Aim We analyse the taxonomic status, phylogenetic relationships, distribution and age of a newly discovered ant taxon found in the mountaintops of the island of Mallorca (Spain). We also consider the potential impact of short‐term climate change on the survival of this ant and make proposals on its conservation status, risks and management.

Location Balearic Islands (Spain).

Methods We used morphological, molecular and ecological evidence to assess the specific status of the potential new species. We gathered distribution data to conduct climate‐based distribution modelling of present and future occupancy under several SRES emission scenarios.

Results The existence of a new non‐cryptic species of ant (Lasius balearicus Talavera, Espadaler & Vila, sp. nov.) is described from the island of Mallorca. Its distribution was found to be extremely restricted (Serra de Tramuntana) and elevationally constrained to island summits (between 800 and 1400 m a.s.l.). Molecular dating indicated that this species diverged about 1.51 million years ago from its nearest relatives, from which it can be distinguished based on several morphological traits. Ecological niche modelling shows a dramatic reduction of areas with suitable climatic conditions under the different scenarios studied.