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Type: Article
Published: 2003-10-28
Page range: 1–6
Abstract views: 53
PDF downloaded: 4

A new myrmicine ant genus from Malaysia with uncertain affinities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Profesor Asociado, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Apartado 7495, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Hymenoptera Ants Formicidae Malaysia Tyrannomyrmex rex

Abstract

The new myrmicine genus Tyrannomyrmex is described based on a solitary worker from Negri Sembilam, Malaysia. The principal traits of the ant are mandibles with two teeth, inner modified setae on the ventral margin of mandibles, and mesosoma devoid of any groove or suture. This new genus somewhat resembles the Adelomyrmex genus-group (particularly Baracidris from Africa) especially because of the modified setae; the structure is different, however (cylindric in Tyrannomyrmex, spatulate in Adelomyrmex genus-group) and the similarity may be a convergence. The antennal and clypeal configuration, as well as tooth number, distance the genus from the adelomyrmecines. The genus is described from a single species, T. rex n. sp., from Malaysia. A discussion of the affinities with Adelomyrmex genus-group is presented.

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