Aenictus, Emery, 1895

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 : 25

eugenii species group

DIAGNOSIS. This group is easily recognizable due to the linear mandibles that leave a gap against the clypeus when closed and have their clypeus reduced to two triangular denticles between ( A. eugenii ) or beneath ( A. mvuvii sp. nov.) the antennal sockets, exceptionally with another two–four smaller denticles outside the antennal sockets.

Pronotum convex and propodeum flat to slightly convex in lateral view; transverse mesopleural groove and mesometapleural suture present but not deeply impressed. Propodeal declivity slightly convex, encircled by a well-developed ridge. Femora and tibiae with its apical half swollen.

OVERVIEW. Two species in this group. Aenictus eugenii is a big species (HW 0.60-0.95) with relatively long scapes (SIL 70-85) and long, semierect to erect unequal setae, while A. mvuvii sp. nov. is clearly smaller (HW ∼ 0.50) with shorter scapes (SIL ∼ 52) and appressed setae quite regular in size. These species seem to have different distributions, with A. eugenii being Southern and Eastern African and A. mvuvii sp. nov. restricted to West Africa.