Iberomyrmex 2 (2010)

Seven new instances (in five species) of ants infested with Myrmicinosporidium durum spores are reported. Four cases (Tetramorium, Pheidole, Solenopsis and Plagiolepis) were detected in the same locality. Two genera (Tetramorium and Strongylognathus) are new hosts, and a case of an infested male (the first for this caste) is reported as well. A table for all published cases is provided. Infestation is geographically very extended (Europe, North America and Ecuador). The three castes may be infested. Although limited to two subfamilies, it is largely distributed (six tribes) within Myrmicinae. Rarity of those parasites is discussed. Keywords: Myrmicinosporidium durum, new hosts.

The social parasite ant Anergates atratulus is reported for first time from Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula) in six localities from the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña. The workers associated with Anergates belong to the T. caespitum group and all the males found inside other nests in the areas were T. impurum. Keywords: Anergates, social parasite, Tetramorium.