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The delineation of zoogeographic regions is essential for understanding the evolution of biodiversity. Madagascar, characterized by high levels of endemism and habitat diversity, presents unique challenges and opportunities for such studies. Traditional global zoogeographic classifications, largely based on vertebrates, may overlook finer‐scale patterns of diversity. This study employs comprehensive ant distribution and phylogenomic datasets to propose a refined zoogeographic model for Madagascar. Utilizing phylogenetic Simpson's turnover, we identified three primary regions – Eastern, Northern, and Western – each characterized by distinct environmental and phylogenetic profiles. Further subdivision revealed nine subregions, reflecting variations in elevation, net primary productivity, and terrain ruggedness. Our findings highlight the importance of topographical and environmental barriers in shaping phylogenetic diversity and endemism. Notably, we observed significant phylogenetic clustering in lowland areas and distinct differences in net primary productivity and elevation across regions. This study underscores the value of integrating phylogenetic data in zoogeographic analyses and provides a nuanced framework for investigating biodiversity patterns in Madagascar, offering insights into the processes driving speciation and endemism on the island.more » « lessFree, publicly-accessible full text available August 1, 2026
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The genus-level classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is revised based on a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of more than 2,300 ultraconserved element (UCE) loci across 1,170 sampled specimens representing 1,020 taxa (600 valid species and 420 morphospecies) and all described ponerine genera known from workers. While most previously defined genus groups are recovered as monophyletic, several genera are shown to be polyphyletic or paraphyletic. To resolve these inconsistencies, four new genera are described:Boltonoponegen. nov.,Makebaponegen. nov.,Subiridoponegen. nov., andSritoponeragen. nov.Xiphopeltastat. rev.is revalidated andEuponerais restricted by expandingFisheroponeto absorb a paraphyletic assemblage.Mesoponerais split into four lineages, resulting in transfers toMakebapone,Subiridopone, andXiphopelta.Iroponerasyn. nov.is synonymized underCryptoponeand additional new synonymies at both the generic and species levels are established. Morphological diagnoses are revised for each affected genus, and updated species lists and new combinations are provided. The updated classification recognizes 54 valid genera within Ponerinae and acknowledges an additional lineage that will be formally described in a subsequent publication. To support identification and comparative studies, revised keys to all extant Ponerinae genera are provided, presented by biogeographic region (African and Malagasy, Palearctic–Indomalaya–Australasia, and New World). This classification is intended to provide a stable, phylogenetically informed framework for future research on ponerine ants.more » « lessFree, publicly-accessible full text available December 19, 2026
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