Notes on the ant biodiversity, ecology and biogeography (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Astypalaia Island (SE Aegean)

ABSTRACT Situated in the Aegean archipelago, Astypalaia is one of the most isolated islands, forming a transitional zone between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese island groups. Despite studies on its biodiversity for a number of taxa, up-to-date species inventories of ants include a checklist of just 11 species, collected only from the surrounding small islets Agia Kyriaki, Kounoupoi, and Ofidoussa. During a 10-day investigation (14–24 April 2024), the island of Astypalaia was visited.