Nesomyrmex angulatus species group

Definition

Antennae with 12 segments; anterior clypeal lobe conspicuously convex, rounded and without a small median triangular projection; frontal carinae absent; propodeum always with moderately long to long spines, in profile distinctly longer than their basal width; petiole and postpetiole without large lateral spines, petiole sometimes with small denticles; all dorsal surfaces of body with short, blunt pilosity (with the exception of N. evelynae, which lacks standing hairs on most of first gastral tergite).

Comments

This group contains seven species that are widely distributed in the Afrotropical region, with one species extending into the Palaearctic and Malagasy regions. All species appear to be arboreal or subarboreal. Species accounts for all group members are provided below in the review of the group. The alpha taxonomy of the group appears straightforward based on the literature (Bolton 1982; Mbanyana & Robertson 2008). However, we find some species delimitations quite problematic (see species accounts below) and it might be necessary to revise the N. angulatus species group in the future after the accumulation of more material from additional Afrotropical localities.