A checklist of ants (hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pakistan

Abstract

The present paper provides an updated checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Pakistan. These include seven of the 21 known extant subfamilies with 103 valid ant species in 35 genera. Five species are reported for the first time from Pakistan: Cardiocondyla wroughtonii Forel, 1890; Crematogaster biroi Mayr, 1897; Ooceraea biroi (Forel, 1907); Pseudoneoponera rufipes Jerdon, 1851 and Strumigenys godeffroyi Mayr, 1866. Images to scientifically validate new faunal records from Pakistan and facilitate prompt identification are provided. Among the newly recorded species, three species viz., C. wroughtonii; O. biroi and S. godeffroyi are considered as tramp species having the cosmopolitan distribution. Notes about type localities, depositories and distribution in Pakistan are provided to each species record. The list provides a synthesis of the regional taxonomical work carried out until now and will serve as a baseline survey for future studies.