Key to Aenictus of Laos

This worker key is based on Jaitrong, W., Yamane, S. & Chanthalangsy, N. (2011) The ant genus Aenictus from Laos, with description of a new species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Aenictinae). Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 14, 317-322.

Key to Aenictus species groups

1

 * Anterior clypeal margin with denticles . . . . . 2
 * Anterior clypeal margin lacking denticles . . . . . 5

2
return to couplet #1
 * Typhlatta spot absent; body yellow to yellowish brown; mandible narrow, its masticatory margin with 3 teeth including apical tooth . . . . . 3
 * Typhlatta spot present; body black, dark brown to reddish brown; mandible subtriangular, its masticatory margin with more than 3 teeth including apical tooth . . . . . 4

3
return to couplet #2
 * Sides of propodeum reticulate with smooth bottoms . . . . . Aenictus doydeei
 * Sides of propodeum almost smooth and shiny . . . . . Aenictus nishimurai

4
return to couplet #2
 * Promesonotum entirely microrecticulate and opaque . . . . . Aenictus binghami
 * Promesonotum entirely smooth and shiny. . . . . . Aenictus hodgsoni

5
return to couplet #1
 * Anterior clypeal margin feebly concave or almost straight; mandible narrow or linear; with mandibles in closure leaving a gap between mandibles and anterior clypeal margin; antennal scape short, extending half length of head; promesonotum entirely smooth and shiny . . . . . Aenictus cf. fuhuaenensis
 * Anterior clypeal margin distinctly convex; mandible triangular; with mandibles in closure lacking a gap between mandibles and anterior clypeal margin; antennal scape, extending beyond posterior margin of head; promesonotum entirely densely micropunctate . . . . . Aenictus cf. dentatus