Key to Strumigenys of Hispaniola

Additional information about the ants of the island can be found here: Ants of Hispaniola

Key to Workers

1

 * Dark brown pronotum very smooth and highly reflective, propodeal spines present . . . . . Strumigenys n.sp. 1


 * Pronotum variously sculptured but not smooth and reflective, or, if mostly smooth no propodeal spines present . . . . . 2

2
return to couplet #1


 * In full face view closed mandibles triangular in outline . . . . . 3


 * In full face view closed mandibles not triangular in outline, meeting only at distal tip . . . . . 4

3
return to couplet #2
 * In full face view lower 1/4 outline of head (excluding mandibles) roughly subquadrate in shape, anterior clypeal margin with small appressed pubescence and no erect hairs extending down over mandibles . . . . . Strumigenys membranifera
 * In full face view lower 1/4 outline of head (excluding mandibles) not subquadrate in shape, anterior clypeal margin rounded with hairs extending down over portion of mandible visible just below clypeal margin . . . . . Strumigenys nigrescens

4
return to couplet #2
 * Antenna with 4 segments. In full face view linear portion of mandible convex along outer margin, bow-like, and relatively short in length . . . . . Strumigenys emmae


 * Antenna with more than 4 segments. In full face view linear portion of mandible not bow-like . . . . . 5

5
return to couplet #4
 * In full face view mandibles with hairs that extends from inner margin into space between mandibles limited to 5 or less prominent hairs . . . . . 6


 * In full face view mandibles with rows of well developed hairs along entire length including a series of more than 5 hairs that extend from inner margin into space between mandibles . . . . . 7

6
return to couplet #5
 * In full face view ventrolateral margins of head forming a roughly even line; eyes almost flat against head, not prominent and composed of only a few facets . . . . . Strumigenys silvestrii


 * In full face view ventrolateral margins of head with a strongly developed notch immediately in front of the prominent eyes, central portion of eye bulging above surface margin of head . . . . . Strumigenys rogeri

7
return to couplet #5
 * In full face view head, from clypues to lobes of occiput and to ventrolateral margins, with spatulate to spoon-shaped hairs that are roughly evenly spaced across entire dorsal surface . . . . . Strumigenys louisianae


 * In full face view hairs present but are not evenly spaced . . . . . 8

8
return to couplet #7
 * Postpetiole in profile with the ventral spongiform lobe absent or reduced to a minute nonspongiform vestige; in dorsal view gastral tergite dull and free of carina; lateral lobe absent or represented by a very thin carina of punctulate non-spongiform cuticle . . . . . Strumigenys eggersi


 * Postpetiole in profile with the ventral spongiform lobe present, small but distinct; in dorsal view first gastral tergite carinate, with ridges extending rearward from anterior edge (at margin connected to postpetiole), beyond carina remainder of gaster smooth and shiny; lateral lobe present but small, restricted to lower posterior comer of node . . . . . Strumigenys gundlachi