Key to the genera of Myrmicinae occurring in the UAE (workers)

1 Postpetiole attached mediodorsally to the first gaster tergite (Fig. 19); gaster heart-shaped from above (Fig. 20) ........................................................................... Crematogaster Mayr

– Postpetiole attached medioventrally to the gaster (Fig. 22) which is pear-shaped in dorsal view (Fig. 21) .................................................................................................................... 2

2 Antennae 10-segmented, the two apical segments forming a distinct club (Fig. 23). .......... ........................................................................................................... Solenopsis Westwood

– Antennae 11- or 12-segmented with a three segmented club (Fig. 24) or with a less well defined club of five thickened segment ............................................................................. 3

3 Mandibles, in full-face view, broadly rounded or flat (Fig. 25). Workers polymorphic with head width increasing allometrically with increasing body size .................... Messor Forel

– Mandibles, in full-face view, triangular (Fig. 26). Workers monomorphic or dimorphic. 4

4 Clypeus longitudinal bicarinate (Fig. 27). Propodeum without spines or teeth (Fig. 28) ..... .............................................................................................................. Monomorium Mayr

– Clypeus with median portion rounded or flat (Fig. 29). Propodeum bituberculate or with distinct spines or teeth (Fig. 30) ........................................................................................ 5

5 Clypeus raised into a ridge in front of antennal insertions (Fig. 32) ..... Tetramorium Mayr

– Clypeus not raised into a ridge in front of antennal insertions .......................................... 6

6 Dimorphic species; major workers have greatly enlarged incavate heads broad, threetoothed mandibles (Fig. 31). Minor workers have narrow heads with long multidentate mandibles (Fig. 33) .............................................................................. Pheidole Westwood

– Monomorphic species; all workers in a colony of more or less even size and shape, having mandibles of five teeth. ...................................................................................................... 7

7 Postpetiole enlarged, in most species wider than long in dorsal view and cordiform (Fig. 34). Mid body entirely without dorsal hairs ..................................... Cardiocondyla Emery

– Postpetiole not conspicuously enlarged (Fig. 35). Body hairs present over whole dorsum. ................................................................................................................. Leptothorax Mayr