Yavnella

Identification
Kugler (1987) - The male of Yavnella is similar to the male of Noonilla by having a short head with vertical or strongly oblique frons, and by the alitrunk not laterally compressed. The wing venation is also similar to that of Noonilla, differing only by the number of basal cells which are 2 in Noonilla and only 1 large, undivided cell in Yavnella. The petiole is simple in both genera, without well differentiated node. The main difference between Noonilla and Yavnella is the structure of propodeum and genitalia. In Noonilla the propodeum is convex, the gonocoxites fused and strongly reduced, the gonostyli are missing and the gonapophyses are united in a cylindrical tube. In Yavnella the basal part of the propodeum is strongly concave, the genitalia are similar to those of most Leptanilla males: the gonocoxites are large sclerites, separated dorsally and ventrally. The gonostyli are present and the gonapophyses are united into a large shield-like structure. Yavnella is easily distinguished from Leptanilla by the shape of the head and petiole. In Leptanilla the head is longer than wide, the frons is horizontal or only slightly oblique and the petiole has a well differentiated node. In Yavnella the head is wider than long, the frons is vertical or strongly oblique, the petiolar node is not well differentiated.

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



Castes
Known only from males.

Nomenclature

 *  YAVNELLA [Leptanillinae: Leptanillini]
 * Yavnella Kugler, J. 1987: 52. Type-species: Yavnella argamani, by original designation.