Geographic distribution of Cephalotes varians (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Authors

  • James K. Wetterer Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA

Keywords:

biogeography, exotic range, native range, conservation

Abstract

Cephalotes varians (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) recently was included on a list of adventive ants established in North America. Published and unpublished records of C. varians from >100 sites reveal that it has an apparently continuous distribution through the Bahamas, Cuba, and southern Florida. Records of C. varians from South America, Central America, and Trinidad appear to be based on misidentifications, and there is therefore no justification for regarding C. varians as adventive in Florida.

 

Resumen

Cephalotes varians (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) recientemente fue incluido en una lista de hormigas adventicias establecidas en América del Norte. Registros de C. varians publicados y no publicados de > 100 sitios revelan que esta especie tiene una distribución aparentemente continua por las Bahamas, Cuba y el sur de la Florida. Registros de C. varians de América del Sur, América Central y Trinidad parecen estar basadas en identificaciones erróneas, y por lo tanto no existe justificación para considerar C. varians como adventiva en Florida.

 

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Published

2016-12-31

Issue

Vol. 99, No. 4 (December 2016)

Section

Research Papers

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