Abstract
This study reviews the taxonomy of the ant genus Nesomyrmex Wheeler, 1910 in the Afrotropical region. Previous revisionary studies are discussed and four species groups are proposed on the basis of external morphology. The N. angulatus group contains seven species that are widely distributed throughout the whole Afrotropical region, with one species also occurring in the Palaearctic and Malagasy regions. The N. cataulacoides group is monotypic, with one morphologically bizarre species found in Equatorial rain forests. The N. humerosus group is also monotypic and occurs in East Africa. The last and by far most species-rich group is the N. simoni group that contains 17 species, all of which are endemic to South Africa. The four groups are defined for the first time for the region, and an illustrated identification key is provided. Furthermore, the N. angulatus group is more thoroughly reviewed. One new species from Mozambique is described, N. inhaca sp. nov., and species accounts for the other six are provided. Also, an illustrated identification key to the species of the N. angulatus group is presented.
Highlights
Nesomyrmex Wheeler, 1910 is a moderately-sized genus of myrmicine ants distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Neotropical, Afrotropical and Malagasy regions (Guénard & Economo 2016)
In this study we review the Nesomyrmex species groups found in the Afrotropical region and provide an identification key to the four proposed groups : N. angulatus group, N. cataulacoides group, N. humerosus group and N. simoni group
In order to aid in identification we provide an illustrated key to all species of the N. angulatus group
Summary
Nesomyrmex Wheeler, 1910 is a moderately-sized genus of myrmicine ants distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Neotropical, Afrotropical and Malagasy regions (Guénard & Economo 2016). It was traditionally grouped within the tribes Leptothoracini or Formicoxenini, but the most recent phylogeny of the Myrmicinae revealed it to be a member of the Crematogastrini (Ward et al 2015). Mbanyana & Robertson (2008) provided an extensive revision of the Nesomyrmex of southern Africa They recognised 20 species from South Africa, of which they described 15 as new, leading to a total of 25 Nesomyrmex species for the whole Afrotropical region
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
