Review of the Arabian Crematogaster Lund (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), synoptic list, distribution, and description of two new species from Oman and Saudi Arabia

The genus is one of the most species-rich and widespread groups of ants. Despite their often-high local abundance and important ecological interactions, the taxonomy of the genus is fragmentary and in great need of modern revisionary studies. As a first step towards a revision for the Arabian fauna of , a review of all known species with synoptic species accounts is provided. Seventeen species are recognized and illustrated from the Arabian Peninsula, of which two new species are described: Sharaf & Hita Garcia, from the Dhofar Governorate, Oman, and Sharaf & Hita Garcia, from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) based on the worker caste. is easily separated from the remainder of the Arabian fauna due to its complete lack of propodeal spines, slit-shaped propodeal spiracles, and its distinct bicoloration, whereas is readily distinguished by its unlobed postpetiolar dorsum. Furthermore, new country records are presented: Forel for the KSA and Yemen, and Forel and Forel for the KSA for Qatar, whereas Forel is excluded from the Arabian fauna. In addition, on the basis of morphological examination of original type material, Forel is proposed as junior synonym of Mayr, and is elevated to species rank Furthermore, a new identification key for the Arabian species is provided, as well as distribution maps for all species.