Bulgaria's New Ant Species Messor odrysarum Described

Researchers have formally described a new ant species, Messor odrysarum, from Bulgaria's Eastern Rhodopes. The taxonomic work was carried out by Albena Lapeva‑Gjonova of Sofia University and Lech Borowiec of the University of Wrocław, adding a ninth member to the European Messor genus.

The species was found nesting along dirt roads in oak forests and open grasslands, with colonies opening at ground level and feeding on seeds. Messor ants are known for cryptic diversity—morphologically similar individuals may belong to distinct genetic lineages—and for the rare reproductive strategy of xenoparity, where queens can produce offspring derived from another species. The discovery is expected to aid scientists in untangling the genus's evolutionary relationships and to improve understanding of local biodiversity, which is a prerequisite for effective conservation.

The name odrysarum references the ancient Thracian state of Odrysia, underscoring the region's historical and biological significance.