Confirmed presence of the enigmatic ant Aphaenogaster gemella (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Iberia

Abstract

While the Iberian Peninsula has been relatively well-studied from a myrmecological standpoint, the true presence of certain ant species has remained obscure for decades. In this context, the case of A. gemella (Roger, 1862) stands out as one of the most intriguing examples. Initially described from the Balearic Islands, this conspicuous species seemingly vanished from the archipelago by the 1980s, confining its current distribution to the Maghreb region. However, lingering doubt has persisted regarding its potential presence in Iberia, based on some old bibliographic records from Spain and Portugal. This study confirms the first known established population of A. gemella in the Iberian Peninsula (Tarifa, Southern Iberia). Two colonies were detected in an urban grass patch within the city center. The validity of other Iberian records regarding the species and its status as an exotic species are also discussed. The presence of A. gemella in Southern Iberia highlights the need for targeted sampling efforts to delineate its actual range and distinguish it from morphologically similar species in the region.