Arabia}, volume = {20}, year = {2004}, pages = {473{\textendash}495}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Pohl, H. and R. G{\"u}sten and W. Wranik and Antonius van Harten} } @article {31, title = {Further Additions to the ant fauna of Yemen.}, journal = {Zoology in the Middle East}, volume = {35}, year = {2005}, pages = {73{\textendash}78}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Antonius van Harten} } @article {30, title = {Additions to the ant fauna of Yemen (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).}, journal = {Esperiana}, volume = {8}, year = {2001}, pages = {559{\textendash}568}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Antonius van Harten} } @article {29, title = {A general guide to the ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Yemen.}, year = {1994}, pages = {39}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Antonius van Harten} } @article {28, title = {Formicidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of Saudi Arabia (Part 2).}, journal = {Fauna of Saudi Arabia}, volume = {15}, year = {1996}, pages = {300{\textendash}385}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Donat Agosti} } @article {27, title = {Hymenoptera: Fam. Formicidae of Saudi Arabia.}, journal = {Fauna of Saudi Arabia}, volume = {7}, year = {1985}, pages = {230{\textendash}302}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood} } @article {26, title = {First record of the myrmicine ant genus Carebara Westwood, 1840 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Saudi Arabia with description of a new species, C. abuhurayri sp. n.}, year = {2011}, author = {Abdulrahman S. Aldawood and Mostafa R. Sharaf and Taylor, B.} } @article {25, title = {Monomorium moathi sp. n., a new ant species from Yemen (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) related to the salomonis-group.}, journal = {Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences}, volume = {3}, year = {2010}, pages = {37{\textendash} 42}, author = {Abdulrahman S. Aldawood and Mostafa R. Sharaf and Cedric A. Collingwood} } @article {24, title = {Two ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as new records to fauna of Saudi Arabia.}, journal = {Bulletin of Entomological Society of Egypt}, volume = {86}, year = {2009}, pages = {143{\textendash}147}, author = {Abdulrahman S. Aldawood and Mostafa R. Sharaf} } @article {21, title = {Survey and taxonomical study of ants that collected from indoor in different regions of Iraq}, journal = {Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)}, volume = {12}, year = {2018}, month = {18/03/2018}, pages = {93-97}, abstract = {

The aim of this study to determine the worker ants, which had several important, related to human activities in different aspects; furthermore, there was no paper deals with this matter previously in Iraq. The present investigation showed, the ant worker species that found indoors, which collected from different regions of Iraq are identified; they were registered as eight species belonging to six genera under three subfamilies. The species of Monomorium brunneolucidulum Collingwood \& Agosti and Monomorium rimae Collingwood \& Agosti are new recorded for Iraqi fauna. Identification key to subfamilies, genera and species was designed with illustrated of the morphological characters.

}, keywords = {ants, Indoor, Iraq, Survey, Taxonomical study}, url = {https://innspub.net/jbes/survey-taxonomical-study-ants-collected-indoor-different-regions-iraq/}, author = {Razzaq Shalan Augul and Hanaa Hani. Al-Saffar} } @article {20, title = {First occurrence of Solenopsis Westwood 1840 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with description of a new species S. saudiensis n. sp.}, journal = {International Journal of Entomology }, volume = {47}, year = {2011}, pages = {474-479}, abstract = {

The ant genus Solenopsis Westwood 1840, is recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The worker caste of S. saudiensis n. sp., collected in Riyadh is described and illustrated. This resembles S. cooperi Donisthorpe 1947, and S. kochi Finzi 1936. A revised key to the Arabian species is given together with ecological and biological notes. S. saudiensis n. sp. is identified by the following characters: Anterior clypeal margin with a central pair of stout projecting teeth and a lateral pair of short, broad basal blunt teeth; eyes with two minute facets; funicular segments 2-7 about twice as wide as long; propodeum short and low with the basal face making a continuous arc with the declivity; and petiole as long as broad in dorsal view.

}, keywords = {ants., Myrmicinae}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/00379271.2011.10697738}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00379271.2011.10697738}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @proceedings {19, title = {Six new species of ants (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Egypt}, volume = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {31/12/2007}, pages = {235-249}, abstract = {

Six new ant species from Egypt Cerapachys collingwoodi, Cataglyphis agostii, Messor eglalae, Pheidole fadli, Solenopsis bakri and Tetramorium shirlae were described.

}, keywords = {ants, cataglyphis, egypt, Formicidae, taxonomy}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13082}, author = {Hassan H. Fadl and Reda F. Bakr and Rawda M. Badawy and Mostafa R. Sharaf} } @article {18, title = {Geographic spread of the samsum or sword ant, Pachycondyla (Brachyponera) sennaarensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)}, journal = {Myrmecological News}, volume = {18}, year = {2013}, pages = {13-18}, abstract = {

The samsum or sword ant, Pachycondyla (Brachyponera) sennaarensis (MAYR, 1862), is a widespread, conspicuous ant in the savannas and open forests of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. This ant is also common in villages and cities, where it is well known for its powerful sting that sometimes leads to anaphylactic shock in humans and even death. Recent first reports of P. sennaarensis from subtropical parts (\> 23.4\° N) of the Arabian Peninsula and Iran have led many researchers to conclude that populations of this ant are expanding. To evaluate this possibility, I compiled and mapped specimen records of P. sennaarensis from \> 300 sites. I documented the earliest known P. sennaarensis records for 40 countries, including several for which I found no previously published records: Bahrain, Chad, India, Liberia, Mozambique, and Zambia.

}, keywords = {Biogeography, biological invasion, pest ants, range expansion.}, author = {James K. Wetterer} } @article {17, title = {First annotated checklist of the ant fauna of Turkey (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3548}, year = {2012}, month = {14/11/2012}, pages = {1{\textendash}38}, abstract = {

The first annotated checklist of the ants of Turkey is presented. A total of 306 valid names of species-group taxa (286 species, 20 subspecies) is recorded based on literature records and additional newly collected material carried out since 1998. Synonyms are included. New localities are added for some poorly known species. Four species (Tapinoma subboreale, Formica georgica, Formica lugubris and Lasius balcanicus) are reported for the first time and thirteen species (Bothriomyrmex atlantis, B. meridionalis, Tapinoma madeirense, Camponotus robustus, Formica fuscocinerea, F. gagatoides, Rossomyrmex minuchae, Messor barbarus, Monomorium glabrum, M. salomonis, Myrmica vandeli, Stenamma westwoodii and Tetramorium forte) are excluded from the list of Turkish ants.

}, keywords = {ants, Checklist, Formicidae, new record, Turkey}, url = {http://zoobank.org/References/3CE94E90-3E59-4FAF-98F1-90CBD0BC27CE}, author = {Kadri Kiran and Celal Karaman} } @article {16, title = {The ant genus Carebara Westwood in the Arabian Peninsula (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {357}, year = {2013}, month = {02/12/2013}, pages = {67{\textendash}83}, abstract = {

\ the ant genus Carebara of the Arabian Peninsula is revised. Carebara abuhurayri Sharaf \& Aldawood, 2011 is synonymized under Carebara arabica Collingwood \& van Harten, 2001. Carebara arabica is redescribed and a Neotype is\  xed based on a specimen collected from southwestern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A new species, C. fayrouzae sp. n. is described from Saudi Arabia based on queens, major and minor workers. Keys to major and minor workers of the two Arabian Carebara species are given.

}, keywords = {key, Myrmicinae, new species, Palearctic region, Saudi Arabia, taxonomy}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.357.5946}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {15, title = {Taxonomy of the Myrmicine ant genus Temnothorax Mayr, 1861 (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in the Arabian Peninsula}, journal = {European Journal of Taxonomy}, volume = {280}, year = {2017}, pages = {1-17}, abstract = {

The Arabian Temnothorax Mayr, 1861 fauna is revised for the\  rst time. Three species are recognized from the region: Temnothorax arabicus Sharaf \& Akbar sp. nov., T. liviae (Agosti \& Collingwood, 2011) comb. nov. and T. megalops (Hamann \& Klemm, 1967). Leptothorax saudiae Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996 was placed in Temnothorax by Bolton (2003), but actually belongs to Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 and is herewithin recombined to Tetramorium saudiae (Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996) comb. nov. Automontage images and comparative diagnoses of workers as well as notes on habitats and distribution of treated species are provided. A revised key to the Arabian species based on the worker caste is also presented.

}, keywords = {Afrotropical region., ants, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Revision, Temnothorax}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2017.280}, url = {https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/view/403}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Shahid A. Akbar and Hathal M. Al Dhafer and Ali El-Gharbawy and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {14, title = {Four new records of ants from Iran}, journal = {Zoology in the Middle East}, volume = {52}, year = {2011}, month = {28/02/2013}, pages = {71-78}, abstract = {

Four ant species are recorded for the first time for Iran: Myrmica hellenica Finzi, 1926; Myrmica deplanata Emery, 1921; Messor aralocaspius Ruzsky, 1902; and Messor picturatus Santschi, 1927. The ant fauna of Iran now includes 148 species.

}, keywords = {Formicidae, Iran, Mazandaran, Messor, Middle East., Myrmica, Zanjan}, doi = {10.1080/09397140.2011.10638481}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2011.10638481}, author = {Fateme Firouzi and Shahrokh Pashaei Rad and Sakine Hossein Nezhad and Donat Agosti} } @article {13, title = {Tramp ants of Tangier, Morocco}, journal = {Transactions of the American Entomological Society}, volume = {143}, year = {2017}, month = {18/04/2017}, pages = {299-304}, abstract = {

In May 2016, we collected ants at 16 sites in the city of Tangier, Morocco, primarily in urban gardens and parks. We found a total of 38 ant species, including eight non-native tramp species, Cardiocondyla emeryi, Linepithema humile, Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi, Paratrechina longicornis, Pheidole megacephala, Strumigenys membranifera, Tetramorium bicarinatum, and Tetramorium caldarium. These eight plus Monomorium pharaonis represent all non-native ant species known from Morocco. Two of these species are not been previously known from Morocco: N. jaegerskioeldi and P. megacephala. We found N. jaegerskioeldi at five sites, suggesting that this previously unreported species may have an expanding population in Morocco. We found P. megacephala in a single park in Tangier. Competition with native Pheidole species may limit the spread of P. megacephala in Morocco. The only tramp species from the New World known from Morocco is the Argentine ant, L. humile, which we collected at 7 sites. This species, originally from South America, is an important ecological and agricultural pest in areas with Mediterranean-like climates, including not only the Mediterranean region, but also southern California, southern Africa, and southern Australia.

}, keywords = {exotic species, Linepithema humile, Morocco, Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi, Pheidole megacephala}, url = {http://taes.entomology-aes.org/}, author = {Ahmed Taheri and James K. Wetterer and Joaquin Reyes-L{\'o}pez} } @article {12, title = {New synonyms of two Arabian ants of the genus Monomorium Mayr, 1855 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {505}, year = {2015}, month = {21/05/2015}, pages = {51-58}, abstract = {

Synonymy of two Arabian Monomorium Mayr, 1855 species is proposed: M. exiguum Forel, 1894 = M. desertorum Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996, syn. n.; M. subopacum Smith, 1858 = M. mintiribe Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996, syn. n. A lectotype for M. venustum Smith, 1858 is designated. Information on nesting habits of M. exiguum and M. venustum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are provided for the\  rst time. Recently collected records for M. exiguum, M. subopacum, and M. venustum from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are listed.

}, keywords = {Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, new designation, Saudi Arabia, synonymy, taxonomy, United Arab Emirates}, doi = {https://dx.doi.org/10.3897\%2Fzookeys.505.9441}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Cedric A. Collingwood and Hathal M. Al Dhafer and Mohammed S. Al Mutairi and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {11, title = {Ants of the Monomorium monomorium species-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Arabian Peninsula with description of a new species from southwestern Saudi Arabia}, journal = {peerJ}, volume = {6}, year = {2018}, month = {1/02/2018}, abstract = {

We revise the taxonomy of the myrmicine ants of the Monomorium monomorium species-group for the Arabian Peninsula. Six species are recognized: Monomorium aeyade Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996, M. clavicorne Andr\é, 1881, M. exiguum Forel, 1894, M. holothir Bolton, 1987, M. mohammedi sp. n., and M. sarawatense Sharaf \& Alda- wood, 2013. On the basis of the worker caste, we describe Monomorium mohammedi sp. n. from the southwestern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We designate a neotype for Monomorium aeyade Collingwood \& Agosti and redescribe and illustrate the worker caste. Furthermore, we provide a worker-based species identifica- tion key, distribution maps for the treated species, and ecological and biological notes, if available. Monomorium holothir is recorded for the first time from the KSA. Also, we propose M. clavicorne var. punica Santschi, 1915a as a junior synonym of M. clavicorne, as well as M. dryhimi Aldawood \& Sharaf, 2011 and M. montanum Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996 to be treated as junior synonyms of Monomorium exiguum.

}, keywords = {Asir Province, Identification key, Middle East, Myrmicinae, Palearctic region, Revision}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.4277}, url = {https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4277}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Hathal M. Al Dhafer and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood and Francisco Hita Garcia} } @article {10, title = {Additions to the ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Oman: an updated list, new records and a description of two new species}, journal = {Asian Myrmecology}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {16/02/2018}, pages = {1-38}, abstract = {

An updated list of ant species (Formicidae) known from Oman is provided, including both published records and recently collected material, and bringing the total number to 123 species belonging to 24 genera and four subfamilies. In the present study thirty-four ant species were collected from Oman during expeditions in 2016 and 2017. Ten ant species are recorded for the\  rst time in Oman : Cardiocondyla breviscapa Seifert, 2003, C. mauritanica Forel, 1890, C. yemeni Collingwood \& Agosti, 1996, Erromyrma latinodis (Mayr, 1872), Hypoponera abeillei (Andr\é, 1881), Lepisiota opaciventris (Finzi, 1936), Monomorium dichroum Forel, 1902, Pheidole parva Mayr, 1865, Plagiolepis boltoni Sharaf, Aldawood \& Taylor, 2011, and Tetramorium lanuginosum Mayr, 1870. The genus Aphaenogaster is recorded for the\  rst time from Oman, and two new species of Aphaenogaster are described based on the worker caste: A. sarae sp. n. and A. asmaae sp. n. The\  rst key to the Arabian Aphaenogaster is presented. The genus Erromyrma Bolton \& Fisher, 2016 is recorded for the\  rst time from Oman and the Arabian Peninsula by the sole species E. latinodis (Mayr, 1872). The queen caste of Pl. boltoni Sharaf, Aldawood \& Taylor, 2011 is also described for the\  rst time from Masfat Al- Ebreien, Oman. New distributional records are given with biological notes for species when available.

}, keywords = {Aphaenogaster, Arabian Peninsula, Asir Province, Erromyrma, invasive species, key, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Palearctic region}, doi = {10.20362/am.010004}, url = {http://www.asian-myrmecology.org/publications/am10/sharaf-et-al-2018-am010004.pdf}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Brian L. Fisher and Hathal M. Al Dhafer and Andrew Polaszek and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @article {9, title = {A remarkable new species of the genus Lepisiota Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Oman and the United Arab Emirates with a key to the Arabian species.}, journal = {Journal of Natural History}, volume = {50}, year = {2016}, month = {10/05/2016}, pages = {1875-1887}, abstract = {

Lepisiota omanensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on the worker caste collected in Jebel Qahwan Oman, and Ain Al Waal, United Arab Emirates. The new species belongs to the L. gracilicornis group and is separated easily from all Arabian Lepisiota species, and other species in the gracilicornis group, by the exceptionally long, acute and strongly curved propodeal spines. Lepisiota elegantissima Collingwood \& van Harten is recorded for the first time from Oman. Lepisiota simplex (Forel) stat rev. is recognised at species rank. Ecological and biological observations are provided. A revised key to the Arabian species of Lepisiota is given. A checklist of the Arabian Lepisiota species is presented.

}, keywords = {key, Lepisiota omanensis, Middle East, new status, Oman, Palaearctic region, United Arab Emirates}, doi = {10.1080/00222933.2016.1180722}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00222933.2016.1180722}, author = {Mostafa R. Sharaf and Joe Monks and Andrew Polaszek and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood} } @inbook {8, title = {Order Hymenoptera, Family Formicidae.}, booktitle = {Arthropod fauna of the UAE}, series = {Arthropod Fauna of the UAE}, volume = {4}, year = {2011}, pages = {405{\textendash}474}, publisher = {Dar Al Ummah}, organization = {Dar Al Ummah}, address = {Abu Dhabi}, isbn = {9789948161165}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235698370_Order_Hymenoptera_family_Formicidae}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Donat Agosti and Mostafa R. Sharaf and Antonius van Harten} } @article {7, title = {Introduced ants in the United Arab Emirates.}, journal = {Journal of Arid Environments}, volume = {37}, year = {1997}, month = {27/06/1997}, pages = {505-512}, abstract = {

Fifteen species of introduced ants, including eight cosmopolitan or tramp species, are recorded for the first time in the United Arab Emirates. They are Cardiocondyla emeryi,Camponotus compressus, Iridomyrmex anceps, Linepithema humile, Monomorium destructor, Monomorium indicum, Pachycondyla sennaarensis, Paratrechina flavipes, Paratrechina jaegerskioeldi, Paratrechina longicomis, Pheidole teneriffana, Solenopsis geminata, Tapinoma melanocephalum, Tapinoma simrothi and Tetramorium bicarinatum. A synopsis of their distribution, biology and pest status is given. Introduced species contribute an unusually high proportion of local ants and the ecological implications of their presence are discussed, including displacement of native fauna and impact upon human health. These ants abound in man-made, mesic environments and do not reach the characteristic sandy deserts of the region. Most invasive species are probably benign, but P. sennaarensis, M. destructor and S. geminata pose potential problems as public health and nuisance pests. The highly competitive S. geminata and L. humile may also threaten the local entomofauna and biodiversity.

}, keywords = {ants, Formicidae, introduced species, public health pests, tramp ants, United Arab Emirates}, url = {http://antbase.org/ants/publications/9504/9504.pdf}, author = {Cedric A. Collingwood and Barbara J. Tigar and Donat Agosti} } @article {6, title = {Samsum ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis (Formicidae: Ponerinae): Distribution and abundance in Saudi Arabia}, volume = {22}, year = {2015}, month = {22/05/2015}, pages = {575-579}, abstract = {

Invasive species are capable of causing considerable damage to natural ecosystems, agriculture and economies throughout the World. Samsum ant, Brachyponera (Pachycondyla) sennaarensis has been a reason for medical implication and social nuisance through its poisonous and severely painful sting causing anaphylactic shock in many cases. We surveyed for the presence of the samsum ant in various provinces of Saudi Arabia. B. sennaarensis was the abundant Ponerinae species in human settlements. In the Eastern provinces, however, few samples were collected, and none were found in the Northern and Western provinces. Infestations of B. sennaarensis were particularly severe in the spring and summer seasons, when the ants make nests in moist areas and in cracks in cemented structures, whereas the extent of infestation reduced in winter seasons.

}, keywords = {Brachyponera (Pachycondyla) sennaarensis, Distribution, Ponerinae, Samsum ant, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.05.011}, author = {Mohammed Saleh Al-Khalifa and Mashaly, Ashraf Mohamed Ali and Siddiqui, Mohammed Iqbal and Al-Mekhalfi, Fahad Abdu} } @article {3, title = {Morphology and ultrastructure of the venom gland in the ant Brachyponera sennaarensis.}, journal = {Asian Myrmecology}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {13.2.2018}, pages = {1-9}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

We studied the morphology and ultrastructure of the venom gland of queens and workers of the samsum ant Brachyponera sennaarensis, which is known for its very painful sting. The general anatomical features of the gland are similar to those of other ants. The secretory cells do not have a granular endoplasmic reticulum, but contain numerous scattered free ribosomes and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The convoluted gland represents an additional secretory tissue, in which the venom reaches its final toxicity. A considerable muscular supply surrounds the venom reservoir, and allows a forceful squeezing out of the venom during stinging. The ants have a mainly granivorous diet during the dry season, and feed on animal prey during the rainy season. For their prey hunting, and possibly also to protect the stored seeds against potential seed thieves, they need to rely on a powerful venom gland.

}, keywords = {Brachyponera sennaarensis, morphology, ultrastructure, venom gland}, doi = {10.20362/am.010005}, url = {http://www.asian-myrmecology.org/publications/am10/billen-and-al-khalifa-2018-am010005.pdf }, author = {Johan Billen and Mohammed Saleh Al-Khalifa} } @article {1, title = {Studies on the distribution of Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae) in Saudi Arabia. 1. Ar-Riyadh region.}, journal = {Pakistan Journal of Zoology}, volume = {42}, year = {2010}, pages = {707-713}, chapter = {707}, abstract = {

In Ar-Riyadh Region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat and Al-Majmah (north zone), of Al-Hariq, Al-Aflaj and Hawtat Bani Tamim (south zone), of Hijrat Sa{\textquoteleft}ad (east zone), of Shaqra, Durma, Al-Qasab, Huraimela{\textquoteleft}a (west zone) and Riyadh City (central zone) were surveyed for the presence of Pachycondyla sennaarensis monthly during the period from December 2007 to December 2009. The ant was not detected in Al-Majmah or Al-Zulfi. It was detected in Al-Ghat and Hijrat Sa\&$\#$39;ad only in 2009, while it was found in small numbers in 2008 and in large numbers in 2009 in all west zone Governorates; which suggest that the ant was actively spreading in these localities. Large numbers of the ant were detected in the south and central zones\&$\#$39; Governorates during both years. The positive localities were infested more heavily during spring and summer. The ants seemed to have adapted to the hot and dry weather of Riyadh Region especially in spring and summer by establishing the nests in moist sand in irrigated gardens, parks, housing areas and roadside plantations. This ant is a condemned health hazard and more field studies and quarantine measures are essential for its control.

}, author = {Mohammed Saleh Al-Khalifa and Ahmed, Ashraf Mohamed and Mashaly, Ashraf Mohamed Ali and Al-Mekhalfi, Fahad Abdu and Khaiil, Galila and Siddiqui, Mohammed Iqbal and Ali, Mahmoud Fadl} }