PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

The most widespread ant and its new relative: A revision of the genus Paratrechina

2013-10-25
(Press-News.org) Contact information: John S. LaPolla
jlapolla@towson.edu
410-704-3121
Pensoft Publishers
The most widespread ant and its new relative: A revision of the genus Paratrechina

Long considered to be one of the most species-rich ant genera, latest research has stripped the ant genus Paratrechina down to a single species- Paratrechina longicornis. This particular ant is one of the most widely distributed, found in nearly every tropical and subtropical location on the planet due to accidental human transport, and is considered one of the world's worst invasive ant species. A recent review of the genus in the open access Journal of Hymenoptera Research announces the discovery of a second species P. zanjensis, which presents a step forward into determining the native range of P. longicornis.

Native to Africa, and so far found only in miombo woodlands, the new species P. zanjensis is potentially specialized to this habitat. Miombo is the Swahili word for the Brachystegia genus of trees which are an important tree species within miombo woodlands. The specific name of this new species – zanjensis – is derived from the ancient Arabic name for the stretch of East African coast that encompasses parts of modern day Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania, where the species is found.

"Given the economic and ecological impacts of Paratrechina longicornis, discovering a close relative may provide us with insights into the biology of one of the world's worst invasive ant species. For instance, now that we know another species exist within the genus, comparative studies can begin to perhaps understand the attributes that make P. longicornis such a good biological invader," says Dr. John S. LaPolla of Towson University, USA.

Unlike its new relative, the long known P. longicornis, exhibits remarkable adaptability and is spread virtually worldwide through human activity and movement. The species is found almost in every urban center in the tropics as well as in greenhouses and other manmade structures in cool temperature climates. The remarkable ability of this ant to survive even in extremely human changed environment also makes it a well-known pest in tropical climates, commonly called crazy ant due to its erratic movements.

Due to this wide distribution and easy adaptation of P. longicornis the determination of its native range has proved a challenge to biologists. The current revision suggests that the species originates in Asia, as previously considered, however further investigation is needed to confirm this thesis.

"Given the available distribution information on P. longicornis, we conclude that P. longicornis remains most likely native to southeastern Asia, and that the discovery of a new species native to Africa makes Paratrechina yet another example of an ant genus that possesses an Afro-Asian distribution.", explains Dr. John S. LaPolla.



INFORMATION:

Original Source:

LaPolla JS, Hawkes PG, Fisher JN (2013) Taxonomic review of the ant genus Paratrechina, with a description of a new species from Africa. Journal of Hymenoptera Research 35: 71. doi: 10.3897/JHR.35.5628



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

New study shows promise for first effective medicine to treat cocaine dependence

2013-10-25
New study shows promise for first effective medicine to treat cocaine dependence Professor Bankole A. Johnson, Chairman of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, reports latest findings on the anti-epileptic drug, ...

Measuring blood sugar with light

2013-10-25
Measuring blood sugar with light Technology designed in Germany may help people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; described in Review of Scientific Instruments WASHINGTON D.C. October 25, 2013 -- One of the keys to healthful living with Type 1 and Type 2 ...

Why belief in the supernatural is only natural

2013-10-25
Why belief in the supernatural is only natural For Halloween: New research on rituals and belief in the supernatural From disguises to belief in magic, Halloween is rich with stories that share insight into human behavior. Check ...

Green algae move to the beat

2013-10-25
Green algae move to the beat Max Planck researchers in Dresden explain the flagellar synchronization of swimming algae This news release is available in German. The beating of flagella is one of the basic principles of movement in the cellular cosmos. However, ...

New microscopes at NIH reveal live, developing cells in unprecedented 3-D clarity

2013-10-25
New microscopes at NIH reveal live, developing cells in unprecedented 3-D clarity Biology moves into the third dimension, may help observe how a brain develops and viruses attack Researchers at NIH have developed two new ...

Oregon researchers say supplement cuts muscle loss in knee replacements

2013-10-25
Oregon researchers say supplement cuts muscle loss in knee replacements Package of 8 essential amino acids, taken after physical therapy, also helps to speed recovery EUGENE, Ore. -- (Oct. 25, 2013) -- Twenty grams of essential amino acids taken twice daily for a week ...

IUPUI physicist collaborates in new study of the cell's 'shredder'

2013-10-25
IUPUI physicist collaborates in new study of the cell's 'shredder' INDIANAPOLIS -- Steve Pressé, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics in the School of Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, collaborates ...

First gene detected for most common form of mitral valve prolapse

2013-10-25
First gene detected for most common form of mitral valve prolapse Scientists also found that gene disrupts heart valve development & growth Research on the DNA of a large multi-generational family has provided a genetic clue that enabled scientists to ...

Study finds that paying people to become kidney donors could be cost-effective

2013-10-25
Study finds that paying people to become kidney donors could be cost-effective Even a small increase in donors would save money and prolong lives Washington, DC (October 24, 2013) — A strategy where living kidney donors are paid $10,000, with the assumption that ...

Hands-free ultrasound device with clot-busting drug safe for stroke patients

2013-10-25
Hands-free ultrasound device with clot-busting drug safe for stroke patients American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report A hands-free ultrasound device combined with a clot-busting drug was safe for ischemic stroke patients in a phase II pilot study, ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

New College of AI, Cyber and Computing launched at UT San Antonio

Collaborative team earns five-year renewal grant from NINDS to continue stroke research

Vitamin K analogues may help transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Cyclic triaxial tests: Evaluation of liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils

Uniting the light spectrum on a chip

Hundreds of new bacteria, and two potential antibiotics, found in soil

Smells deceive the brain – are interpreted as taste

New species survival commission fills critical gap in conservation

New conservation committee led by Applied Microbiology International calls on science community to get on board with microbial conservation

Scientists uncover key stabilizing role of small molecules

“Black Hole Stars” could solve JWST riddle of overly massive early galaxies

Mysterious ‘red dots’ in early universe may be ‘black hole star’ atmospheres

A gene mutation found in East Asian people increases liver disease risk by an ‘aldehyde storm’

Artificial intelligence‑assisted conductive hydrogel dressings for refractory wounds monitoring

Scalable fabrication of methylammonium‑free wide‑bandgap perovskite solar cells by blade coating in ambient air

Wearable devices could revolutionize pregnancy monitoring and detect abnormalities

Efficient cation recognition strategies for cationic compounds

US COVID-19 school closures were not cost-effective, but other non-pharmaceutical interventions were, new study finds

Human activities linked to declines of big seeds

North-south autism assessment divide leaves children waiting three years longer 

Want to publish in Nature? Webinar with Prof. Willie Peijnenburg shares insider tips

Cataract surgery on both eyes can be carried out safely and effectively in one go

Personalized brain stimulation shows benefit for depression

AI uncovers hidden rules of some of nature’s toughest protein bonds

Innovative approach helps new mothers get hepatitis C treatment

Identifying the Interactions That Drive Cell Migration in Brain Cancer

ORNL receives 2025 SAMPE Organizational Excellence Award

University of Oklahoma researchers aim to reduce indigenous cancer disparities

Study reveals new evidence, cost savings for common treatments for opioid use disorder in mothers and infants

Research alert: Frequent cannabis users show no driving impairment after two-day break

[Press-News.org] The most widespread ant and its new relative: A revision of the genus Paratrechina