Aenictus, Gómez, 2022

Gómez, Kiko, 2022, A revision of the Afrotropical species of the Dorylinae ant genus Aenictus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on the worker caste, Belgian Journal of Entomology 124, pp. 1-86 : 36

koloi species group

DIAGNOSIS. Species in this group are easily identifiable due to its reticulated head and rectangular femora in frontal view, while the other Afrotropical species present glassy smooth heads and femora swollen in its distal half.

Monomorphic. Scape subcylindrical, wider in distal apex and slightly narrower at the proximal; moderately long, reaching almost three quarters of the head when laid back (SIL~70-75). Head longer than wide (CI ~80–90). Ventrolateral margin developed. Mandibles triangular, closing against clypeus; this a thin convex lamella, minutely denticulated: one big apical teeth followed by up to ten denticles to triangular teeth; frontal ridges present, very closely together, sometimes fused medially and diverging basally; parafrontal ridges weakly developed but present as a darkened ridge, with a small tooth apically; both structures not surpassing the antennal sockets.

Pro- and mesonotum convex, propodeum flat, both meeting at an angle. Transverse mesopleural groove and mesometapleural suture present but weakly impressed. Propodeal declivity convex, encircled by a well-developed ridge. Petiole subsessile. Femora subrectangular in frontal view, not distally incrassated. Mandibles longitudinally striated; overall sculpture reticulated, including head, legs and antennae. Gaster glassy smooth, except for a small dorsal alutaceus area adjacent to the postpetiolar insertion, extending backwards not more than the postpetiole width.

OVERVIEW. This group consists of three species: A. koloi sp. nov. is clearly smaller (HW<0,60) and unlike the other two does not present a developed subpetiolar process; the pilosity in A. susanae sp. nov. is abundant, long and reclinated overall, while in A. xegi sp. nov. is scattered, semierect and unequal.