Atopomyrmex mocquerysi

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Atopomyrmex mocquerysi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Crematogastrini
Genus: Atopomyrmex
Species: A. mocquerysi
Binomial name
Atopomyrmex mocquerysi
André, 1889

Atopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178286 profile 1.jpg

Atopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178286 dorsal 1.jpg

Specimen Label

Synonyms

Strongly polymorphic arboreal ants that nest in the wood of standing trees. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi forage arboreally, frequently coming down the trunk but only rarely venturing onto the ground. Arnold (1916) points out that A. mocquerysi is usually carnivorous and, when disturbed, exudes a whitish secretion from the anal glands. Nests are made in hollow stems or rotten parts of standing timber but it is not known if the species tunnel their own galleries or take over the galleries of termites and boring beetles. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi is very widely distributed, being found in wooded and forested areas almost throughout sub-Saharan Africa. (Bolton 1981)

Identification

Bolton (1981) - differing from Atopomyrmex cryptoceroides as follows:

cryptoceroides - Sides of head behind eyes smooth and shining between widely scattered pits, not blanketed by reticulate-punctate sculpture and never with rugulae in this area; Propodeal dorsum strongly rugose, without or only with vestiges of punctate sculpture; Pronotal dorsum closely and coarsely rugose, without dense punctate ground-sculpture; Propodeal spines in dorsal view with their basal portions projecting outwards before angling backwards, the projecting portion concealing the spiracle which is not at all visible from above; Propodeal spiracle large and relatively close to the margin of the declivity below the spine; diameter of spiracle equal to or greater than the distance separating the spiracular hind margin from the edge of the declivity at its closest point.

mocquerysi - Sides of head behind eyes blanketed by dense reticulate punctate sculpture; sometimes rugulae may also occur in this area; Propodeal dorsum predominantly or entirely reticulate-punctate, if rugulae occur they are secondary to the punctuation; Pronotal dorsum usually with rugae present but with punctate ground-sculpture which is usually conspicuous and dense; Propodeal spines in dorsal view directed more or less evenly backwards, not projecting outwards basally; the spiracle (or at least its annulus) clearly visible from above; Propodeal spiracle smaller and some distance away from the margin of the declivity below the spine; diameter of spiracle less than the distance separating the spiracular hind margin from the edge of the declivity at its closest point.

Distribution

Latitudinal Distribution Pattern

Latitudinal Range: 4.49° to -28.41667°.

   
North
Temperate 		North
Subtropical 		Tropical South
Subtropical 		South
Temperate

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists

Afrotropical Region: Benin (type locality), Cameroun, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal (type locality), Sierra Leone, South Africa (type locality), Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.

Distribution based on AntMaps

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Distribution based on AntWeb specimens

Check data from AntWeb

Countries Occupied

Number of countries occupied by this species based on AntWiki Regional Taxon Lists. In general, fewer countries occupied indicates a narrower range, while more countries indicates a more widespread species.
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Estimated Abundance

Relative abundance based on number of AntMaps records per species (this species within the purple bar). Fewer records (to the left) indicates a less abundant/encountered species while more records (to the right) indicates more abundant/encountered species.
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Biology

Castes

Worker

Atopomymrmex-mocquersyi.jpgAtopomymrmex-mocquersyi hal.jpgAtopomymrmex-mocquersyi had3.jpgAtopomymrmex-mocquersyi lbs.jpg
. Owned by Museum of Comparative Zoology.

Images from AntWeb

Atopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178285 head 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178285 profile 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178285 dorsal 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178285 label 1.jpg
Worker. Specimen code casent0178285. Photographer April Nobile, uploaded by California Academy of Sciences. Owned by LACM, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Atopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178286 head 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178286 profile 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178286 dorsal 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0178286 label 1.jpg
Worker. Specimen code casent0178286. Photographer April Nobile, uploaded by California Academy of Sciences. Owned by LACM, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Atopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0415562 head 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0415562 profile 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0415562 dorsal 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0415562 label 1.jpg
Worker. Specimen code casent0415562. Photographer April Nobile, uploaded by California Academy of Sciences. Owned by CAS, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Atopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0101460 head 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0101460 profile 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0101460 dorsal 1.jpgAtopomyrmex mocquerysi casent0101460 label 1.jpg
Syntype of Atopomyrmex mocquerysi. Worker. Specimen code casent0101460. Photographer April Nobile, uploaded by California Academy of Sciences. Owned by MNHN, Paris, France.

Nomenclature

The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.

  • mocquerysi. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi André, 1889: 227 (w.) SENEGAL.
    • Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated).
    • Type-locality: Senegal: Dakar (A. Mocquerys).
    • Type-depository: MNHN.
    • André, 1895a: 3 (q.); Forel, 1913b: 335 (m.).
    • Status as species: Dalla Torre, 1893: 61; Forel, 1894b: 83; Mayr, 1895: 134; André, 1895a: 3; Emery, 1899a: 500; Mayr, 1904b: 4; Mayr, 1907a: 387; Stitz, 1910: 145; Forel, 1910f: 12; Forel, 1911f: 276; Emery, 1912b: 102 (redescription); Forel, 1913b: 335; Santschi, 1914b: 71; Santschi, 1914d: 351; Arnold, 1916: 191; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 181, 885; Santschi, 1923e: 283; Emery, 1924d: 240; Menozzi, 1930b: 110; Bernard, 1953b: 243; Bolton, 1981b: 251 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 75; Hita Garcia, et al. 2013: 208.
    • Senior synonym of arnoldi: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
    • Senior synonym of australis: Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 885; Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
    • Senior synonym of erigens: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
    • Senior synonym of obscura: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
    • Senior synonym of opaca: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
    • Material of the unavailable name nigellus referred here by Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
    • Distribution: Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania (mainland and Zanzibar I.), Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
  • arnoldi. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi var. arnoldi Santschi, 1923e: 283 (w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.
    • Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated).
    • Type-locality: Democratic Republic of Congo (“Congo belge”): Eala (R. Mayné).
    • Type-depositories: NHMB, MRAC.
    • Subspecies of mocquerysi: Santschi, 1925h: 164 (in key); Menozzi, 1933a: 104.
    • Junior synonym of mocquerysi: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
  • australis. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi var. australis Santschi, 1914e: 16 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA.
    • Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated).
    • Type-locality: South Africa: Natal, Zululand (I. Trägårdh).
    • Type-depository: NHMB (perhaps also NHRS).
    • Subspecies of mocquerysi: Arnold, 1916: 193; Santschi, 1923e: 283; Emery, 1924d: 240; Santschi, 1925h: 164 (in key); Santschi, 1937g: 82; Menozzi & Consani, 1952: 64.
    • Junior synonym of mocquerysi: Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 885; Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
  • erigens. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi var. erigens Santschi, 1924b: 205 (w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.
    • Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated).
    • Type-locality: Democratic Republic of Congo: Yambata (De Giorgi).
    • Type-depositories: NHMB, MRAC.
    • Subspecies of mocquerysi: Santschi, 1925h: 164 (in key).
    • Junior synonym of mocquerysi: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
  • obscura. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi var. obscura Santschi, 1923e: 283 (w.) IVORY COAST, BENIN.
    • Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated; at least 2).
    • Type-locality: Ivory Coast: Jacqueville (J.H. Lohier).
    • Type-depositories: MRAC, NHMB.
    • Subspecies of mocquerysi: Santschi, 1925h: 164 (in key); Santschi, 1939f: 163.
    • Junior synonym of mocquerysi: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.
  • opaca. Atopomyrmex mocquerysi st. opaca Santschi, 1923e: 283 (w.) ANGOLA.
    • Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated; at least 3).
    • Type-locality: Angola: Rivière Cubia, between Combo and Cubra (Mission Rohan-Chabot).
    • Type-depositories: MRAC, NHMB.
    • [Also described as new by Santschi, 1925h: 163.]
    • Subspecies of mocquerysi: Santschi, 1930b: 71.
    • Junior synonym of mocquerysi: Bolton, 1981b: 251; Bolton, 1995b: 75.

Type Material

Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.

Description

Worker

Bolton (1981) - Standard measurements are obviously not of great value where continuously polymorphic species are involved, as one size grades into another without any break. However, when graphs of the relationships of various dimensions are plotted a number of allometric relationships become apparent. Most easily noticeable of these are the following. The CI increases with increase in HW; the relative lengths of the scapes (SI) decrease as HW increases; the frontal carinae increase in length and strength as HW increases. The size of the eye has little or no dependence on the size of the head, the eyes of the largest workers being relatively only slightly increased in size over those of the smallest (as expressed by the ratio of ocular diameter to HW). Overall size range in the species is TL 4.0-8.7, HL 0.96-2.24, HW 0.88-2.30, CI 92-104, SL 0.70-1.22, SI 49-80, PW 0.68-1.40, At 1.34-2.50 (85 measured).

Basic characters as given under generic diagnosis, differentiation from cryptoceroides as tabulated above (see Identification section). Mandibles pitted, the surface between the pits finely and densely shagreened to finely striate. Frontal carinae increasing in length and strength with increasing worker size. In smallest workers short, ending in front of the level of the anterior margins of the eyes, forming a short and narrow laterally projecting flange on each side and only very slightly divergent. In larger workers the frontal carinae lengthening and becoming more obviously divergent, the laterally projecting flange broadening. In largest workers the carinae reaching back beyond the level of the eyes, divergent to eye level then becoming almost parallel, the laterally projecting flange very prominent throughout most or all of the length of the carinae. Antennal scrobes absent in small workers, becoming better defined with increased size; in large workers the scrobe conspicuous, narrow but quite deep and capable of accommodating the scape. Change in head shape with increased size. Maximum diameter of eye 0.18-0.36, about 0.14-0.20 x HW, the relative size of the eyes not radically increased in larger workers. Propodeal spines very variable in length, thickness and degree of curvature. In dorsal view the spines not projecting outwards in their basal portions, the propodeal spiracle or at least its annulus visible from above. In profile the propodeal spiracle some distance away from the margin of the declivity below the spine, the diameter of the spiracle less than the distance separating it from the margin of the declivity. Petiolar teeth conspicuous, varying in length and thickness. Sculpture in general increasing in intensity and frequently also in density from smaller to larger workers. Dorsum of head with scattered shallow pits, the surface between them varying from smooth or almost smooth to densely reticulate-punctate. This ground-sculpture is overlaid between the frontal carinae by fine dense longitudinal striation. As the frontal carinae increase in length so the area of striate sculpture becomes stronger and extends further back on the head. In larger specimens the space between the frontal carinae becomes strongly rugose or costate and this sculpture may reach back almost to the occipital margin. Sides of head densely reticulate-punctate everywhere. With increasing size there is a tendency for the progressive encroachment of rugulose sculpture across the reticulate-punctate surface from the front to the back of the sides. Small workers have only the punctate sculpture but as size increases rugulae appear anteriorly which gradually strengthen and spread further back on the head. Pronotal dorsum longitudinally rugose at least centrally, the rugae varying in intensity and sometimes divergent posteriorly. Ground-sculpture reticulate-punctate and usually distinct, sometimes faint and frequently with larger superimposed punctures present. Pronotal sculpture continuing onto mesonotum in smaller workers, but in larger individuals (and also in some smaller ones) the sculpture becomes reduced on the mesonotum so that only the punctate ground-sculpture is present or rugae occur but are restricted to the anterior part of the sclerite. In large workers there is usually a striking reduction in mesonotal sculpture so that most or all of the dorsum is feebly punctulate or even smooth and shining. Propodeal dorsum densely reticulate-punctate, usually without trace ofrugulose sculpture but sometimes with one or two weak rugulae present. Petiole, postpetiole and first gastral tergite finely and very densely reticulate-punctate to densely shagreened. Dorsal surfaces of body without standing hairs of any description. Colour very variable, ranging from dull yellowish brown to blackish brown but most commonly bicoloured, with head and alitrunk reddish, gaster dark brown to black. In some the head alone reddish and the rest of the body darker, in others the head and gaster dark and the alitrunk lighter.

References

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

  • André E. 1895. Formicides de l'Ogooué (Congo français). Rev. Entomol. (Caen) 14: 1-5.
  • Arnold G. 1916. A monograph of the Formicidae of South Africa. Part II. Ponerinae, Dorylinae. Annals of the South African Museum. 14: 159-270.
  • Bernard F. 1953. La réserve naturelle intégrale du Mt Nimba. XI. Hyménoptères Formicidae. Mémoires de l'Institut Français d'Afrique Noire 19: 165-270.
  • Boavida C., and P. Neuenschwander. 1995. Influence of host plant on the mango mealybug, Rastrococcus invadens. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 76: 179-188.
  • Bolton B. 1981. A revision of six minor genera of Myrmicinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Ethiopian zoogeographical region. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). Entomology 43: 245-307.
  • Dejean A., F. Azemar, R. Cereghino, M. Leponce, B. Corbara, J. Orivel, and A. Compin. 2015. The dynamics of ant mosaics in tropical rainforests characterized using the SelfOrganizing Map algorithm. Insect Science doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12208
  • Garcia F.H., Wiesel E. and Fischer G. 2013.The Ants of Kenya (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)—Faunal Overview, First Species Checklist, Bibliography, Accounts for All Genera, and Discussion on Taxonomy and Zoogeography. Journal of East African Natural History, 101(2): 127-222
  • IZIKO South Africa Museum Collection
  • Lévieux J. 1972. Les fourmis de la savane de Lamto (Côte d'Ivoire): éléments de taxonomie. Bulletin de l'Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire. Série A. Sciences Naturelles 34: 611-654.
  • Medler J. T. 1980: Insects of Nigeria - Check list and bibliography. Mem. Amer. Ent. Inst. 30: i-vii, 1-919.
  • Menozzi C. 1930. Formiche della Somalia italiana meridionale. Memorie della Società Entomologica Italiana. 9: 76-130.
  • Menozzi C., M. Consani. 1952. Missione biologica Sagan-Omo diretta dal Prof. E. Zavattari. Hymenoptera Formicidae. Rivista di Biologia Coloniale 11: 57-71.
  • Santschi F. 1923. Descriptions de nouveaux Formicides éthiopiens et notes diverses. I. Revue Zoologique Africaine (Brussels) 11: 259-295.
  • Santschi F. 1925. Formicidae. Mission Rohan-Chabot. 4(3): 159-168.
  • Santschi F. 1937. Fourmis du Congo et régions limitrophes. Revue de Zoologie et de Botanique Africaines. 30: 71-85.
  • Santschi F. 1939. Résultats scientifiques des croisières du navire-école belge, "Mercator". XIV. Formicidae s. lt. Mémoires du Musée Royal d'Histoire Naturelle de Belgique. (2)15: 159-167.
  • Tadu Z., C. Djieto-Lordon, R. Babin, Yede, E. B. Messop-Youbi, and A. Fomena. 2013. Influence of insecticide treatment on ant diversity in tropical agroforestry system: some aspect of the recolonization process. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation 5(12): 832-844.
  • Taylor B. 1980. Ants of the Nigerian Forest Zone (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). IV. Myrmicinae (Myrmecinini to Tetramoriini). Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria Research Bulletin 7: 1-63.
  • Taylor B., N. Agoinon, A. Sinzogan, A. Adandonon, Y. N'Da Kouagou, S. Bello, R. Wargui, F. Anato, I. Ouagoussounon, H. Houngbo, S. Tchibozo, R. Todjhounde, and J. F. Vayssieres. 2018. Records of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Republic of Benin, with particular reference to the mango farm ecosystem. Journal of Insect Biodiversity 8(1): 006–029.
  • Wheeler W. M. 1922. Ants of the American Museum Congo expedition. A contribution to the myrmecology of Africa. II. The ants collected by the American Museum Congo Expedition. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 45: 39-269.
  • Wheeler W. M. 1922. Ants of the American Museum Congo expedition. A contribution to the myrmecology of Africa. VIII. A synonymic list of the ants of the Ethiopian region. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 45: 711-1004
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