A Descriptive Morphology of the Ant GenusProcryptocerus(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Morphology is the most direct approach biologists have to recognize uniqueness of insect species as compared to close relatives. Ants of the genus Procryptocerus possess important morphologic characters yet have not been explored for use in a taxonomic revision. The genus is characterized by the protrusion of the clypeus forming a broad nasus and antennal scrobes over the eyes. The toruli are located right posterior to the flanks of the nasus opposite to each other. The vertex is deflexed posteriorly in most species. An in-group comparison of the external morphology is presented focusing on the workers. A general morphology for gynes and males is also presented. Previously mentioned characters as well as new ones are presented, and their character states in different species are clarified. For the metasoma a new system of ant metasomal somite nomenclature is presented that is applicable to Aculeata in general. Finally, a Glossary of morphological terms is offered for the genus (available online). Most of the terminology can be used in other members of the Formicidae and Aculeata.

Wasmannia Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in Argentina: Systematics and Distribution

“…General terminology and abbreviations are based on Longino and Fernández (2007), Serna and Mackay (2010) and Serna et al (2011). Measurements (in mm.)…”

The first subterranean ant species of the genus Meranoplus F. Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Vietnam

“…The terminology for sting apparatus follows Kugler [1994Kugler [ , 1997, that for sculpture follows Harris [1979], and other terminology as in Serna and Mackay [2010].…”

Toward understanding the predatory ant genus Myopias (Formicidae: Ponerinae), including a key to global species, male-based generic diagnosis, and new species description

“…The definitive pleural area of the metapleuron is here provided with the terms lower and upper metapleural area to describe the ventral and dorsal metapleural portions of alate ants as these are almost always divided by an external sulcus. Dorsopropodeum, lateropropodeum, and posteropropodeum from Serna and Mackay (2010) are adopted as shorthand for the dorsal, lateral, and posterior propodeal faces (= propodeal declivity), respectively. Orientation of the male head capsule is treated differently than the female castes as the male of Myopias is hypognathous.…”