Aenictus dirangensis sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a New Species of Aenictus ceylonicus Group from India

Abstract

A new species of the Aenictus ceylonicus group, Aenictus dirangensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. The new species occurs in North-Eastern Himalayas and shows morphological similarities with A. yangi Liu, Hita Garcia, Peng, & Economo (2015) and A. wilaiae Jaitrong & Yamane (2013). Aenictus dirangensis sp. nov. can be separated from both by shape of the subpetiolar process and body sculpture. The new species also resembles A. khaoyaiensis Jaitrong & Yamane (2013) but clearly differentiated in having 2-6 toothed mandible/denticles between subapical and basal teeth. An identification key to the Asian Aenictus ceylonicus group is also updated.