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Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 is a worldwide distributed and hyperdiverse ant genus consisting of almost 600 taxa manifesting various life history strategies. Species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group represents one of the most extreme forms of parasitism and consist of degenerate workerless social parasites of several Tetramorium species. So far, its members have been recorded in the Palearctic from montane to alpine zones and reveal an interesting disjunction in host selection observed between eastern-Mediterranean and western-Mediterranean species. We describe a fifth member of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group: Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. The species morphologically differs from the remaining members of the group by the combination of the following characters: dense and erect pilosity of appendages and the whole body, smooth head sculpture, predominantly smooth anepisternum and katepisternum, lack of blunt teeth on propodeum, and presence of distinct carianae on the dorsolateral margins of the propodeum. Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. was collected in a lowland olive grove, a site so far not associated with the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group, from a nest of Tetramorium kephalosi (a new host species for the group). The data presented in this paper provide new insights into the habitat preferences of the species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group and extend our knowledge on the potential host species of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropods play an essential role in steppe ecosystems. However, studies testing the overall response of terrestrial arthropods to overgrazing are scarce. The problem is particularly worrisome in Central Asia, while, to date, only a very few broader studies have been conducted in this region. We investigated how epigeic terrestrial arthropod assemblages respond to different livestock grazing pressure in two ecozones in SE Mongolia by examining their structure using pitfall traps. We also assessed which groups can be utilised as the most efficient indicators of grazing intensity. Our analyses demonstrated that the habitat type, grazing intensity, and the interaction of these variables had a significant effect on the overall species composition and abundance. However, the grazing intensity caused different changes in the composition of arthropod communities in both studied ecozones. Contrary to the semi-desert, in the steppe habitat, the grazing had the strongest impact in the moderately grazed site. It is most likely because steppe-dwelling species are more sensitive to loss of plant biomass and changes in habitat structure. We also found that the most representative species within and from different groups can react differently to changing grazing intensities, indicating with their presence the characteristics of the respective habitat. Such differences should also be considered when elaborating the management plan of conserved species but also when applying grazing management in different habitat types. Our survey is one of the most comprehensive in Central Asia and should help implement further, more targeted studies in the corresponding habitats. In meadow steppes and other arid habitats, livestock grazing is one of the most severe causes of desertification and leads to an overall decline in vegetation cover, plant species richness and aboveground biomass, and, consequently, most often negatively affects arthropod diversity. Although the impact of grazing on arthropod diversity has already been the subject of numerous studies, most of them were focused only on a single or small number of arthropods and were conducted outside Central Asia (e.g., there is only one paper dealing with analyses of several arthropod groups conducted in Mongolia, where over 40% of the human population depends on pastoral livestock production and up to 90% of its territory belongs to various arid areas). We hypothesise that the overall diversity of different arthropod groups will change according to the grazing intensities, and these changes will depend on the habitat type and will differ between arthropod groups. Our analyses demonstrated that the habitat type, grazing intensity, and the interaction of these two variables significantly impacted the overall species composition and abundance. Our results highlight that the different terrestrial arthropod groups and representative species of the most abundant groups can react differently to changes in grazing intensity, and such differences should be considered when elaborating the management plan of conserved species and when applying grazing management in different habitat types. Our results also highlight that the species diversity alone cannot indicate the changes in species composition along the grazing intensity, and one should also consider the individual needs of specific species while investigating the impact of grazing on arid habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Since September 1994 the GRANAT satellite has been almost continuously operated in the scanning mode, spinning with a period of 12 minutes around an axis pointed roughly at Sun. The SIGMA soft gamma ray telescope, having its main axis perpendicular to the spin axis, has been accumulating photons in four broad energy bands (40-600 keV) every 4 seconds. In this paper we present a method of the satellite attitude reconstruction in case of presence of at least one strong point source in the field of view. This method makes extensive use of the knowledge of the angular response of the SIGMA telescope both in the precise timing analysis and in the determination of the spin axis orientation. We discuss in detail the accuracy of our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Messor is a diverse genus of Myrmicinae with 168 extant species and subspecies. In the Mediterranean, some of its taxa historically were classified as members of the Messorinstabilis group (sensu Santschi), of which 19 are known from the eastern Mediterranean. Here, the Messorsemirufus complex of the Balkan Peninsula that assembles a distinct subsection of members of the instabilis group is defined and treated. In total, five species are recorded, including three that are new. Messoratanassovii Atanassov, 1982 is redescribed and confirmed for Bulgaria (Thracian Plain, Struma, and Mesta Valley, Pirin Mt., and Eastern Rhodopi) and Greece (Epirus, Ionian Islands, Central and Eastern Macedonia, and Thraki). Three species are described as new to science: Messordanaes Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Serifos), Messorkardamenae Salata & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Dodecanese: Kos, Nisyros, Rhodes, and Tilos), and Messorveneris Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Milos). The fifth member of the complex, Messorcreticus Borowiec & Salata, 2019, maintains its status of Cretan endemic., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Sebastian Salata, Albena Lapeva-Gjonova, Christos Georgiadis, Lech Borowiec.)

The comprehensive survey of the ant fauna conducted in Cyprus revealed that the island is inhabited by two species of the genus Cataglyphis Förster, 1850. Both species are endemic and are described as new to science. Cataglyphis chionistrae n. sp., a member of the C. cursor species complex, occurs only in the high montane pine forest of Mt. Chionistra (= Mt. Olympos). While C. aphrodite n. sp., a member of the C. nodus species complex, is common at low and mid altitudes in open habitats or luminous pine forests. This work also provides the key to Cataglyphis from Cyprus and the very first synopsis lists of all the members of the cursor and nodus species complexes known from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Nowadays, littering is one of the biggest challenges that environmental conservation is facing. Although beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, belong to the most common threats in this context, their effect on animals has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity and mortality level of the animal taxa entering discarded containers and to investigate which container features influence the number and functional composition of the trapped animals. The study was conducted in 10 urban woodlands in the city of Wrocław, Poland. In total, 939 open containers were collected. In 56% of them, a total number of 10,162 dead individuals (10,139 invertebrates and 23 vertebrates) was found. The most common amongst them were insects (orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera), malacostracans (Isopoda), arachnids (Opiliones, Sarcoptiformes) and gastropods (Stylommatophora). The number of dead animals was affected positively by the container capacity and was significantly higher in glass and plastic bottles when compared to aluminium cans. At the same time, the presence of a neck negatively affected the number of dead animals. Container capacity was also positively correlated with the abundance of the most common functional groups: predators, phytophages and saprophages. Moreover, colourless and green, but not brown, containers were a significant predictor for the abundance of the latter two groups. Our study revealed that discarded containers constitute an ecological trap for many groups of animals. There is an urgent need to reduce the amount of rubbish in the environment by, for example, the implementation of regional and international regulations addressing the problem of littering, or organising repeated clean-up and educational activities., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Malagasy Region, one of the top megadiversity regions, hosts one of the highest numbers of endemic and threatened organisms on earth. One of the most spectacular examples of ant radiation on the island has occurred in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole . To this date, there are 135 described Madagascan Pheidole divided into 16 species-groups, and 97% of Malagasy species are endemic to the island. This study is a taxonomic revision of the Pheidole megacephala group, one of only two species-groups comprising a combination of native, endemic taxa and widely distributed introduced species., Methods: The diversity of the Malagasy members of the megacephala group was assessed via application of qualitative morphological and DNA sequence data. Qualitative, external morphological characteristics ( e.g., head shape, gaster sculpture, body colouration) were evaluated in order to create a priori grouping hypotheses, and confirm and improve species delimitation. Mitochondrial DNA sequences from cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene fragments were analyzed to test the putative species previously delimited by morphological analyses., Results: We recognize three species belonging to the megacephala group: P. megacephala (Fabricius, 1793), P. megatron Fischer & Fisher, 2013 and P. spinosa Forel, 1891 stat. nov. Pheidole spinosa is redescribed and elevated to the species level. The following names are recognized as junior synonyms of P. spinosa : P. megacephala scabrior Forel, 1891 syn. nov. , P. picata Forel, 1891 syn. nov. , P. picata gietleni Forel, 1905 syn. nov. , P. picata bernhardae Emery, 1915 syn. nov. , and P. decepticon Fischer & Fisher, 2013 syn. nov. The results are supplemented with an identification key to species for major workers of the megacephala group, high-resolution images for major and minor workers, and comments on the distribution and biology of all Malagasy members of the group. Our study revealed that Pheidole megacephala , a species listed among the 100 worst invasive species worldwide, occurs in both natural and disturbed sites in the Malagasy region. The two remaining members of the megacephala group, most likely endemic to this region, are also present in anthropogenic habitats and often co-occur with P. megacephala . It appears that the Malagasy members of the group are generalists and dominant in anthropogenic habitats. Additionally, we documented the presence of supermajors in colonies of P. spinosa -a phenomenon previously not known for this group., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2022 Salata and Fisher.)

A review of the Greek members of the Temnothoraxanodontoides species-group revealed three species new to science: Temnothoraxeuboeae sp. nov. (Sterea Ellas, Euboea Island), Temnothoraxarkasi sp. nov. Salata, Borowiec & Trichas, 2018 and Temnothoraxparnonensis sp. nov. (Peloponnese, Arcadia and Lakonia). The diagnoses of Temnothoraxikarosi Salata, Borowiec & Trichas, 2018 and T.anodontoides (Dlussky & Zabelin, 1985) are updated based of the new discoveries. Additionally, presence of the latter species in Greece is discussed and its distribution range revised. All members of the anodontoides species-group are associated with alpine and rocky habitats such as pastures and thermophilous forests. A dichotomous key to the anodontoides species-group from Greece is given., (Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec.)

Cataglyphis fici sp. nov. , a member of the Cataglyphis livida complex, is described from the Estahban county of south-western Iran. The species is characterized by small body size and yellow to yellowish red body coloration with distinctly infuscated legs. Additionally, the taxonomic status of all known members of the Cataglyphis livida complex is updated. Cataglyphis lutea Pisarski, 1967, stat. rev. is raised to the species level and Cataglyphis viaticoides (André, 1881) is proposed as a senior synonym of Cataglyphis livida bulgarica Atanassov, 1982, syn. nov. and Cataglyphis albicans mixtus (Forel, 1895), syn. nov. Finally, a provisional key to members of the livida complex is provided., (Sebastian Salata, Haniyeh Kiyani, Kambiz Minaei, Lech Borowiec.)

Madagascar, one of the top megadiversity regions, hosts one of the highest numbers of endemic and threatened organisms on earth. One of the most spectacular examples of ant radiation on the island has occurred in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole. To this date, there are 117 described Madagascan Pheidole divided into 16 species-groups, and 97% of them are endemic to the island. Only two of these species-groups contain widely distributed invasive species in addition to native, endemic taxa: megacephala, and fervens species-groups. Here we revise the fervens species-group and discuss updated distribution records of its introduced members on Madagascar. We recognize six species belonging to this group, including five new to science: Pheidole ampangabe sp. nov., P. arivo sp. nov., P. comosa sp. nov., P. indica Mayr, P. mamirapiratra sp. nov., and P. mena sp. nov. Detailed descriptions are supplemented with measurements, diagnoses, identification key, high-resolution images for major and minor worker, and comments on distribution and biology., Competing Interests: SS was supported by California Academy of Sciences’ Schlinger Postdoctoral Fellowship. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Cataglyphis bazoftensis sp. nov. , C. fritillariae sp. nov. , and C. dejdaranensis sp. nov. are described from the Koohrang county of central-west Iran (Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province). All new species belong to the C. altisquamis complex and are characterized by presence of the thick, black, and decumbent setae on lateral and posterior surfaces of tibiae. Additionally, a key to Asian Cataglyphis was updated to accommodate the new species., (Arsalan Khalili-Moghadam, Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec.)

The present study represents a taxonomic revision of the P. bessonii species-group from Madagascar. Eighteen members of this group are recognized and described, and an illustrated identification key to this group is also presented. One name is raised to species level: P. decollata Forel, 1892 stat. nov. We also redescribe worker castes and designate lectotypes for P. bessonii Forel, 1891, P. decollata Forel, 1892, P. grallatrix Emery, 1899, P. madecassa Forel, 1892, and P. oswaldi 1891. The following 13 new species are described: Pheidole antsahabe sp. nov., Pheidole atsirakambiaty sp. nov., Pheidole clara sp. nov., Pheidole flammea sp. nov., Pheidole flavodepressa sp. nov., Pheidole mantadioflava sp. nov., Pheidole maro sp. nov., Pheidole ovalinoda sp. nov., Pheidole similis sp. nov., Pheidole tenebrovulgaris sp. nov., Pheidole uranus sp. nov., Pheidole voreios sp. nov., Pheidole zirafy sp. nov.

The present study represents a taxonomic revision of the Pheidole sikorae species group from Madagascar. Forty-four members of this group are recognised and described, and an illustrated identification key to this group is also presented. One species is raised to species level: P. litigiosa Forel, 1892 stat. nov. Pheidole veteratrix angustinoda Forel, 1892 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891. Worker castes are also described and lectotypes designated for P. litigiosa Forel, 1892, P. sikorae Forel, 1891, and P. veteratrix Forel, 1891. The following 41 new species are described: P. alina sp. nov. , P. ambohimanga sp. nov. , P. analavelona sp. nov. , P. andohahela sp. nov. , P. anomala sp. nov. , P. anosyenne sp. nov. , P. antranohofa sp. nov. , P. beanka sp. nov. , P. befotaka sp. nov. , P. dasos sp. nov. , P. flavominuta sp. nov. , P. gracilis sp. nov. , P. haboka sp. nov. , P. havoana sp. nov. , P. hazo sp. nov. , P. itremo sp. nov. , P. joffreville sp. nov. , P. kely sp. nov. , P. lavasoa sp. nov. , P. mahamavo sp. nov. , P. mainty sp. nov. , P. mamiratra sp. nov. , P. manantenina sp. nov. , P. masoandro sp. nov. , P. mavohavoana sp. nov. , P. midongy sp. nov. , P. mikros sp. nov. , P. mivory sp. nov. , P. nitidobruna sp. nov. , P. parvula sp. nov. , P. parvulogibba sp. nov. , P. renirano sp. nov. , P. sava sp. nov. , P. sofia sp. nov. , P. sparsa sp. nov. , P. tampony sp. nov. , P. trichotos sp. nov. , P. tsaravoniana sp. nov. , P. vadum sp. nov. , P. volontany sp. nov. , and P. vony sp. nov. At present, there are 109 valid species and subspecies of Pheidole known from Madagascar, but this number is expected to increase with upcoming taxonomic revisions of the species groups not revised in this study., (Sebastian Salata, Brian L. Fisher.)

Here we define the Camponotus samius complex, a distinct subunit within the compressus-sylvaticus group, and revise the species known from the Turano-Balkan region (the Balkans, Middle East, Anatolia, Caucasus, Iran and W Turkestan). We confirm the presence of six species of the complex from the Turano-Balkan region, and we provide diagnoses and a key. Additionally, based on new material from the Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province of Iran, we describe Camponotus bakhtiariensis sp. nov.-a new member of the samius complex.

The present study represents an introduction to the revision of Pheidole Westwood, 1839 from Madagascar. Sixteen species groups are established, of which eleven are revised below, and illustrated identification keys to species groups and species of groups revised in this monograph are presented. Two species are raised to species level: Pheidole petax Forel, 1895 stat. nov. , and P. scabrata Forel, 1895 stat. nov. We also redescribe worker castes and designate lectotypes for P. annemariae Forel, 1918, P. nemoralis Forel, 1892, P. petax Forel, 1895, P. ensifera Forel, 1897, P. longispinosa Forel, 1891, and P. scabrata Forel, 1895. The following 46 new species are described: Pheidole aelloea sp. nov. , P. ala sp. nov. , P. andapa sp. nov. , P. ankerana sp. nov. , P. avaratra sp. nov. , P. bemarahaensis sp. nov. , P. bemarivoensis sp. nov. , P. binara sp. nov. , P. boribora sp. nov. , P. brevipilosa sp. nov. , P. curvistriata sp. nov. , P. diakritos sp. nov. , P. ehazoara sp. nov. , P. ferruginea sp. nov. , P. fisaka sp. nov. , P. fitarata sp. nov. , P. glabra sp. nov. , P. goavana sp. nov. , P. lamperos sp. nov. , P. longipilosa sp. nov. , P. lutea sp. nov. , P. madinika sp. nov. , P. mahaboensis sp. nov. , P. maizina sp. nov. , P. makaensis sp. nov. , P. makirovana sp. nov. , P. manantenensis sp. nov. , P. mantadia sp. nov. , P. marieannae sp. nov. , P. masoala sp. nov. , P. mavesatra sp. nov. , P. miramila sp. nov. , P. moramanaensis sp. nov. , P. navoatrensis sp. nov. , P. ocypodea sp. nov. , P. parviocula sp. nov. , P. podargea sp. nov. , P. praegrandis sp. nov. , P. ranohirensis sp. nov. , P. rugocephala sp. nov. , P. rugofitarata sp. nov. , P. typhlos sp. nov. , P. vatovavensis sp. nov. , P. voasara sp. nov. , P. vohemarensis sp. nov. , and P. zavamanira sp. nov. At present, there are 69 valid species and subspecies of Pheidole known from Madagascar, but this number is expected to increase significantly with upcoming taxonomic revisions of the species groups not revised in this study., (Sebastian Salata, Brian L. Fisher.)

Based on recently collected material, the Camponotus kiesenwetteri group is redefined, and its members known from the Aegean region are diagnosed. Camponotus schulzi sp. nov. is described from İzmir Province, Turkey. Camponotus nadimi Tohmé, 1969 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Camponotus libanicus André, 1881 and Camponotus kiesenwetteri cyprius Emery, 1920 syn. nov. as a junior synonym of Camponotus kiesenwetteri (Roger, 1859). A key to workers of species of the C. kiesenwetteri group is provided. Niche modeling analyses are used to account for species habitat suitability across the Aegean region., (Sebastian Salata, Ana Carolina Loss, Celal Karaman, Kadri Kiran, Lech Borowiec.)

The division of Greek members of the genus Temnothorax into 17 morphological groups is proposed. Temnothorax aveli species group is reviewed with three species: T. turcicus (Santschi) (North Aegean Islands, Sterea Ellas, Peloponnese and Thessaly), and two species new to science: Temnothorax brackoi sp. nov. (Epirus, Ionian Islands, Macedonia, Peloponnese, western Sterea Ellas, Thessaly, and also Dalmatia in Croatia), and T. messiniaensis sp. nov. (Ionian Islands and Peloponnese); a new species Temnothorax triangularis sp. nov. , a member of the Temnothorax nylanderi species group is also described (Sterea Ellas: Euboea Island)., (Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec.)

Aphaenogasterillyrica sp. nov. , a member of the A.subterranea species group, is described from Dinaric Alps of Slovenia and Croatia, from Golešnica Mt. in north Macedonia, Osogovo-Belasica Massif of southwestern Bulgaria, and from Kerkini Mts. of Greek Macedonia. It is characterised by large body size, moderately sculptured head, elevated mesonotum, and long propodeal spines. Its habitat preferences are discussed. A key to the Aphaenogastergraeca complex is provided.

Lasiustapinomoides sp. n. from Crete, Greece, is described and illustrated. It belongs to L.turcicus complex and is well characterized by very small body, extremely shallow metanotal groove and presence of suberect to erect setae on the apical part of scape. New records of Cretan members of the genus Lasius Fabricius, 1804 are provided, their checklist is updated, and the key to their determination is presented.

Aphaenogaster charesi, a new species in the A. cecconii group, is described from two localities on the island of Rhodes. The recent revision of the group by Borowiec and Salata is updated with (1) a modified key to include this new species, (2) new locality and habitat data for A. jolantae Borowiec & Salata, 2014, and (3) corrected measurements for A. olympica Borowiec & Salata, 2014.

Forensic scientists frequently have to deal with the analysis of challenging sources of DNA such as degraded and low template DNA (LtDNA). The capacity to genotype difficult biological traces has been facilitated by emerging technologies. Massive parallel sequencing (MPS) on microchip among other technologies promises high sensitivity and discrimination power. In this study we evaluated the combined use of the Quantifiler(®) Trio DNA Quantification Kit with the prototype Ion AmpliSeq™ Identity panel v2.3 and PGM™ platform in LtDNA samples. Coverage, allele balance, allele drop-out/in, consistency and variance were assessed. Overall, the results showed a great level of performance and consistency in terms of genotyping capability even under the most challenging conditions, making it possible to obtain consistent SNP profiles with 31 pg of DNA and partial informative profiles with as little as 5 pg or with severely degraded DNA. In addition, we demonstrated that the stochastic effects observed in some samples are due to the amplification of the library rather than sequencing. Based on our data, we proposed general recommendations for the analysis of casework samples starting from the use of quantification data, which proved to be critical in deciding whether to process the samples via STR (short tandem repeat) analysis or SNP MPS. In our experience, the use of the prototype Ion AmpliSeq™ Identity panel v2.3 has revealed a new applicable solution for processing LtDNAs. This approach provides users with an additional tool for analysis of traces that either would not give informative results with conventional STR-based techniques., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Oxyopomyrmex André, 1881 is a small genus of myrmicine ants found in arid grasslands of the Mediterranean region. Here we provide a new taxonomic revision of the genus. Twelve species are recognized, including five new to science: O. laevibus sp. nov. (Greece: Crete), O. magnus sp. nov. (Spain), O. negevensis sp. nov. (Israel) O. polybotesi sp. nov. (Greece: Nisyros, W Turkey) and O. pygmalioni sp. nov. (Cyprus). Oxyopomyrmex santschii var. nigripes Santschi, 1907 and O. santschii var. nitidior Santschi, 1910 are raised to species level. The following new synonymies are proposed: O. krueperi Forel, 1911 = O. lagoi Menozzi, 1936 syn. nov.; O. nigripes Santschi, 1907 = O. sabulonis var. rugocciput Santschi, 1923 syn. nov. = O. emeryi var. brunnescens Santschi, 1929 syn. nov.; O. nitidior Santschi, 1910 = O. emeryi var. laticeps Santschi, 1915 syn. nov. = O. emeryi st. sabulonis Santschi, 1915 syn. nov.; O. saulcyi Emery, 1889 = O. santschii Forel, 1904 syn. nov. = O. santschii var. siciliana Karavaiev, 1912 syn. nov. = O. gaetulus Santschi, 1929 syn. nov. = O. saulcyi var. latinodis Santschi, 1939 syn. nov. A neotype for O. oculatus André, 1881 is designated. An identification key based on the gyne, male and worker caste is provided.

Temnothorax antigoni (Forel, 1911) is redescribed basing on a new material from southwestern Turkey (Antalya province), Lesbos and Rhodes (Greece, Aegean and Dodecanese islands). The gyne of this species is described for the first time. Temnothorax curtisetosus, a new species of social parasite collected in a nest of Temnothorax antigoni, is described. Colour photos of both taxa are given. A key to the worker caste of the eastern Mediterranean species belonging to both Temnothorax recedens and Temnothorax muellerianus groups are provided.

Tetramoriumsemilaeve André, 1883 is redescribed based on the type series and new material from terra typica (Pyrénées-Orientales). Lectotype worker is designated. Detailed descriptions of gyne and male are given. A review of material from the Mediterranean area suggests that in the past the name Tetramoriumsemilaeve has been applied to more than one species and the true Tetramoriumsemilaeve is common only in the western part of the Mediterranean basin. The structure of the male genitalia is the most reliable set of characters allowing a proper distinction of species in Tetramoriumsemilaeve species group. All names attributed to the former name "semilaeve" are discussed.

Crematogaster (Crematogaster) jehovaevar.cypria Santschi, 1930 is raised to species rank. Two new, related species are described from the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin: Crematogaster (Crematogaster) erectepilosasp. n. (Dodecanese, Greece) and Crematogaster (Crematogaster) gullukdagensissp. n. (Antalya Prov., Turkey). These three species are well distinguished from other species of the subgenus Crematogaster of the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin in their first gastral tergite bearing numerous erect setae. Colour photographs of all taxa are provided, a key to the species of Crematogastercypria group and species groups of the Crematogaster s. str. from the north-eastern Mediterranean region are given and a list of Crematogaster s. str. described from this region is provided (see Appendix).

A group of six Mediterranean species related to Aphaenogaster cecconii Emery is reviewed. Four new species are described: A. equestris (SW Turkey), A. jolantae (Greece, Rhodes), A. lykiaensis (SW Turkey) and A. olympica (Greece, Karpathos). Aphaenogaster cecconii Emery and A. phillipsi Wheeler & Mann are redescribed. Detailed measurements and some observations on the location of nests and activity of workers are given.

Background: Closed kinetic chain exercises such as single-limb squats are preferred for knee rehabilitation. A complete understanding of the neuromuscular control of the knee during the single-limb squat is essential to increase the efficiency of rehabilitation programs., Hypothesis: Performing a controlled single-limb squat with resistance to knee flexion and extension will increase the coactivation of the hamstring muscle group, thus reducing the quadriceps/hamstrings ratio., Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study., Methods: A total of 15 healthy human subjects (7 women, 8 men) performed controlled single-limb squats in a custom mechanical device that provided resistance to both flexion and extension. Subjects performed the task at 3 levels of resistance, set as a percentage of body weight. Surface electromyographic recordings from 7 muscles (gluteus medius, rectus femoris, vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and medial gastrocnemius) were collected during the task., Results: Biceps femoris activity during knee flexion increased from approximately 12% maximum voluntary isometric contractions during low resistance (0% body weight) to approximately 27% maximum voluntary isometric contractions during high resistance (8% body weight). Although the quadriceps had greater activity than the hamstrings at all levels of resistance, the quadriceps/hamstrings ratio declined significantly with resistance (F2,27 = 29.05; P = .012) from 3.0 at low resistance to 2.32 at the highest resistance., Conclusions: Performing controlled resisted single-limb squats may help to simultaneously strengthen the quadriceps and facilitate coactivation of the hamstrings, thus reducing anterior tibial shear forces. The coactivation may also increase the dynamic control of the knee joint., Clinical Relevance: The typical single-limb squat exercise performed in the clinic does not usually control for bidirectional resistance and knee joint excursion. As seen in this study, controlled single-limb squats at increased levels of resistance help to increase the coactivation of the hamstring muscles, which is essential to optimize neuromuscular control of the knee.