Cataglyphis abudawoodi sp. nov., a New Ant Species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Bahrain, with a Key to the Arabian Species of the C. albicans Species-Group

A new ant species, Cataglyphis abudawoodi sp. nov., is recorded from the Kingdom of Bahrain and placed in the C. albicans species-group, where it is closely related to C. albicans. Distinguishing diagnostic characters of the worker caste include the two pair of setae on the posterior margin of head, together with the obtusely angled propodeal profile. Identification keys to the Arabian C. albicans-species group and the Cataglyphis fauna of Bahrain are provided together with a review of their global distribution. An updated synoptic checklist of Arabian Cataglyphis recognizes seven species-groups (aenescens-, albicans-, altisquamis-, bicolor-, bombycinus-, emmae - and pallida-). The discovery of more endemic ant species to Bahrain is anticipated.