The Ants of Africa
SUBFAMILY MYRMICINAE

Subfamily Myrmicinae (Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, 1835: 169)

Diagnostic Features - Pedicel of two segments, postpetiole usually distinctly separated from the gaster. Pygidium not impressed. Eyes usually present. Ocelli absent. Antennae 4- to 12-segmented. Frontal carinae totally or partially covering the antennal insertions. Clypeus projecting back between the frontal carinae. Tibial spurs of middle and hindlegs simple or absent.

As has already been mentioned (Chapter 5) the separation into Tribes is in some confusion. For instance, there is the scheme used by Hölldobler & Wilson (1990). That list seems incomplete, however, and some earlier separation remained - that is, Tribes OCHETOMYRMICINI, MYRMECININI and CATAULACINI (as in Bolton, 1973, and Bolton, 1994). Bolton (1994) had the Tribe FORMICOXENINI as including the Cardiocondylini and Leptothoracini. Bolton (1981a) noted that the Tribe MERANOPLINI (with Calyptomyrmex, Dicroaspsis from Central Africa, and Meranoplus) had been dissolved (citing work on myrmicine stings by Kugler, 1978) and that his earlier (Bolton, 1972) inclusion of Ankylomyrma in the Tribe was wrong. The question, however, was left unanswered - the Tribe went but no indication of any other placement was given and he wrote that Ankylomyrma had no affinities with the other three genera. For present simplicity, I have kept MERANOPLINI for Meranoplus and Ankylomyrma, as has Bolton (1995).


Bernard (1952) wrote how the classical studies by Mayr, Emery and Forel were in need of revision, especially as knowledge of males and larvae were throwing up useful characters. Now, the situation is much improved with many excellent generic and subgeneric revisions stemming from the work of Bolton, as follows:

Pyramica Roger, 1862a: 251. Type species: Pyramica gundlachi Roger, by monotypy. Pyramica junior synonym of Strumigenys: Roger, 1863b: 40; Dalla Torre, 1893: 145; Bingham, 1903: 147. Revived from synonymy as subgenus of Strumigenys: Brown, W.L. 1948e: 110. Junior synonym of Strumigenys: Brown, W.L. & Wilson, 1959b: 281; Brown, W.L. 1960c: 37. Revived from synonymy: Bolton, 1999. J. Nat. Hist., 33, 1667. To further complicate, or arguably simplify, the Dacetine situation, Baroni Urbani & De Andrade (2007: 101) postulated that Strumigenys should be the senior synonym of (Afrotropical genera only given here): Cladarogenys, Epitritus, Glamyromyrmex, Miccostruma, Pyramica, Serrastruma, Smithistruma and Trichoscapa. I note this but, as my key objective is the ease of identification, have retained the old genera with two main pages for Strumigenys and Pyramica, the latter having a key to separate the remainder.

It still remains, however, that the two genera of greatest economic and ecological importance - Crematogaster and Pheidole - are in overwhelming need of revision.


Note: [December 2007] Fernando Fernandez has kindly sent me a copy of his revisionary study of Carebara. I had missed this because the title denotes it as being on "American species" and gives no indication of his synonymization of the genera Oligomyrmex, Paedalgus and Afroxydris. For the present, because of the work involved I am retaining the African members linked from the key below and the linked genus and species pages in the pre-Fernandez genera.

Note: Using a DNA analysis, Ward et al. (2014: 5) claim to have demonstrated that Ankylomyrma is "neither in the Myrmicinae nor even a member of the more inclusive formicoid clade - rather it is a poneroid ant, sister to the genus Tatuidris (Agroecomyrmecinae)".


Ward et al. (2014: 10) resurrected the Genera Syllophopsis and Trichomyrmex from synonymy with Monomorium. These are keyed from Monomorium.


Illustrated key to Genera known from sub-Saharan Africa (text derived in greater part from Bolton, 1994) - comments relate only to genera from the subregion.

1 {Crematogaster africana}Postpetiole articulated on dorsal surface of first gastral segment; the gaster in dorsal view roughly heart-shaped and capable of reflexion over the alitrunk. Petiole dorsoventrally flattened and without a node. Many species, with wholly inadequate classification. Some (subspecies Atopogyne polymorphic, size up to 7-8 mm), most monomorphic and small (2-3 mm). Mostly arboreal. Genus Crematogaster
-- Postpetiole articulated on anterior face of first gastral segment; the gaster in dorsal view not roughly heart-shaped, not capable of reflexion over the alitrunk. Petiole not dorsoventrally flattened, with a node of some form. 2
2 Antenna never terminating in a conspicuous, 2-segmented club. Either apical plus 2 preapical segments of antenna enlarged and forming a conspicuous, 3-segmented club, or less commonly the club with more than 3. Rarely the funiculus filiform and without a developed apical club. 17
-- {two-segmented club}Apical and preapical antennal segments much larger than preceding funicular segments and forming a conspicuous and usually very distinctive 2-segmented club. 3
- Antennae with two-segmented club -
3 {Strumigenys face}Mandibles elongate and linear, produced into narrow projecting blades, each one of which is much longer than broad. Mandibles never triangular or subtriangular, never serially multidentate or denticulate. All small to minute, largest ca 4 mm. 4
-- Mandibles triangular or subtriangular, not produced into narrow projecting blades, apical (masticatory) margins usually serially multidentate or denticulate, but teeth sometimes reduced. 7
4 {Cladarogenys & Epitritus mandibles}Apex of each mandibular blade either with a single, long tooth at the dorsal apex subtended by a series of minute denticles, or with a series of minute denticles only; always lacking an apical fork of 2 or 3 spiniform teeth. Pyramica
(subgenera Epitritus and Cladarogenys)
-- Apex of each mandibular blade armed with a fork of 2 or 3 spiniform teeth set in a more or less vertical series, with or without intercalary teeth between the spiniform fork teeth (see next couplet). 5
5 {Microdaceton exornatum}Apical fork of mandible with 3 spiniform teeth; blade of mandible without preapical teeth. Maxillary palp 3-segmented. Antennal scrobes absent, the eyes dorsolateral. Petiole node with a pair of teeth or short spines, postpetiole with lateral lamellate appendages. Microdaceton
-- {Strumigenys details}Apical fork of mandible with 2 spiniform teeth; blade of mandible usually with preapical teeth. Maxillary palp 1-segmented. Antennal scrobes present, the eyes ventrolateral. Petiole node unarmed, postpetiole with spongiform appendages. 6
6 {Quadristruma emmae}Antenna with 4 segments; one tramp species, TL 1.7-1.9 mm. Quadristruma
-- {Strumigenys antenna}Antenna with 6 segments; all small to minute, TL rarely > 2 mm; most from leaf litter, a couple from soil/litter nests in tree crevices. Strumigenys
return to couplet 3- Mandibles triangular or subtriangular -
7 Antenna with 4-6 segments 8
-- Antenna with 8-12 segments 9
8 {Melissotarsus beccarii}Spongiform or lamellate appendages absent from petiole and postpetiole. Frontal lobes confluent, situated centrally and high on dorsum of head. Mandible with 4 teeth. Antennal scrobes absent. Anterior coxae much smaller than the massively developed middle and hind coxae. Small (2-3.5 mm) species; all specially adapted to living in tunnels under bark on living trees. Melissotarsus
-- {Serrastruma species}Spongiform or lamellate appendages present on petiole, postpetiole, or both. Frontal lobes widely separated, situated laterally on anterior half of head. Mandible with more than 4 teeth. Antennal scrobes present. Anterior coxae as large as or larger than the middle and hind coxae. All small to minute, largest ca 4 mm Pyramica
(subgenera Glamyromyrmex, Serrastruma, Smithistruma and Trichoscapa)
9 Antenna with 12 segments. 10
-- Antenna with 8-11 segments. 11
10 {Cardiocondyla wasmanni}Palp formula 5,3. Frontal lobes separated and median portion of clypeus broadly inserted between them. Lateral portions of clypeus flattened and prominent, fused to the raised projecting median portion of the clypeus to form a shelf, which projects forward over the mandibles. Propodeal lobes low and rounded, not connected to propodeal spines (when present) by broad projecting lamellae. All small to minute, largest ca 3 mm. Cardiocondyla
-- {Baracidris meketra}Palp formula 2,2. Frontal lobes closely approximated and median portion of clypeus reduced to an extremely narrow strip between them. Lateral portions of clypeus not prominent, not fused to median portion, and not forming a shelf; instead median portion of clypeus sharply raised centrally and in the form of a narrow longitudinal ridge. Propodeal lobes large and prominent, connected to propodeal spines by broad, conspicuous lamellae. Very small species, ca 2 mm. Baracidris
11 {Solensopsis geminata}Anterior clypeal margin with a single, long, anteriorly projecting median seta at the midpoint of the margin. Clypeus strongly longitudinally bicarinate. Propodeum always unarmed and rounded. Antennae 10-segmented. Variably polymorphic; small to minute - currently (2008) there appears to be a separation of genus members into Solenopsis (the larger polymorphic species) and the smaller monomorphic Diplorhoptrum Solenopsis
-- Anterior clypeal margin lacking a single, median seta; instead a pair of setae usually straddle the midpoint of the margin. Propodeum sometimes unarmed and rounded but usually with spines or teeth, or sharply angulate. Antenna with 8-11 segments 12
. Now [November 2007] all regarded by Fernandez (2004) as in the single genus Carebara, except for the unresolved Pheidologeton .
12 Antenna with 8 or 9 segments. 13
-- Antenna with 10 or 11 segments. 15
13 {Oligomyrmex (O.) latro major}Propodeum bidentate, bispinose, or sharply angulate in profile. Worker caste dimorphic, without intermediates; all minute TL no more than 2 mm; nesting in dead wood on ground or in leaf litter. Oligomyrmex (subgenus Oligomyrmex)
-- Propodeum unarmed. Worker caste monomorphic. 14
14 {Carebara junodi}Eyes absent. Mandible with 5 or 6 teeth. Promesonotum not marginate laterally. All possibly nesting in termite hills and all small TL 1.6-2.5 mm. Carebara
-- {Paedalgus distinctus}Eyes present. Mandible with 4 or 5 teeth. Promesonotum marginate laterally. Minute, TL 1-1.5 mm, species; leaf litter dwelling and foraging Paedalgus
15return to couplet 12 {Afroxyidris crogensis}Mandible with 2 teeth apically, the teeth followed by an elongate, very oblique, edentate margin, which ends at the acute basal angle. With mandibles at full closure there is a distinct gap between their inner borders and the anterior clypeal margin. Minute, ca TL 1.5 mm, monotypic, known only from two specimens, soil/deep leaf litter nesting. Afroxyidris
-- Mandible with 4 or more teeth, which occupy the entire apical margin; without an elongate, oblique, edentate margin behind the two apical teeth. With mandibles at full closure without a gap between their inner borders and the anterior clypeal margin. 16
16 {Oligomyrmex (Aneleus) diabolus}Clypeus longitudinally bicarinate on median portion. Worker caste dimorphic, without intermediates; perhaps twelve species in genus; all minute TL no more than 2 mm; nesting in dead wood on ground or in leaf litter. Oligomyrmex
(subgenera Aneleus, 11-segmented antennae; Aeromyrma, 10-segmented antennae)
-- {Pheidologeton diversus}Clypeus not bicarinate on median portion. Worker caste polymorphic with a graded series of intermediates connecting minor to major workers. Best known species (P. diversus) probably not from Africa; three species from this region known only from queens or males. Pheidologeton
return to couplet 2 Funiculus with three-segmented club or filiform -
17 {Myrmicaria fusca}Antenna with 7 segments; propodeum bispinose; gaster typically held so that apex pointing forward under the legs; weakly dimorphic; one small slender species (TL ca 4 mm) is arboreal; others small (TL 5 mm), most quite large (TL 7-10 mm) and soil dwelling, may forage on trees. Myrmicaria
--
{Atopomyrmex calpocalcycola}Antennae 8-segmented without a differentiated club;  major no more than 7.0 mm; petiole without spines Atopomyrmex (part)
-- Antenna with 9-12 segments. 18
18 {Meranoplus inermis}Antenna with 9 segments. Petiole sessile, without an anterior peduncle. Pronotum and mesonotum fused into a laterally projecting shield, which overhangs the sides of the alitrunk on each side and sometimes also overhangs the propodeum posteriorly. All small (TL ca 2.5-3.5); soil nesting and surface foraging, will climb trees to tend aphids. Meranoplus
-- Antenna with 10-12 segments. Petiole usually with an elongate anterior peduncle; if not then the pronotum and mesonotum do not form a shield overhanging sides of the alitrunk. 19
19 {Calyptomyrmex face}Median portion of clypeus vertical, with a conspicuous anteriorly projecting bilobed appendage above (the clypeal fork), which projects over the mandibles from about the same level as the frontal lobes. 20
-- Median portion of clypeus not vertical, without a bilobed appendage projecting over the mandibles from about the same level as the frontal lobes. 21
20 {Dicroaspis species}Antenna with 11 segments. Peduncle of petiole short and very thick in profile. All body setae simple, without bizarre pilosity. TL about 3 mm. Dicroaspis
-- {Calyptomyrmex nummuliticus}Antenna with 12 segments. Peduncle of petiole elongate and narrow in profile. Body setae bizarre; either spatulate, squamate, clavate, star-shaped, or very short, thick, and stubbly with abruptly tapered points. All small, TL 2-4 mm; from leaf litter, nesting in rotten wood. Calyptomyrmex
21 {Ocymyrmex species}Propodeal spiracle long and narrow, its orifice slit-like. Mesothoracic spiracles opening on dorsum of alitrunk. Mandible with at least the third tooth from the apex, and usually the third and fourth teeth, double-ranked. From dry desert to semi-desert. Ocymyrmex
(South and East Africa)
-- Propodeal spiracle circular to subcircular, very rarely oval but never long and narrow with a slit-like orifice. Mesothoracic spiracles concealed by a pronotal flap on the sides of the alitrunk. Without double-ranked mandibular teeth. 22
22 Antenna with 11 or 12 segments. 24
-- Antenna with 10 segments. 23
- Antenna with 10 segments -
23 {Anillomyrma tridens}Entirely lacking eyes, minute TL < 2.0 mm; postpetiole articulated high on the first gastral tergite; single unnamed species from Tanzania (image is of a south Asian species) Anillomyrma
-- {Decamorium venatorSting shaft with an apicodorsal, triangular to pennant-shaped lamelliform appendage. Propodeal spiracle low on side and behind midlength, abutting the metapleural gland, widely separated from the dorsal outline in profile. Petiole with a long anterior peduncle. Palp formula 4,3. Small, TL ca 3 mm. Decamorium
-- Antenna with 11 or 12 segments 25
24 Antenna with 12 segments 34
-- Antenna with 11 segments 25
-- Antenna with 11 segments 25
25 {Cataulacus species}Antennal scrobes present, running below the eyes. Dorsum of gaster consisting entirely of the expanded first tergite, the remaining tergites visible in profile below the posterior margin of the first. Almost all arboreal; size ranging from quite large, TL 5-7 mm, foraging and homoptera tending species, to small specialist stem inhabiters, TL ca 3 mm. Cataulacus
-- Antennal scrobes either absent or present but running above the eyes. Dorsum of gaster not consisting entirely of the first tergite, the remaining tergites continuing the line of the first and visible in dorsal view. 26
26 {Pristomyrmex orbiceps}Frontal lobes vestigial or absent so that the antennal articulations are exposed and the depressed area containing the antennal sockets clearly visible. Anterior clypeal margin armed with denticles. Small, TL ca 3 mm; from forest and open woodland, nesting in dead wood. Pristomyrmex
-- Frontal lobes present, covering most or all of the antennal articulations, the antennal sockets not fully visible in dorsal view. Anterior clypeal margin unarmed or with a pair of small teeth. 27
27 {short description of image}Eyes (may be very small and difficult to see) located behind midlength of sides of head. Median portion of clypeus raised and produced forward as a large, shield-like lobe projecting strongly over the mandibles. Tibiae and basitarsi of middle and hind legs terminating in a number of peg-like, stout spines Metapone
-- Eyes located at or in front of the midlength of the sides of the head, or sometimes absent. Median portion of clypeus not produced forward as a large, shield-like lobe projecting strongly over the mandibles. Tibiae and basitarsi of middle and hind legs not terminating in peg-like, stout spines 28
28 Maxillary palp with 1 or 2 segments. Propodeum rounded to angulate, never armed with differentiated teeth or spines. Anterior clypeal margin with a single median seta. Antennal scrobes always absent and mandible with only 4 teeth. 29
-- Maxillary palp with 3-5 segments. Propodeum bidentate or bispinose. Anterior clypeal margin without a single median seta, usually with a pair of setae that straddle the midline. Antennal scrobes frequently, but not always, present and mandible usually with 5 or more teeth. 31
29 {Bondroitia lujae}Eyes absent. Propodeal spiracle enormously enlarged, circular. Frontal lobes closely approximated and median portion of clypeus narrow posteriorly between the lobes. Monotypic, small, TL 2.1-2.5 mm. Bondroitia
-- {Monomorium 11-segmented antennae}Eyes present. Propodeal spiracle small, usually pinhole-like. Frontal lobes widely separated and median portion of clypeus broad posteriorly between the lobes. 30
30 {Monomorium rosae}Median portion of clypeus distinctly raised, strongly to weakly longitudinally bicarinate. Postpetiole node less voluminous than petiole node in profile and narrowly attached to the gaster. Seven species with 11-segmented antennae; all minute TL < 2 mm; possibly all arboreal. Monomorium (part)
-- {Diplomorium longipenne}Median portion of clypeus evenly transversely convex, not distinctly raised nor longitudinally bicarinate. Postpetiole node much more voluminous than petiole node in profile and very broadly attached to gaster (monotypic - South Africa) Diplomorium
31 Mandible with 4 or 5 teeth or denticles in total, the basal tooth generally concealed by the anterior clypeal margin. Sting acute apically, not terminating in a lamellate, spatulate, or dentiform appendage. 32
-- Mandible with 6 or more teeth or denticles, usually with at least 7. Sting terminating in an apical or apicodorsal lamellate, spatulate, or dentiform appendage. 33
32 Wasmanni auropunctataFrontal carinae and antennal scrobes present. Palp formula 3,2. Petiole with an anterior peduncle. Nodes of petiole and postpetiole without spines or tubercles. One pantropical tramp species (ex-South America); minute, TL < 2 mm. Wasmannia
-- {Nesomyrmex cataulacoides}Frontal carinae and antennal scrobes absent. Palp formula 5,3. Petiole sessile, without an anterior peduncle. Nodes of petiole and postpetiole with spines or tubercles. One species with 11-segmented antennae; minute, TL < 2 mm; inhabits plant stems. Nesomyrmex (part)
33 {Cyphoidris parissa}Lateral portions of clypeus not raised into a narrow ridge or wall in front of the antennal insertions. Median portion of clypeus narrow and bicarinate, narrowly inserted between frontal lobes. Mandible armed with 10-14 teeth which decrease in size from apex to base. Promesonotum in profile with a swollen and dome-like outline. Small, TL ca 4 mm; from forest leaf litter. Cyphoidris
-- {Xiphomyrmex face}Lateral portions of clypeus raised into a narrow ridge or wall in front of the antennal insertions. Median portion of clypeus broad, not bicarinate, broadly inserted between frontal lobes. Mandible armed with 2 or 3 enlarged teeth apically, followed by a row of at least 4 smaller denticles, sometimes more. Promesonotum in profile without a swollen and dome-like outline. 34
34 {Rhoptromyrnmex critchleyi}Palp formula 3,2. Head heart-shaped in full-face view. Median portion of clypeus with a prominent, arcuate anterior margin, which overlaps the basal angle of the mandible. Antennal scrobes always absent. Ventral margin of petiole keel-like. Eyes behind midlength of sides of head. Small, TL ca 3 mm, species with eleven segmented antennae, soil-inhabiting. Rhoptromyrmex (part)
-- {Tetramorium (Triglyphothrix) brevispinosum}Palp formula usually 4,3, only very rarely reduced. Head not heart-shaped in full-face view. Median portion of clypeus without a prominent, arcuate anterior margin. Antennal scrobes usually, but not always, present. Ventral margin of petiole not keel-like. Eyes at, or somewhat in front of, midlength of sides of head. Minute, TL < 2 mm, species with branched hairs (former Triglyphothrix) and  .
.
Tetramorium (Xiphomyrmex) muraltismall species without branched hairs (former Xiphomyrmex). Tetramorium (part)
return to couplet 24 Antennae with 12 segments -
35 Dorsum of petiole node at least bidentate, some armed with a pair of sharp spines. 36
-- Dorsum of petiole node unarmed or indented medially, lacking sharp spines. 38
36 {Ankylomyrma coronacantha}All of visible portion of gaster consisting of the first tergite, which is massively enlarged and subglobose, ball-like but with an anteroventral orifice within which the remaining gastral segments are telescoped. Eyes at extreme posterior corners of head. Clypeus projecting far forward and almost concealing the mandibles. Monotypic, large, TL ca 6.5 mm, and arboreal. Ankylomyrma
-- Gaster composed of 4 visible tergites and sternites which decrease in size posteriorly, the gaster with the first tergite not massively enlarged and ball-like. Eyes not at extreme posterior corners of head. Clypeus not projecting far forward over the mandibles. 37
37 {Atopomyrmex mocquerysi}Occipital corners of head evenly broadly rounded in full-face view. Ventral surface of alitrunk with a very deep, broad pit between the hind coxae. Ventral margin of sides of metapleuron eroded in front of the metapleural gland bulla. Polymorphic species, the propodeum armed with a pair of long spines; large, TL up to 9 mm; arboreal. Atopomyrmex (part)
-- {Terataner luteus}Occipital corners of head angulate to denticulate in full-face view. Ventral surface of alitrunk without a deep, broad pit between the hind coxae. Ventral margin of sides of metapleuron not eroded in front of metapleural gland bulla but with a conspicuous, broad groove running forward to the mesopleuron. Monomorphic, medium to small species, TL from 4-6 mm; all arboreal. Terataner
38 {Tetramorium face}Lateral portions of clypeus raised up into a sharp-edged ridge or shield wall in front of the antennal insertions. 39
-- Lateral portions of clypeus not raised up into a sharp-edged ridge or shield wall in front of the antennal insertions. 40
39 {Rhoptromyrmex opacus}Head heart-shaped in full-face view. Ventral margin of petiole convex and keel-like. Anterior clypeal margin strongly arcuate and prominent. Eyes behind midlength of sides of head and propodeum unarmed. Small, TL ca 3 mm, species, soil-inhabiting but found on plants tending homoptera. Rhoptromyrmex (part)
-- {Tetramorium grassii}Head not heart-shaped in full-face view. Ventral margin of petiole never convex and keel-like. Anterior clypeal margin not strongly convex nor prominent. Eyes only rarely behind midlength of sides of head and propodeum usually armed with a pair of spines or teeth. Small, TL 3-5 mm, species with branched hairs (among former Triglyphothrix); and many species with simple hairs, almost all small. Tetramorium (part)
40 {Messor angularis}Ventral surface of head with a psammophore. Head massive and broad, CI > 90. Mandibles massive, their outer margins strongly curved toward the midline; sometimes edentate. Metasternal process large or very large, conspicuous. Polymorphic species, TL 4-12 mm; soil nesting in savannah; primarily seed-gathering Messor
-- Ventral surface of head without a psammophore. 41
41 {Pheidole species}Dimorphic, with distinctive big-headed soldier morph. Soldiers with mandibles powerfully constructed, armed with 2 large apical teeth followed by a long diastema and then 1 or 2 (rarely 3) basal teeth. Two to 4 hypostomal teeth usually present on posterior margin of buccal cavity. Palp formula 2,2 or 3,2 and clypeus lacking a long, unpaired median seta on the anterior margin. Minor with moderately elongated triangular mandibles, with apical large tooth and a series of small teeth ot denticles. Numerous species mostly small to minute; in most habitats. Pheidole
-- Mandible delicately constructed, armed with 3-5 teeth, serially dentate and decreasing in size from apex to base, not arranged as above. Hypostomal teeth absent from posterior margin of buccal cavity. If palp formula 2,2 then clypeus with a long, unpaired median seta on the anterior margin. 42
42 {Tetramorium aculeatum}Antennal scapes long, easily surpassing occipital border; face more or less ovoid, clypeus convex, without carinae, anterior border with median notch; frontal carinae short, no scrobes; eyes prominent and convex set about mid-point of face; propodeum with long narrow (occasionally reduced); abundant long erect hairs. Former Macromischoides, three species all arboreal and small. Tetramorium (part)
-- Antennal scapes not surpassing occipital border; face generally rectangular. 43
43 {Monomorium destructor}Midpoint of anterior clypeal margin with a single, elongate seta, which projects forward over the mandibles and is usually very conspicuous. Median portion of clypeus concave to prominent anteriorly, usually overhanging the mandibles, weakly to acutely bicarinate; lateral portions of clypeus not expanded forward nor fused with the median portion to form a broad, projecting shelf; maxillary palps usually with 1 or 2 segments, rarely more; mandible with 3-5 teeth (usually 4); eyes usually quite small, flat and set forward of midline of face; propodeum usually unarmed, rarely angulate or bidenticulate. All small to minute; found in almost all habitats. Monomorium (part)
key includes
Trichomyrmex and Syllophopsis
-- {Nesomyrmex angulatus}Midpoint of anterior clypeal margin without a single, elongate seta; instead usually with a pair of short setae, one on each side of the midpoint With the alitrunk in profile the mesonotum following the line of the pronotum, not suddenly and steeply raised above the level of the pronotum; mesonotum without a near-vertical, somewhat concave free anterior face; dorsum with short stout erect hairs. All arboreal and small. Nesomyrmex (part)
-- {short description of image}Median anterior portion of clypeus without a prominent lobe and not overlapping mandibles; transverse crest absent from stipe of maxilla; clypeus with median carina Temnothorax
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