Large‐scale population genetics of the mountain ant <i>Proformica longiseta</i> (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract Proformica longiseta Collingwood is an endemic ant found in southeastern Spain that inhabits high mountains and is widespread within an altitude range. We have studied the population genetics and biogeography of 14 populations of P. longiseta throughout its distribution using microsatellites and mitochondrial data. Populations are strongly structured for both markers and show isolation by distance, which together with the absence of intra‐population variation in mitochondrial DNA suggest strong female philopatry and limited male dispersal. In spite of this, no recent bottlenecks or inbreeding were detected. Finally, we report on a population currently located where it did not exist 14 years ago, above the usual altitudinal limit known for the species, which may be due to recent colonization enhanced by global warming.