Procerapachys

There are three species of ants in this genus, all found in Baltic Amber (Eocene).

Identification


1915, by the original designation. D i a g n o s i s. Workers. Head subrectangular. Eyes relatively large, convex, comprising numerous ommatidia. Antennal insertions exposed. Frontal carinae close-set, parallel, shaped as thin vertical lamellae. Genae with distinct carina. Clypeus narrow, transverse. Antennae short, 12-segmented. Width of flagellomeres gradually increasing towards apex of antenna, distinct club absent. Mandibles large, triangular, without teeth on masticatory edge. Palpal formula 5.4. Pronotum anteriorly with transverse carina along fold. Promesonotal suture present, other sutures on mesosoma reduced. Propodeal declivity curbed by carina. Each tibia with single pectinate spur. Petiole one-segmented; first and second gastral segments separated by constriction. Helcium attached to middle part of first gastral segment. Sculpture of first gastral segment (postpetiole) similar to that of the rest of gaster, differing markedly from sculpture of petiole. More terminal gastral segments without constrictions in between. Pygidium unmodified, with convex and slightly flattened dorsal surface, its posterior margin without teeth or denticles. Males. Head with distinct occipital carina. Eyes relatively small. Ocelli large. Antennal insertions exposed. Frontal carinae long, straight, weakly divergent. Clypeus transverse, with broadly rounded anterior margin and distinct median carina. Antennae 13-segmented, filiform, with short scape. Mandibles triangular, touching when closed, without teeth on masticatory margin. Parapsidal furrows distinct. Tibial spurs as in workers. Petiole one-segmented; first and second gastral segments separated by constriction. Helcium attached to middle part of first gastral segment. Sculpture of first gastral segment (postpetiole) similar to that of the rest of gaster, differing markedly from sculpture of petiole. Forewing with complete set of veins. Hindwing without jugal lobe.

Nomenclature

 * † PROCERAPACHYS [Cerapachyinae: Cerapachyini]
 * †Procerapachys Wheeler, W.M. 1915h: 27. Type-species: †Procerapachys annosus, by original designation.
 * †Procerapachys junior synonym of Cerapachys: Brown, 1975: 19.
 * †Procerapachys revived from synonymy: Dlussky, 2009: 1073.

Additional References

 * Wheeler, W. M. 1915i [1914]. The ants of the Baltic Amber. Schr. Phys.-Ökon. Ges. Königsb. 55: 1-142


 * Dlussky, G.M. 2009. The ant subfamilies Ponerinae, Cerapachyinae and Pseudomyrmecinae in the Late Eocene ambers of Europe. Paleontological Journal 43: 1043- 1086.


 * Dlussky, G.M. & Rasnitsyn, A.P. 2009. Ants in the Upper Eocene amber of central and eastern Europe. Paleontological Journal 43: 1024-1042.