Malagasy Leptogenys species groups

These groups and key are based on Rakotonirina, J.C. & Fisher, B.L. 2014. Revision of the Malagasy ponerine ants of the genus Leptogenys Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa 3836, 1-163.

Identification key to species groups of the workers of Malagasy Leptogenys

1

• In full-face view, mandible either subtriangular or elongate but capable of closing tightly against the anterior margin of clypeus without a gap between them . . . . . 2

• In full-face view, mandible elongate and narrow, not capable of closing tightly against the clypeus; the apices slightly crossing each other and leaving a large gap between themselves and the clypeus when closed . . . . . 7

2

return to couplet #1

• With gaster in profile, prora generally globular and usually voluminous, directed anteroventrally; anteroventral angle of third abdominal sternite rounded; helcium usually situated almost to mid-height of anterior margin of third abdominal segment; prora and anteroventral angle of third abdominal sternite separated by large indentation . . . . . #toeraniva group

• With gaster in profile, prora flattened and small and directed ventrally along a vertical line; anteroventral angle of third abdominal sternite angulate; helcium situated at lower level near the anteroventral angle of third abdominal segment; prora and anteroventral angle of third abdominal sternite not separated by large indentation . . . . . 3