Odontomachus Latreille

Yoshimura, M. & Fisher, B. L., 2007, A revision of male ants of the Malagasy region (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Key to subfamilies and treatment of the genera of Ponerinae., Zootaxa 1654, pp. 21-40 : 34

Odontomachus Latreille , 1804

(Figs. 1, 8a-e)

Males winged. Antennal scrobe absent. Mandible reduced. Basal cavity of mandible extending to its front face and visible in full-face view. Notauli never impressed on mesoscutum. Mesepimeron bearing distinct (epimeral) lobe posterodorsally, lobe covering mesothoracic spiracle and seeming to form isolated plate. Dorsolateral corner of petiole in anterior view not projecting. Dorsal margin of petiole in anterior view more or less conical, with a narrowly rounded or pointed apex. Apical margin of abdominal tergum VIII projecting into sharp spine. Jugal lobe of hind wing present. Each middle and hind tibia with two spurs. Claws simple, never multidentate to pectinate.

Remarks. Two species are known in the Malagasy region. The males of both species are yellow to yellowish-brown. In the single species from the Seychelles ( O. simillimus ) the males are blackish. Males belonging to this genus are often similar to those in Anochetus and Pachycondyla . Characteristics separating this genus from Anochetus are noted in the Anochetus section. Characters separating it from Pachycondyla are: 1) petiolar apex more or less conical; 2) hind wing having a jugal lobe; 3) absence of notauli on the mesoscutum; and 4) a yellowish (rarely blackish) body color.