Platythyrea Roger

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 : 38

Platythyrea Roger , 1863

(Fig. 10)

Males winged. Antennal scrobe distinct. Mandible large, stout, triangular, with many teeth on its masticatory margin, and masticatory margins completely overlap when mandibles are fully closed. Basal cavity of mandible invisible in full-face view. Notauli 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 lacking distinct projection. Dorsal margin of petiole, in anterior view, broadly or narrowly rounded. Apical margin of abdominal tergum VIII does not project strongly into sharp spine. Jugal lobe of hind wing may or may not be present. Middle and hind tibiae with two spurs. Claws simple, never multidentate or pectinate. Body surface sparsely punctate.

Remarks. This genus is easily separated from other Malagasy ponerine males by the following combination of characters: 1) presence of the antennal scrobe; 2) large, stout, and triangular mandible; 3) two tibial spurs on each middle and hind leg; 4) large eyes; 5) sparse punctures on body surface; 6) standing pilosity sparse or absent; and 7) pruinose appearance.