A new species in the Tetramorium solidum-group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) from the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa, with an assessment of threats and conservation status

Researchers have identified and described a new species of ant, Tetramorium namasp. nov., within the Tetramorium solidum-group from the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa. This discovery was made during an environmental impact assessment survey involving pitfall trapping at the Oena Diamond Mine. The new species is closely related to T. grandinode but can be distinguished by its unique costulate sculpture patterns on the mesosomal dorsum and petiole node, as well as differences in the forms of the petiole and postpetiole nodes, which are relatively narrower and longer with no or reduced lateral extensions. A modified key is provided to accommodate this new species. The study also assesses potential threats to the species from alluvial diamond mining, livestock farming, and climate change, suggesting that its conservation status may be classified as Vulnerable (VU) or Endangered (EN) under IUCN Red List criteria, depending on the determination of its range.

Hawkes, P. G. (2020). A new species in the Tetramorium solidum-group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) from the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa, with an assessment of threats and conservation status. ZooKeys, 965, 55–71. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.965.52735