Aenictus, Emery, 1901

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 : 45

rixator species group

DIAGNOSIS. This is a convenience group, and a clear candidate to be split up when more data are available.

Small, yellow species with linear mandibles and almost parallel sides closing against the clypeus. This very reduced, transverse to almost absent pronotum and mesonotum forming almost a straight line; mesopropodeal suture present dorsally but not deeply impressed. Femora and tibiae with its apical half swollen. Overall sculpture glassy smooth.

Species in this group could be mistaken by its size and habitus with minima workers in the mariae complex, but can be separated by the linear mandibles and absence of denticulated clypeus. Its heads are also less elongated (CI~90 against CI~80) for the same HW range (~0.40) in the mariae group.

OVERVIEW. The difference between A. rixator ( Fig. 30 A–D ) and A. mentu ( Fig. 28 A–D ) is quite straightforward as the first has three mandibular teeth and a clearly defined propodeal ridge, and the second lacks the propodeal ridge and has a big apical tooth followed by three smaller denticles.

Figures

Fig. 30. Aenictus rixator, holotype (CASENT0907030). A, head, dorsal view. B, habitus, lateral view. C, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole, lateral view. D, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole, dorsal view. E, mandibles and clypeus, dorsal view.

Fig. 28. Aenictus mentu, syntype (MCZC:ENT:26131). A, head, dorsal view. B, habitus, lateral view. C, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole, lateral view. D, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole, dorsal view.