Description of the male in the ant Proformica longipilosa Galkowski et al., 2017 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Formicinae) and notes on European Proformica

Abstract

In most ant species with flightless queens, such as the genus Proformica Ruzsky, 1902, winged males are crucial for allowing proper gene flow between and within populations. Furthermore, since these taxa often have a complex taxonomy, it is all the more interesting to study this often-neglected caste to gain a better understanding of the speciation dynamics at work. Here, we describe for the first time the male of Proformica longipilosa Galkowski et al., 2017, based on two individuals collected on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, France. This description completes our knowledge of the genus Proformica in France, as all the castes are now known for the three species occurring in the country. Consequently, we provide a preliminary key to the French Proformica males. Additionally, comparing our specimens with those of other European species, we distinguish two morphological groups in the genus: one characterised by males with very developed eyes (nasuta type male) and the other by males with more reduced eyes (ferreri type male). Finally, we provide informal but unique observations of Proformica nasuta (Nylander, 1856) reproductive behavior, illustrating the probably very weak dispersal capacity of the species within this genus.