A multidisciplinary approach to discriminating different taxa in the species complex Pachycondyla villosa (Formicidae)

Abstract

A multidisciplinary approach provides new evidence that strongly supports the differentiation of three taxa previously confounded in a single species, Pachycondyla villosa. All specimens studied were collected in the same location at Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Bivariate plots of petiole heights vs. petiole lengths and isozyme patterns clearly differentiate the three taxa. Chain lengths and chemical structures of cuticular hydrocarbons are characteristic of each taxon. This congruent evidence shows that there are three different valid species. Ecological hypotheses are discussed to explain the benefits of these species remaining sympatric. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London.