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The genus-level taxonomy of the ant subfamily Leptanillinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is here revised, with the aim of delimiting genus-level taxa that are reciprocally monophyletic and readily diagnosable based upon all adult forms. This new classification reflects molecular phylogenetics and is informed by joint consideration of both male and worker morphology. Three valid genera are recognized in the Leptanillinae:Opamyrma,Leptanilla(=Scyphodonsyn. nov.,Phaulomyrma,Leptomesites,Noonillasyn. nov.,Yavnellasyn. nov.), andProtanilla(=Anomalomyrmasyn. nov.,Furcotanilla).LeptanillaandProtanillaare further divided into informal, monophyletic species groups. Synoptic diagnoses are provided for all genera and informal supraspecific groupings. In addition, worker-based keys to all described species within the Leptanillinae for which the worker caste is known are provided; and male-based keys to all species for which males are known, plus undescribed male morphospecies for which molecular data are published. The following species are described as new:Protanilla wallaceisp. nov.,Leptanilla acherontiasp. nov.,Leptanilla belantansp. nov.,Leptanilla bethyloidessp. nov., andLeptanilla najaphallasp. nov.
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This content will become publicly available on December 19, 2026
A genus-level classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
The genus-level classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is revised based on a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of more than 2,300 ultraconserved element (UCE) loci across 1,170 sampled specimens representing 1,020 taxa (600 valid species and 420 morphospecies) and all described ponerine genera known from workers. While most previously defined genus groups are recovered as monophyletic, several genera are shown to be polyphyletic or paraphyletic. To resolve these inconsistencies, four new genera are described:Boltonoponegen. nov.,Makebaponegen. nov.,Subiridoponegen. nov., andSritoponeragen. nov.Xiphopeltastat. rev.is revalidated andEuponerais restricted by expandingFisheroponeto absorb a paraphyletic assemblage.Mesoponerais split into four lineages, resulting in transfers toMakebapone,Subiridopone, andXiphopelta.Iroponerasyn. nov.is synonymized underCryptoponeand additional new synonymies at both the generic and species levels are established. Morphological diagnoses are revised for each affected genus, and updated species lists and new combinations are provided. The updated classification recognizes 54 valid genera within Ponerinae and acknowledges an additional lineage that will be formally described in a subsequent publication. To support identification and comparative studies, revised keys to all extant Ponerinae genera are provided, presented by biogeographic region (African and Malagasy, Palearctic–Indomalaya–Australasia, and New World). This classification is intended to provide a stable, phylogenetically informed framework for future research on ponerine ants.
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- PAR ID:
- 10657785
- Publisher / Repository:
- Pensoft
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- ZooKeys
- Volume:
- 1264
- ISSN:
- 1313-2989
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 281 to 349
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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