Geographic spread of the samsum or sword ant, Pachycondyla (Brachyponera) sennaarensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

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.