Ocymyrmex nitidulus

Bolton (Bolton and Marsh 1989) has observed from dissections that the ergatoid like queens of this species have larger, and many more, ovaries than workers.

Identification
A member of the weitzeckeri group. Only nitidulus and Ocymyrmex celer, among the species with the clypeus impressed and gaster constricted basally, lack strong ground-sculpture between the costulae or rugulae of the dorsal head. This gives them a slick and very polished appearance which immediately separates them from their allies in which granular or punctulate ground-sculpture is present, and which in consequence are dull and less polished. O. nitidulus and celer are separated by the shape of the pronotum, which is flat in the latter, rounded in the former, and by the shape of the head which is longer and narrower in celer than in nitidulus.(Bolton 1981)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania.

Nomenclature

 *  nitidulus. Ocymyrmex robecchii r. nitidulus Emery, 1892a: 116 (q., not w.) SOMALIA. Emery, 1896i: 157 (m.); Bolton, 1981b: 274 (w.). Raised to species: Bolton, 1981b: 274.

Worker
Bolton (1981) - TL 7.4-7.8, HL 1.70-1.90, HW 1.64-1.82, CI 96-100, SL 1.48-1.60, SI 86-96, PW 1.08-1.20, AL 2.20-2.30 (20 measured).

Anterior clypeal margin with a conspicuous median semicircular impression which is flanked on each side by a low tooth or denticle, this tooth usually quite low and rounded, uncommonly strongly prominent. Maximum diameter of eye 0.34-0.40, about 0.20-0.22 x HW. The promesonotum evenly and broadly convex, sloping posteriorly to the propodeal dorsum; the latter rounding evenly into the declivity. Metapleural lobes small and low, bluntly rounded or broadly and bluntly truncated, sometimes reduced to a narrow little-projecting strip. Petiole node in profile small, low and smoothly rounded. In dorsal view the petiole node varying from slightly longer than broad to slightly broader than long. Postpetiole as broad as long to slightly broader than long in dorsal view. First gastral tergite constricted and forming a neck basally. Dorsum of head sculptured with low, rounded, feeble longitudinal costulae which may be very reduced or even effaced in places. Spaces between the costulae without ground sculpture, the surface smooth and polished, with a slick and glossy appearance. Sides of alitrunk closely and finely sharply constulate, the dorsum sharply transversely costulate except between the mesothoracic spiracles where the sculpture is usually longitudinal. Pronotal dorsum in front of the longitudinal sculpture finely arched-costulate to smooth, the sculpture always weaker than elsewhere on the alitrunk, sometime partially or wholly effaced or the costulae reduced to vestiges. This weakening of the sculptural intensity may also affect the longitudinal costulae between the mesothoracic spiracles. Ventral surface of petiole node with a few transverse rugulae which may be very feeble but which normally extend for some distance up the sides of the node before fading out. Dorsum of petiole node unsculptured or at most with vestiges remaining. Dorsum of peduncle usually with transverse fine rugulae but these may be very reduced and faint. Post petiole unsculptured or at most with some fine superficial patterning. All dorsal surfaces of head and alitrunk with numerous hairs of varying length, the first gastral tergite with hairs shorter and sparser than elsewhere. Colour glossy dull red, the gaster darker, blackish brown to black; entire body with a polished and shining appearance.

Type Material
Bolton (1981) - Holotype female [not worker], Somali Republic: Obbia (Robecchi) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * 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.
 * Bolton B., and A. C. Marsh. 1989. The Afrotropical thermophilic ant genus Ocymyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Journal of Natural History 23: 1267-1308.
 * 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
 * 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.
 * 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