A significant scientific development reinforcing Morocco’s status as a biodiversity hotspot in the Mediterranean region has been confirmed with the discovery of a new ant species exclusive to the Souss-Massa region.
Moroccan researcher Dr. Ahmed Tahiri, a Professor of Higher Education in Ecology, Taxonomy, and Biodiversity Conservation at the Faculty of Science in Tetouan, was part of the international team that unveiled the finding. The new species is found exclusively in the Chtouka Ait Baha area, specifically north of Tanalte.
The discovery was detailed in a recent, comprehensive study published in the journal Insect Systematics and Diversity, co-authored by Dr. Tahiri. The research relied on precise analyses combining morphological studies and advanced genetic testing.
Named for Morocco: Temnothorax lailae
According to available data, the new species has been given the scientific name Temnothorax lailae, cementing the Moroccan identity of the discovery. The species belongs to the Temnothorax rottenbergii group, which is known for its taxonomic complexity and the difficulty in distinguishing between closely related species due to their morphological similarities.
The unique Moroccan ant is characterized by its dark color, small size, and fine etchings on the abdomen, features that can only be accurately identified through microscopic measurements and precise morphometric analysis.
Dr. Tahiri stated that the newly discovered ant species is distinguished by its ability to adapt and live in cold, high-altitude regions, existing solely north of Tanalte in the Chtouka Ait Baha area. He emphasized that this exclusivity confirms the vital need to preserve Morocco’s national ecosystems.
Advanced Research Methods
The study utilized a vast database comprising 527 individuals collected from 170 sites across the Mediterranean basin. The samples were subjected to 24 precise morphometric measurements across the head, thorax, abdomen, and waist.
Furthermore, the research employed Ultra-Conserved Element (UCE) sequencing, a modern technique used to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships between species with high accuracy. This technology allowed the team to accurately distinguish between closely related species and correct several taxonomic errors that had persisted for decades.
Dr. Tahiri noted that the research extended beyond the new discovery to include a complete taxonomic review of 20 species within the group, making it one of the most important recent scientific revisions of the Temnothorax genus in the Mediterranean region.
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