Revision of the ant genus Xenomyrmex Forel

Background/Question/Methods

Our objective is to revise the genus Xenomyrmex using morphology.  The revision will include the biogeography and a key to species.  The genus Xenomyrmex has not been fully revised since William Steel Creighton revised his own work on the genus in 1957.  This particular genus has been difficult to diagnose by researchers in the past given the small size and quality of the specimens available.  It is our goal to analyze the material available and determine if the current taxonomic placement of the species and subspecies within the genus are correct.  We have obtained a number of specimens through the efforts of Dr. William Mackay and the University of Texas at El Paso biology department including types, cotypes, and paratypes from the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of History (USNM).  The recognition of key morphology will be determined, and key features rendered into ink scale drawings. The revision of the genus Xenomyrmex will help researchers understand New World ant fauna and the affects of human disturbance on the biodiversity of the Neotropic region.

Results/Conclusions

Preliminary results show that there is noticeable difference in the previous diagnosis by researchers, and the subspecies within the genus are more likely the same species.  This will be determined fully by diagnosing the provided specimens using morphologic keys and biogeography of the genus.