1 Reply by MikeFox

  • MikeFox
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  • Registered: 20-08-2010
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Re: Name change for black bog ant

In his 2004 paper "The "Black Bog Ant" Formica picea NYLANDER, 1846 - a species different from Formica candida SMITH, 1878" Seifert showed that the species we have in Britain is Formica picea NYLANDER, 1846 and NOT Formica candida SMITH, 1878.

Therefore the current preferred name of Formica candida  F. Smith, 1878 is incorrect
Formica picea Nylander, 1846 should be the preferred name.

Please correct.

2 Reply by CharlesHussey

  • CharlesHussey
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  • From: The Natural History Museum
  • Registered: 11-05-2007
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Re: Name change for black bog ant

Thank you for your observation. I have looked at Seifert's paper and will refer the matter to the Data Provider for the "Checklist of British Hymenoptera Aculeata" for advice on how the various species should be mapped in the Species Dictionary. We cannot change mappings within the component checklists (at least not until the data providers provide us with an update) but can do so within the NAMESERVER  part of the Dictionary. One of the main concerns is that records relating to the Black Bog Ant appear together when searched for on the NBN Gateway.

Charles Hussey

NBN Species Dictionary Project Manager (Retired!) smile