Anoplolepis

Garcia, Wiesel and Fischer (2013) - Anoplolepis is a relatively small genus with only nine valid species (Bolton, 2012). Predominantly Afrotropical, with fewer species in the Malagasy and Oriental regions and some introduced in other regions. There is no modern revision available for this genus on an Afrotropical basis, although Prins (1982) presented a taxonomic treatment for the South African species. Unfortunately, he only provided a key to the queen and male castes. These formicines are epigaeic and active ants that forage on the ground or the vegetation. Their diet is comparatively variable since they feed on a variety of small arthropods but also on honeydew produced by aphids or coccids (Prins, 1982).

Species richness
Species richness by country based on regional taxon lists (countries with darker colours are more species-rich). View Data



Nomenclature

 *  ANOPLOLEPIS [Formicinae: Lasiini]
 * Anoplolepis Santschi, 1914b: 123 [as subgenus of Plagiolepis]. Type-species: Formica longipes (junior primary homonym in Formica, Formica gracilipes first available replacement name), by monotypy: Bolton, 1995b: 20.
 * Anoplolepis raised to genus: Emery, 1925b: 16.
 * Anoplolepis senior synonym of Zealleyella: Bolton, 2003: 96, 267.
 * ZEALLEYELLA [junior synonym of Anoplolepis]
 * Zealleyella Arnold, 1922: 579 (diagnosis in key) [as subgenus of Plagiolepis]. Type-species: Formica custodiens, by subsequent designation of Santschi, 1926a: 14.
 * Zealleyella subgenus of Anoplolepis: Santschi, 1926a: 14.
 * Zealleyella junior synonym of Anoplolepis: Bolton, 2003: 96, 267.