Ant genera of the tribe Dacetonini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The genera of the myrmicine ant tribe Dacetonini are revised and redefined. A phylogenetic analysis, new classification and key to genera are presented. Diagnoses of the genera and groups of genera are given and known aspects of their biology, taxonomy and distribution are summarized. The functional morphology of the mandible is investigated; two modes of action are differentiated and their significance is discussed. Nine genera are recognized: Acanthognathus, Colobostruma, Daceton, Epopostruma, Mesostruma (gen. rev.), Microdaceton, Orectognathus, Pyramica (gen. rev.) and Strumigenys. Seventeen names in the genus-group are newly synonymized with Pyramica: Asketogenys, Chelystruma, Cladarogenys, Codiomyrmex, Codioxenus, Dorisidris, Dysedrognathus, Epitritus, Glamyromyrmex, Gymnomyrmex, Kyidris, Neostruma, Pentastruma, Serrastruma, Smithistruma, Tingimyrmex and Trichoscapa.

Keywords:

• Formicidae;Myrmicinae;Dacetonini;Genera;Mandible Morphology;Phylogeny;Classification;Key.