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Issue: Vol. 5785 No. 1: 27 Mar. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-03-27
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5785.1.11
Page range: 188-194
Abstract views: 23
PDF downloaded: 0

BioBlitzed: The first record of Brachyponera chinensis (Emery, 1895) in Germany (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Senckenberg—Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research.
Department of Integrative Taxonomy and Biodiversity of Insects; Institute of Biology; University of Hohenheim; Stuttgart; Germany.; Institute of Zoology; University of Cologne; Germany.
Entomology; State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart; Germany.
Senckenberg—Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research.
Department of Integrative Taxonomy and Biodiversity of Insects; Institute of Biology; University of Hohenheim; Stuttgart; Germany.
Department of Integrative Taxonomy and Biodiversity of Insects; Institute of Biology; University of Hohenheim; Stuttgart; Germany.
Entomology; State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart; Germany.
Hymenoptera Invasive species alien species Neobiota asian needle ant

Abstract

We report the first confirmed occurrence in Germany of the Asian needle ant, Brachyponera chinensis (Emery, 1895), from a complete outdoor colony collected in the Rosensteinpark of Stuttgart during a BioBlitz on 2 June 2025. Based on additional records from Rosensteinpark, it appears that this may be an established local population, capable of surviving over winter, in contrast to other, incidental occurrences in the country. Brachyponera chinensis is native to East Asia and is known as both an ecologically disruptive invasive in parts of the southeastern United States and as a species of medical concern due to allergic reactions from their stings. To aid in morphology-based identification, we refine the diagnosis of this species relative to close congeners. Our record, verified by voucher specimens and morphological comparison, represents a potential early-stage introduction of B. chinensis into Central Europe. The species was likely introduced to the Rosensteinpark through horticultural specimen transfer, as the park includes the zoological-botanical garden Wilhelma. The finding raises questions about possible urban establishment and future spread and emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of the ant fauna in Germany.

 

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How to Cite

Boudinot, B.E., Palm, B., Bellersheim, A., Richter, A., Grunicke, D., Härtel, M.P. & Haas-Renninger, M. (2026) BioBlitzed: The first record of Brachyponera chinensis (Emery, 1895) in Germany (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa, 5785 (1), 188–194. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5785.1.11