taxonID	type	description	language	source
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	description	Figs 16 – 33 Diagnostic character combination Antennal clubs concolorous yellowish, antennae 12 - segmented in females and 13 in males, eyes normal, metanotal groove very weak or absent, worker propodeal spines long, male propodeal spines dentiform, petiole upper profile usually with a short horizontal component, subpetiolar process toothlike, sculpturing mostly areolate and weak.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	etymology	Etymology Baroni Urbani (1964) dedicated this species to the Italian entomologist Marcello La Greca (1914 – 2001).	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined We investigated 56 colony samples from 23 localities, consisting in a total of 212 ☿☿, 8 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂ from our collections, one colony under rearing in our possession, holotype queen and paratype workers from the MSNV and NHMW collections, and additional non-type workers from the personal collections of David Misfud and Stephen Schembri and from the MSNM. A detailed list is provided in the Supp. file 1: Table S 1.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	description	Redescription Worker (Figs 19 – 27) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (13 specimens, 6 localities, 6 colonies). CL: 547.15 ± 33.51 (488 – 592); CW: 447.54 ± 31.37 (401 – 495); CS: 497.35 ± 31.84 (444 – 543); PoOC: 231.69 ± 14.9 (212 – 257); SL: 387.77 ± 24.95 (352 – 435); ML: 603.15 ± 57.6 (527 – 709); MW: 295.92 ± 26.65 (260 – 347); EL: 116.85 ± 16.1 (100 – 153); EW: 87.92 ± 11.19 (78 – 112); EYE: 102.38 ± 13.28 (89 – 132); SPST: 147.6 ± 17.97 (120 – 175); CL / CW: 1.22 ± 0.03 (1.18 – 1.29); PoOC / CL: 0.42 ± 0.01 (0.40 – 0.45); SL / CL: 0.71 ± 0.01 (0.68 – 0.73); ML / CS: 1.21 ± 0.05 (1.15 – 1.33); MW / CS: 0.59 ± 0.02 (0.56 – 0.65); EL / CS: 0.23 ± 0.02 (0.20 – 0.29); EW / CS: 0.18 ± 0.02 (0.15 – 0.21); EYE / CS: 0.20 ± 0.01 (0.18 – 0.25); SPST / CS: 0.30 ± 0.02 (0.27 – 0.32). COLORATION. Entirely yellowish with the exception of a variably large and often not clearly demarcated black transverse band on the gaster. HEAD. Subrectangular with rounded margins near the four angles, clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively short (SL / CL: 0.71 ± 0.01). Compound eyes relatively small, ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.20 ± 0.01). MESOSOMA. May present a slight metanotal depression, its dorsal profile being from almost straight to definitely rounded in lateral view. Propodeal spines are relatively long (SPST / CS: 0.30 ± 0.02), usually proportionally thin in minor worker but sometimes considerably thick in large ones. METASOMA. The petiole in profile view usually presents a short but visible horizontal section. A subpetiolar process is normally visible, consisting of a small tooth angled down at up to 90 °. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in lateral profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Most of the body is characterized by a very fine areolate-rugose sculpture, the longitudinal component of which tends to be notably more marked on the frontal side of the head only in larger specimens. The gaster and appendages are smooth, as well as the clypeus and a variable area extending around the frons. A central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Queen (Figs 28 – 30) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (2 specimens, 2 localities). CL: 649 – 627; CW: 531 – 548; CS: 579 – 598; PoOC: 239 – 256; SL: 457 – 469; ML: 932 – 989; MW: 585 – 585; EL: 190 – 195; EW: 157 – 161; EYE: 173 – 178; SPST: 216 – 237; CL / CW: 1.08 – 1.08; PoOC: 0.37 – 0.41; SL / CL: 0.72 – 0.73; ML / CS: 1.65 – 1.61; MW / CS: 0.97 – 1.00; EL / CS: 0.32 – 0.33; EW / CS: 0.27 – 0.27; EYE / CS: 0.30 – 0.30; SPST / CS: 0.37 – 0.39. COLORATION. Entirely yellowish with the main exception of parts of the gaster: at least the first tergite characterized by a blackish transverse band. Moreover, the mesoscutellar disk is darkened caudally. HEAD. Subrectangular, with rounded margins near the four angles, clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively short (SL / CL: 0.72 – 0.73). Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.30); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeal spines relatively long (SPST / CS: 0.37 – 0.39). METASOMA. Dorsum of petiole in profile view without a horizontal section. Subpetiolar process usually visible, consisting of a small tooth. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Most of the body is characterized by a variably fine areolate-rugose sculpture, strong longitudinal rugae on the head. Clypeus. gaster and appendages smooth; a variable area extending around the frons, most of the pronotum, anepisterna, katepisterna, mesoscutellar disk and mesoscutum. A central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Male (Figs 31 – 33) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (3 specimens, 2 localities). CL: 443 ± 13.11 (429 – 445); CW: 405.67 ± 3.51 (402 – 409); CS: 424.33 ± 7.84 (415 – 430); PoOC: 189.67 ± 2.51 (187 – 192); SL: 203 ± 4 (199 – 207); ML: 836.67 ± 5.13 (832 – 841); MW: 498.67 ± 3.78 (496 – 503); EL: 186.67 ± 6.03 (181 – 193); EW: 165.67 ± 3.78 (163 – 170); EYE: 176.16 ± 3.62 (172 – 178); SPST: 126.33 ± 4.51 (122 – 131); CL / CW: 1.04 ± 0.01 (1.03 – 0.06); PoOC / CS: 0.43 ± 0.01 (0.42 – 0.43); SL / CL: 0.45 ± 0.01 (0.45 – 0.46); ML / CS: 1.97 ± 0.04 (1.93 – 2.01); MW / CS: 1.17 ± 0.03 (1.15 – 1.21); EL / CS: 0.44 ± 0.01 (0.42 – 0.45); EW / CS: 0.39 ± 0.02 (0.38 – 0.41); EYE / CS: 0.41 ± 0.01 (0.40 –. 043); SPST / CS: 0.30 ± 0.02 (0.28 – 0.31). COLORATION. Whole body yellowish, head slightly darker, appendages whitish, gaster dark and mesoscutellar disk caudally darkened. HEAD. Subrectangular, rounded especially above the eyes; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 13 segments, antennal clubs of 4 segments. Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.41 ± 0.01); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeum armed with very short and thick spines (SPST / CS: 0.30 ± 0.02). METASOMA. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Sculpture relatively strong on the head, with well-developed longitudinal striae on its frontal side, very light all over the propodeum, petiole, postpetiole and in some areas near the mesosoma lateral sutures, all the remaining parts smooth. A central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Sparse, erect setae all over the body; fine and mostly adpressed pilosity over the appendages. Phylogeny (Fig. 79) Sister species of T. marae Alicata, Schifani & Prebus sp. nov., which together are closely related to T. flavicornis.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	distribution	Distribution and biogeography (Figs 80 – 81) Occurs almost all over Sicily and is also found in the Maltese Islands. In the past, Sicily and the Maltese Islands have been connected via an extensive land bridge covering a large area of currently shallow waters, and the last time such a connection existed was during the Last Glacial Maximum (Foglini et al. 2016).	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology and conservation Relatively thermophilous, collected from 5 to 840 m a. s. l. (see Fig. 82). Temnothorax lagrecai inhabits Mediterranean shrublands and relatively open forests like native and artificial forests of Pinus halepensis Mill., sometimes found under trees of Quercus ilex L., but was also collected in artificial gardens in the leaf litter of trees of Citrus L. Due to the wide ecological niche and distribution it may face a relatively positive situation in conservationist terms, but further assessment would be interesting. Nesting Nests are found in the soil, probably opportunistically exploiting several kinds of microhabitats when available. On Monte Etna entire nests were found several times under moss. Biology Monogynous in all documented cases. Social parasites One colony was found to be hosting T. muellerianus (Finzi, 1922) in the R. N. O. Pino d’Aleppo (Vittoria). Phenology Flying queens and males (often attracted by artificial lights) and mating were observed in Mondello (Palermo) from the early days of July to late August at least.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873DF157FDE59FCFFAEC0E5D.taxon	discussion	Notes Baroni Urbani (1964) assembled the type series of this species from an unspecified number of worker specimens and a single queen collected in Bosco di S. Pietro (Hyblaean Plateau, SE Sicily) by Giovanni Sichel. No additional information on this taxon was published after its description, and its name was mentioned only on very few occasions (Baroni Urbani 1971; Salata & Borowiec 2019). Baroni Urbani decided to define the only queen he had as the holotype, despite the specimen being damaged (missing both antennae) and with the taxonomy of Temnothorax being mostly built around workers. He based the worker caste description on a specimen he defined as the ‘ ergatotype’, but this definition has no legal value anymore according to the ICZN code, therefore that specimen must be considered as a simple paratype. We examined the holotype along with several paratypes preserved at the Natural History Museums of Verona and Vienna, but our efforts to find the ergatotype failed. Over 20 years ago, it was briefly observed at the home of Bruno Poldi (1920 – 2002) by one of us (AA), but it appears to be absent from the MNHM where Poldi’s collection is kept, as well as from the MSNV, NHMB and NHMW where other material from Baroni Urbani and specimens of T. lagrecai are stored. According to its description, the ergatotype shows several characters deviating from all type and non-type workers of T. lagrecai that we have found; however, it is unclear whether this is due to the actual features of this lost specimen or an imprecise description. Temnothorax marae sp. nov. cooccurs with T. lagrecai in the Bosco di S. Pietro, yet it is not characterized by the sharp petiole and mesoepinotal furrow of the drawing of the ergatotype of T. lagrecai found in Baroni Urbani's original description. In any case, the holotype of T. lagrecai, although partly damaged, is fully coherent with the morphology of the queens collected alongside workers with the same characters of T. lagrecai that we present here, so that we consider the issue over the identity of T. lagrecai to be resolved. Maltese records under Leptothorax rabaudi Bondroit, 1918 by Schembri & Collingwood (1981) are partly based on misidentified T. lagrecai according to an investigation of their voucher specimens.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: CDBACBF 1 - 90 EE- 47 D 0 - B 250 - 9 B 4 F 7 D 84 D 465 Figs 34 – 45 Diagnostic character combination Antennal clubs concolorous yellowish, antennae 12 - segmented in females and 13 in males, eyes normal, metanotal groove absent, worker propodeal spines short, male propodeal spines absent, petiole upper profile usually with a short horizontal component but no well-defined edges, subpetiolar process carinalike, sculpturing mostly areolate and weak.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species is dedicated to Mara La Rocca, wife of Antonio Alicata.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined We investigated 17 colony samples from 11 localities, consisting in a total of 41 ☿☿, 2 ♀♀, 4 ♂♂ from our collections, one colony under rearing in our possession, and additional workers from the personal collections of David Misfud and Stephen Schembri. A detailed list is provided in the Supp. file 1: Table S 1. Type material Holotype ITALY • ☿; Vendicari; 36.7814 ° N, 15.0894 ° E; 21 Sep. 2019; A. Alicata leg.; MSNG. Paratypes (7 ☿☿, 2 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂) ITALY • 1 ☿; same collection data as for holotype; MSNG • 2 ♂♂; Isola di Capo Passero; 36.6872 ° N, 15.1493 ° E; 10 Jul. 1997; A. Alicata leg.; MSNG • 6 ☿☿; Pineta di Vittoria; 36.8879 ° N, 14.4828 ° E; 30 Mar. 2001; A. Alicata and A. Adorno leg.; MSNG • 1 ♀ (damaged); Pineta di Vittoria; 36.8927 ° N, 14.4745 ° N; 25 Mar. 2019; A. Alicata and E. Schifani leg.; MSNG • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Bosco di S. Pietro; 2 Jun. 2019; A. Alicata and S. Csősz leg.; MSNG.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	description	Description Worker (Figs 34 – 39) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (7 specimens, 6 colonies, 5 localities). CL: 565.86 ± 35.45 (512 – 616); CW: 449 ± 34.46 (406 – 515); CS: 507.42 ± 34.31 (459 – 565); PoOC: 239.43 ± 11.73 (223 – 262); SL: 398.14 ± 23.5 (360 – 434); ML: 605.86 ± 43.15 (540 – 664); MW: 298.86 ± 22.28 (264 – 334); EL: 106.43 ± 6.7 (97 – 115); EW: 82.71 ± 7.43 (72 – 93); EYE: 94.57 ± 6.4 (84 – 99); SPST: 117.57 ± 13.24 (102 – 142); CL / CW: 1.26 ± 0.03 (1.19 – 1.30); PoOC / CL: 0.42 ± 0.02 (0.39 – 0.43); SL / CL: 0.70 ± 0.02 (0.67 – 0.72); ML / CS: 1.19 ± 0.02 (1.17 – 1.22); MW / CS: 0.59 ± 0.01 (0.57 – 0.61); EL / CS: 0.21 ± 0.01 (0.19 – 0.23); EW / CS: 0.16 ± 0.01 (0.15 – 0.17); EYE / CS: 0.19 ± 0.01 (0.17 – 0.20); SPST / CS: 0.23 ± 0.01 (0.21 – 0.25). COLORATION. Entirely yellowish with the exception of the gaster, which is often entirely blackish (but in some colonies the black part forms a transverse band). HEAD. Subrectangular, with rounded margins near the four angles; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively short. Compound eyes relatively small and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.19 ± 0.01). MESOSOMA. Without a metanotal depression, straight or slightly rounded in profile. Propodeal spines notably short and thick (SPST / CS: 0.23 ± 0.01). METASOMA. The petiole in profile view rather blunt dorsally, lacking well-defined edges; on its anteroventral part, a small carina weakly emerges in profile view. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Most of the body characterized by a variably fine areolate-rugose sculpture, the longitudinal component of which tends to be more marked on the frontal side of the head. Clypeus, gaster, and appendages smooth; a variable area extending around the frons. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Queen (Figs 40 – 42) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (1 individual). CL: 636; CW: 557; CS: 596.5; PoOC: 243; SL: 468; ML: 1032; MW: 618; EL: 174; EW: 151; EYE: 162.5; CL / CW: 1.07; PoOC / CS: 0.38; SL / CL: 0.74; ML / CS: 1.73; MW / CS: 1.04; EL / CS: 0.29; EW / CS: 0.25; EYE / CS: 0.27; SPST / CS: 0.28. COLORATION. Entirely yellowish with the main exception of parts of the gaster: all tergites are blackish with the exception of their yellowish caudalmost part, and the first tergite is yellowish near the postpetiole. Moreover, the mesoscutellar disk is caudally darkened. HEAD. Subrectangular, with rounded margins near the four angles; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively short (SL / CL: 0.74). Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.27); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeal spines very short and thick (SPST / CS: 0.28). METASOMA. Petiole in profile view sharp, and does not include a horizontal component. On its anteroventral part, a small carina weakly emerges in profile view. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Most of the body is characterized by a variably fine areolate-rugose sculpture, the longitudinal component of which tends to be more marked on the frontal side of the head. Clypeus, gaster, appendages, a variable area extending around the frons, anepisterna, katepisterna, mesoscutellar disk, and mesoscutum smooth. A central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Male (Figs 43 – 45) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (3 specimens, 1 colony). CL: 472.67 ± 16.2 (454 – 483); CW: 419.33 ± 20.01 (396 – 437); CS: 445.83 ± 18.42 (425 – 460); PoOC: 197 ± 6.08 (190 – 201); SL: 252 ± 1.73 (251 – 254); ML: 845.67 ± 27.8 (814 – 866); MW: 467.66 ± 20.55 (448 – 489); EL: 185 ± 7.21 (179 – 193); EW: 157.66 ± 4.16 (153 – 161); EYE: 171.33 ± 4.16 (168 – 176); CL / CW: 1.06 ± 0.01 (1.05 – 1.07); PoOC / CS: 0.42 ± 0.02 (0.41 – 0.42); SL / CL: 0.53 ± 0.02 (0.52 – 0.55); ML / CS: 1.89 ± 0.03 (1.86 – 1.91); MW / CS: 1.08 ± 0.03 (1.03 - 1.06); EL / CS: 0.41 ± 0.01 (0.40 – 0.43); EW / CS: 0.35 ± 0.02 (0.33 – 0.38); EYE / CS: 0.38 ± 0.02 (0.36 – 0.40). COLORATION. Whole body yellowish, appendages whitish, gaster dark. HEAD. Subrectangular, rounded especially above the compound eyes; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 13 segments, antennal clubs of 4 segments, antennal scapes relatively long (SL / CL: 0.53 ± 0.02). Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.38 ± 0.02); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeum spineless and rounded, most of the length of its lateral profile composed by the declivious posterior margin. METASOMA. Petiole ordinarily low and blunt. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in lateral profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Sculpture relatively strong on the head, with well-developed longitudinal striae on its frontal side, very light all over the propodeum, petiole, postpetiole and in some areas near the mesosoma lateral sutures, all the remaining parts are smooth. A central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Sparse, erect setae all over the body; fine and mostly adpressed pilosity over the appendages. Phylogeny (Fig. 79) Sister species of T. lagrecai, which together are closely related to T. flavicornis.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	distribution	Distribution and biogeography (Figs 80 – 81) Apparently restricted to SE Sicily (Hyblaean Plateau) and the Maltese islands. The Hyblean Pleateau may be the earliest sector of Sicily to have emerged from the Mediterranean Sea and has a strong biogeographic characterization (Guarino & Pasta 2018).	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology and conservation More thermophilous than any other species treated in this study, it was found at altitudes between 5 and 175 m a. s. l. (see Fig. 82). Mainly found in the leaf litter of phryganas or shrublands, but also within a native P. halepensis forest and under riparian vegetation. Its habitat was likely severely reduced by strong anthropization of coastal areas and agricultural activities. Biology Small and monogynous colonies in all documented cases. Social parasites One colony was found to be hosting T. muellerianus (Finzi, 1922) in the R. N. O. Vendicari. Nesting Nests were always found on dead twigs, either on bushes or laying on the ground, although nesting directly on the soil or in other microhabitats on the ground may also occur. Phenology Males were produced under rearing conditions during July.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D9873AF14BFE269823FD100F6D.taxon	discussion	Notes Maltese records under Leptothorax rabaudi Bondroit, 1918 by Schembri & Collingwood (1981) are partly based on misidentified T. marae sp. nov. according to an investigation of their voucher specimens. Temnothorax aveli (Bondroit, 1918) (the senior synonym of L. rabaudi, see Casevitz-Weulersse & Galkowski 2009), a mainly arboreal-nesting species found in SW Europe may be absent from Malta as it is from Sicily (see also under T. lagrecai).	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98725F14FFE3A9F5BFEE30C20.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 4 A 0 D 0 DEF- 4 DCF- 4 D 95 - 8 D 4 D- 43 C 56 CBAC 9 D 8 Figs 46 – 63 Diagnostic character combination Antennal clubs concolorous and ferruginous, 12 - segmented in females and 13 in males, eyes normal, metanotal groove absent, worker propodeal spines long, male propodeal spines absent, petiole upper profile usually with a clear horizontal component, subpetiolar process tooth-like, sculpturing characterized by distinct rugae, especially in larger workers, and a shiny area at the center of the frons.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98725F14FFE3A9F5BFEE30C20.taxon	etymology	Etymology This species is dedicated to the Italian physician and amateur myrmecologist Bruno Poldi (1920 – 2002), which has also been a mentor and friend to Antonio Alicata in his early approach to the study of ants.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98725F14FFE3A9F5BFEE30C20.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined We investigated 62 colony samples from 21 localities, consisting in a total of 820 ☿☿, 6 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂ from our collections. A detailed list is provided in the Supp. file 1: Table S 1. Type material Holotype ITALY • ☿; Monte Arso; 37.7564 ° N, 14.9103 ° E, 14 Aug. 1992; A. Alicata leg.; MSNG. Paratypes (30 ☿☿, 2 ♀♀, 1 ♂) ITALY • 8 ☿☿, 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; MSNG • 17 ☿☿, 1 ♂; Monte Ruvolo; 37.7514 ° N, 14.8907 ° E; 18 Aug. 1992; A. Alicata leg.; MSNG • 5 ☿☿, 1 ♀; Monte Manfrè; 37.6735 ° N, 14.9814 ° E; 24 May 1992; A. Alicata leg.; MSNG.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98725F14FFE3A9F5BFEE30C20.taxon	description	Description Worker (Figs 46 – 57) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (11 specimens, 5 localities, 6 colonies). CL: 694.91 ± 54.72 (636 – 771); CW: 626.18 ± 62.94 (529 – 724); CS: 660.54 ± 57.86 (585 – 747); PoOC: 291 ± 21.32 (268 – 322); SL: 538.91 ± 46.76 (481 – 614); ML: 784.36 ± 77.51 (671 – 905); MW: 384.91 ± 16.16 (324 – 460); EL: 137.82 ± 16.16 (111 – 159); EW: 102 ± 11.54 (87 – 120); EYE: 119.91 ± 13 (99 – 138); SPST: 192 ± 29.76 (148 – 239); CL / CW: 1.11 ± 0.04 (1.06 – 1.21); PoOC / CL: 0.42 ± 0.01 (0.40 – 0.43); SL / CL: 0.77 ± 0.02 (0.75 – 0.81); ML / CS: 1.18 ± 0.05 (1.10 – 1.28); MW / CS: 0.58 ± 0.03 (0.54 – 0.64); EL / CS: 0.21 ± 0.01 (0.18 – 0.23); EW / CS: 0.15 ± 0.01 (0.14 – 0.16); EYE / CS: 0.18 ± 0.01 (0.16 – 0.19); SPST / CS: 0.29 ± 0.02 (0.24 – 0.32). COLORATION. Entirely ferruginous with the possible exception of the gaster, which varies from slightly darker than the rest of the ant to substantially black in a minority of examined colonies. HEAD. Subrectangular with rounded margins near the four angles; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively long (SL / CL: 0.77 ± 0.02). Compound eyes relatively small and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.18 ± 0.01). MESOSOMA. Without a metanotal depression, its dorsal profile being from usually rounded in lateral view. Propodeal spines relatively long and moderately thick (SPST / CS: 0.29 ± 0.02). METASOMA. Petiole in profile view relatively high, usually presenting a clear dorsal horizontal component in profile view. On its antero-ventral part, the subpetiolar process is usually visible, consisting of a small tooth. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in lateral profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Body sculpture relatively strong, with well-marked longitudinal rugae on the mesosoma, head sides, more variably on the dorsal surfaces of the waist segments. Development of anastomoses and variably finer areolate-rugose areas between the strong longitudinal rugae is quite variable in many areas, but usually absent in the lateral sides of the pronotum. Completely smooth areas are often observed between the larger rugae. The waist segments and some areas of the mesosoma may be entirely characterized by a finer areolate-rugose sculpture not interrupted by strong rugae. The gaster, appendages, and a long area from the clypeus to the occiput through the frons are smooth. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Queen (Figs 58 – 60) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (2 specimens, 2 localities). CL: 823 – 841; CW: 771 – 784; CS: 797 – 812; PoOC: 325 – 335; SL: 635 – 655; ML: 1368 – 1408; MW: 860 – 904; EL: 229 – 239; EW: 177 – 179; EYE: 204 – 208; SPST: 280 – 298; CL / CW: 1.03 – 1.03; PoOC / CL: 0.39 – 0.41; SL / CL: 0.77 – 0.78; ML / CS: 1.71 – 1.73; MW / CS: 1.08 – 1.11; EL / CS: 0.29 – 0.29; EW / CS: 0.22 – 0.22; EYE / CS: 0.25 – 0.26; SPST / CS: 0.34 – 0.37. COLORATION. Entirely ferruginous, gaster darker. HEAD. Subrectangular with rounded margins near the four angles; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively long (SL / CL: 0.77 – 0.78). Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.25 – 0.26); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeal spines relatively long (SPST / CS: 0.34 – 0.37). METASOMA. The petiole in profile view is sharp, lacking a horizontal component dorsally. The subpetiolar process is usually visible as a small tooth. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in lateral profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Most of the body is covered with relatively fine parallel rugae with almost no anastomoses except for parts of the head, a fine areolate sculpture is visible in parts of the propodeum and nodes. Clypeus, gaster, and appendages, a variable area extending around the frons, the lower areas of the katepisterna and partly the mesoscutellar disk smooth. A central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Male (Figs 61 – 63) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (3 specimens, 2 localities). CL: 574.67 ± 14.01 (559 – 586); CW: 554.33 ± 8.38 (549 – 564); CS: 564.5 ± 9.26 (554 – 571); PoOC: 237.67 ± 3.05 (235 – 241); SL: 207.67 ± 3.05 (205 – 211); ML: 1024 ± 14.42 (1008 – 1036); MW: 608 ± 15 (593 – 623); EL: 235.33 ± 3.78 (231 – 238); EW: 191.67 ± 5.03 (187 – 197); EYE: 213.5 ± 1.32 (212 – 214); CL / CW: 1.02 ± 0.01 (1.01 – 1.03); PoOC / CS: 0.41 ± 0.01 (0.40 – 0.43); SL / CL: 0.36 ± 0.01 (0.35 – 0.37); ML / CS: 1.81 ± 0.01 (1.80 – 1.82); MW / CS: 1.07 ± 0.04 (1.04 – 0.12); EL / CS: 0.42 ± 0.00 (0.41 – 0.42); EW / CS: 0.34 ± 0.01 (0.32 – 0.35); EYE / CS: 0.37 ± 0.00 (0.37 – 0.38). COLORATION. Whole body dark reddish-brownish, appendages whitish. HEAD. Subrectangular, rounded especially above the eyes; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 13 segments, antennal clubs of 4 segments, antennal scapes relatively short (SL / CL: 0.36 ± 0.01). Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.37 ± 0.00); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeum spineless and rounded. METASOMA. Petiole ordinarily low and blunt. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Rugulose-areolate sculpture on head and propodeum, everything else smooth. Sparse erect setae all over the body; fine and mostly adpressed pilosity over the appendages. Phylogeny (Fig. 79) Appearing as the sister taxon of Temnothorax ibericus (Menozzi, 1922) among the sequenced species. Temnothorax ibericus is a mountain species like T. poldii sp. nov. and is endemic to Iberia (Espadaler et al. 2017), but the two species are not particularly similar in broad morphological terms, and close relatedness appears unlikely.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98725F14FFE3A9F5BFEE30C20.taxon	distribution	Distribution and biogeography (Figs 80 – 81) Occurs almost all over Sicily (although its ecological requirements clearly make it less widespread than T. lagrecai, e. g., absence from the westernmost section may be due to aridity and lack of suitable forests). An apparently similar niche is occupied by T. alienus in the southern Italian Peninsula (Aspromonte, Calabria).	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98725F14FFE3A9F5BFEE30C20.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology and conservation (Fig. 82) Collected between 340 and 1612 m a. s. l., mostly in hilly to mountainous conditions, always under tree coverage, usually consisting of different oak species. Massive historic deforestation of Sicily likely resulted in a huge habitat loss and fragmentation into isolated populations at least outside the mountain chains along the Tyrrhenian coast (Sicilian Apennines). Nesting Nests are found in the soil, probably opportunistically exploiting several kinds of microhabitats when available. Biology Monogynous in all documented cases. Phenology Males inside nests of T. poldii sp. nov. were found in August, but the time when nuptial flights occur is unknown.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: F 873 BCD 2 - E 771 - 48 D 1 - 9871 - F 23 CFA 6 C 7 EE 6 Figs 64 – 74	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnostic character combination Antennal clubs concolorous yellowish, antennae 12 - segmented in females and 13 in males, eyes normal, metanotal groove absent, worker propodeal spines short, male propodeal spines absent, petiole upper profile usually without a horizontal component, subpetiolar process carina-like, sculpturing mostly areolate and weak.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species is dedicated to our friend Roberto Viviano, who donated to us most of the material of this species we had the opportunity to examine, collected by him during malacological surveys.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined We investigated 20 colony samples from 11 localities, consisting in a total of 111 ☿☿, 14 ♀♀, 1 ♂ from our collections. A detailed list is provided in the Supp. file 1: Table S 1. Type material Holotype ITALY • 1 ☿; Monte Pellegrino; 38.1866 ° N, 13.3539 ° E; 9 Oct. 2016; R. Viviano leg.; MSNG. Paratypes (30 ☿☿, 2 ♀♀) ITALY • 10 ☿☿; same collection data as for holotype; MSNG • 10 ☿☿, 1 ♂; Monte Pellegrino; 38.1580 ° N, 13.3664 ° E; 15 Mar. 2016; R. Viviano leg.; MSNG • 5 ☿☿, 1 ♀; Monte Pellegrino; 38.1641 ° N, 13.3466 ° E; 20 May 2016; R. Viviano leg.; MSNG • 5 ☿☿; Monte Pellegrino, 38.1558 ° N, 13.3544 ° E; 6 May 2018; R. Viviano leg.; MSNG.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	description	Description Worker (Figs 64 – 69) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (21 specimens, 6 colonies, 2 localities). CL: 610.25 ± 26.66 (546 – 642); CW: 509.27 ± 27.02 (449 – 554); CS: 559.2 ± 26.09 (498 – 598); PoOC: 255.5 ± 11.6 (229 – 270); SL: 451.05 ± 30.02 (395 – 496); ML: 643.33 ± 36.03 (548 – 683); MW: 323.5 ± 23.74 (281 – 361); EL: 110.75 ± 6.64 (97 – 124); EW: 84.05 ± 7.49 (71 – 98); EYE: 97.4 ± 6.8 (84 – 110); SPST: 114.19 ± 12.55 (92 – 145); CL / CW: 1.19 ± 0.02 (1.11 – 1.23); PoOC / CL: 0.42 ± 0.01 (0.39 – 0.44); SL / CL: 0.74 ± 0.02 (0.70 – 0.79); ML / CS: 1.14 ± 0.03 (1.08 – 1.18); MW / CS: 0.58 ± 0.02 (0.54 – 0.61); EL / CS: 0.19 ± 0.01 (0.18 – 0.21); EW / CS: 0.15 ± 0.01 (0.13 – 0.17); EYE / CS: 0.17 ± 0.01 (0.16 – 0.18); SPST / CS: 0.20 ± 0.01 (0.18 – 0.24). COLORATION. Entirely yellowish with the exception of a black transverse band on the first gaster tergite. HEAD. Subrectangular, with rounded margins near the four angles; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively short (SL / CL: 0.74 ± 0.02). Compound eyes relatively small and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.17 ± 0.01). MESOSOMA. Without a metanotal depression, straight or slightly rounded in profile. Propodeal spines notably short and thick (SPST / CS: 0.20 ± 0.01). METASOMA. The petiole in profile view usually presents no dorsal horizontal component. Subpetiolar process carina-like. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. The body is almost entirely meticulously covered with a relatively fine areolaterugose sculpture, the longitudinal component of which tends to slightly more marked on the frontal side of the head. Clypeus, gaster, and appendages smooth; a variable area extending around the frons. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Queen (Figs 70 – 72) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (5 specimens, 4 colonies, 1 locality). CL: 732.4 ± 36.48 (672 – 769); CW: 646.6 ± 33.98 (588 – 670); CS: 689.83 ± 34.80 (630 – 719); PoOC: 283.8 ± 13.6 (264 – 301); SL: 527.8 ± 28.2 (482 – 552); ML: 1150.2 ± 53.66 (1062 – 1204); MW: 693.6 ± 37.15 (630 – 723); EL: 190.8 ± 14.16 (171 – 210); EW: 154.8 ± 6.38 (144 – 160); EYE: 172.8 ± 10.02 (157 – 184); SPST: 212.6 ± 9.61 (200 – 227); CL / CW: 1.06 ± 0.01 (1.05 – 1.07); PoOC / CL: 0.39 ± 0.00 (0.38 – 0.39); SL / CL: 0.72 ± 0.02 (0.71 – 0.73); ML / CS: 1.67 ± 0.02 (1.63 – 1.70); MW / CS: 1 ± 0.00 (1.00 – 1.01); EL / CS: 0.28 ± 0.01 (0.26 – 0.29); EW / CS: 0.22 ± 0.00 (0.22 – 0.23); EYE / CS: 0.25 ± 0.00 (0.24 – 0.26); SPST / CS: 0.31 ± 0.01 (0.29 – 0.33). COLORATION. Entirely yellowish with the exception of black transverse bands on each gaster tergite. HEAD. Subrectangular, with rounded margins near the four angles; clypeus and mandibles rounded. Antennae of 12 segments, antennal clubs of 3 segments, antennal scapes relatively short (SL / CL: 0.72 ± 0.02). Compound eyes large and ovoidal (EYE / CS: 0.25 ± 0.00); ocelli circular. MESOSOMA. Propodeal spines very short and thick (SPST / CS: 0.31 ± 0.01). METASOMA. The petiole in profile view sharp dorsally and rather high; on its antero-ventral part, a small carina weakly emerges in profile view. Postpetiole ordinarily roundish in lateral profile, subrectangular in dorsal view. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Most of the body is covered with moderately marked longitudinal rugae, which are stronger on head. Very fine areolate sculpture is also present on propodeum and waist segments. Clypeus, gaster, and appendages smooth; a variable area extending around the frons, anepisterna, katepisterna, mesoscutellar disk and mesoscutum. Central longitudinal stria visible in the lower portion of the clypeus. Very sparse, occasionally suberect but usually erect setae all over the body; dense, fine, and mostly adpressed pilosity on all appendages, especially abundant on the antennal flagelli. Male (Figs 73 – 74) MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES (1 individual - unfortunately, only a single damaged specimen of this species was found so far, solely consisting of the mesosoma, wings and legs). ML: 765; MW: 385. COLORATION. Entirely yellowish. MESOSOMA. Propodeum spineless and rounded, in profile view propodeal declivity clearly shorter than the propodeal dorsum. SURFACE SCULPTURING. Sculpture very weak, most areas smooth with exception of a fine areolate-rugose sculpture on the propodeum. Few sparse erect setae. Phylogeny (Fig. 79) Sister taxon to all species in ‘ Palearctic subclade IV’ sensu Prebus (2017), which consists of a large radiation of species with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and northern Afrotropical distributions.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	distribution	Distribution and biogeography (Figs 80 – 81) Restricted to NW Sicily and neighboring Aegadian Islands in the drepano-panormitan biogeographic sector that is constituted by a very old carbonatic platform. The area is known to have a significant zoogeographic relevance for ants, hosting some species that are either unique or absent from the rest of Sicily, as discussed by Schifani et al. (2020).	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology and conservation Found from 75 to 1080 m a. s. l. (see Fig. 82). Most of our sites are characterized by forest or shrubs of Quercus ilex / Fraxinus ornus L. growing on rocky landslides or very rocky substrates, usually at the base of hundred meters-high north-facing cliffs hosting relatively wet and cool conditions compared to the surroundings. At least twice it was found in more open habitats characterized by rocky outcrops with sparse shrubs, in one case surrounded by agricultural areas. Populations may be fragmented due to anthropogenic fragmentation of forested areas and shrublands, but further assessment are required. Biology Small and monogynous colonies in all documented cases. Nesting Nests are found in the soil, probably opportunistically exploiting several kinds of microhabitats when available. The large number of the samples we examined consisted of colonies living entirely within abandoned shells of gastropods. In Monte Pellegrino, on several occasions entire colonies were found inside the abandoned shells of Marmorana (Murella) sicana (Férussac, 1822), a short-range endemic species which is locally very abundant. In Monte Pecoraro, a colony was found under a stone inside an abandoned shell of another short-range endemic of Palermo mountains, Chilostoma macrostoma (Rossmässler, 1837). It has also been found within shells of Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758). However, these repeated findings may not indicate a true specialization in the use of abandoned gastropod shells, but a reflection of the nesting opportunities offered by many of the collecting sites, as well as the malacological nature of the sampling efforts during which it was found. Phenology Nuptial flights observed in late August in Mondello (Palermo), where queens were attracted by artificial lights.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
0C5187D98721F146FE2F9C00FE9408BC.taxon	discussion	Notes Specimens from Favignana (Aegadian Islands) mentioned as unidentified or related to T. lagrecai by Mei (1995) and Scupola (2009) represent T. vivianoi sp. nov. based on our investigation of vouchers at the MSNG.	en	Schifani, Enrico, Prebus, Matthew M., Alicata, Antonio (2022): Integrating morphology with phylogenomics to describe four island endemic species of Temnothorax from Sicily and Malta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 833 (1): 143-179, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.833.1891
