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Taxonomic confusion of two tramp ant species: Iridomyrmex anceps and Ochetellus glaber are really species complexes.

B. Hoffmann,A. Andersen,Xiang Zhang

Published 2011 in Current Zoology

ABSTRACT

Many invasive invertebrates belong to unresolved species complexes, and have a history of misidentification and in- appropriate management. Here we detail confusion surrounding the taxonomy and identification of two dolichoderine ant species, Iridomyrmex anceps Roger and Ochetellus glaber Mayr, which are commonly cited in the literature as having been spread widely by human commerce. We provide morphometric data and images strongly suggesting that these two "species" are instead com- plexes of species that are likely native to many regions where they are purportedly introduced. We take particular interest in the status of species referred to as I. anceps and O. glaber in China, as this is the most northerly distribution of both genera. We con- clude by suggesting that many identifications of both species are likely to be unreliable, and we recommend against any manage- ment action aimed at controlling these species under the assumption that they are exotic (Current Zoology 57 (5): 662-667, 2011).

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