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Samsum Ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis (Formicidae: Ponerinae): distribution and abundance in Saudi Arabia

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2015
Authors:M. Saleh Al-Khalifa, Mashaly, A. Mohamed Al, Siddiqui, M. Iqbal, Al-Mekhlafi, F. Abdu
Journal:Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Date Published:Jan-05-2015
ISSN:1319562X
Keywords:Brachyponera (Pachycondyla) sennaarensis, distribution, Ponerinae, Samsum ant, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:

Invasive species are capable of causing considerable damage to natural ecosystems, agriculture and economies throughout the World. Samsum ant, Brachyponera (Pachycondyla) sennaarens is has been a reason for medical implication and social nuisance through its poisonous and severely painful sting causing anaphylactic shock in many cases. We surveyed for the presence of the samsum ant in various provinces of Saudi Arabia. B. sennaarensis was abundant ponerinae species in human settlements. In the Eastern provinces, however, few samples were collected, and none were found in the Northern and Western provinces. Infestations of B. sennaarensis were particularly severe in the spring and summer seasons, when the ants make nests in moist areas and in cracks in cemented structures, whereas the extent of infestation reduced in the winter seasons.

URL:http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1319562X15001126
DOI:10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.05.011
Short Title:Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
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