Ocymyrmex zekhem

Namibian series collected by Alan Marsh at Samanab River (Skeleton Coast), Swakopmund, and two workers from Hunkab Springs, belong to this species, which was previously known only from the holotype.

Identification
Bolton and Marsh (1989) - O. zekhem is closely related to Ocymyrmex velox but differs in being generally darker in colour, having long standing hairs on the first gastral tergite which equal the length of the erect hairs on the propodeum, and by having longer scapes (SI > 110) than are seen in velox (SI < 110). The samples of zekhem now available indicate that the intensity of cephalic sculpture is slightly variable, as specimens with more conspicuous dorsal cephalic costulae than others are fairly frequent. The occipital region varies from very feebly striolate to virtually smooth. Colour in zekhem varies from having the head very dark dull red to reddish or brownish black. The alitrunk is always glossy jet black. The gaster is blackish brown but the petiole and postpetiole may have a reddish tint. Currently the known range of dimensions in zekhem are TL 8.0-9.5, HL 2.06-2.20, HW 1.90-2.04, CI 91-93, SL 2.20-2.28, SI 111-116, PW 1.22-1.40, AL 2.50-2.70 (10 measured).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Namibia, South Africa.

Nomenclature

 *  zekhem. Ocymyrmex zekhem Bolton, 1981b: 281 (w.) NAMIBIA. Bolton & Marsh, 1989: 1278 (q.). See also: Bolton & Marsh, 1989: 1306.