Ocymyrmex micans

A Namibia saltpan baiting study found Ocymyrmex micans, Pheidole tenuinodis and a Tetramorium sp. were the behaviorally and numerical dominant ant species in this habitat.

Identification
A member of the hirsutus group. O. micans, known from Namibia and South Africa, is most closely related to the widely distributed Ocymyrmex fortior. The two are separated on cephalic sculpture which is stronger, more sharply defined and more regular in fortior, and the punctulate ground-sculpture never dominates the rugulose/costulate component in this species. Besides this, the postpetiole of fortior is relatively long and narrow, always longer than broad, whereas in micans the postpetiole is distinctly swollen posteriorly and its width exceeds its length. Similarly, the petiole node in dorsal view is always markedly expanded in micans, only moderately so in fortior. (Bolton 1981)

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

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  micans. Ocymyrmex weitzeckeri var. micans Forel, 1910f: 12 (w.) NAMIBIA. Raised to species: Bolton, 1981b: 272.

Worker
Bolton (1981) - TL 6.2-6.9, HL 1.54-1.70, HW 1.40-1.56, CI 91-92, SL 1.38-1.44, SI 92-98, PW 0.92-1.00, AL 2.00-2.16 (2 measured).

Anterior clypeal margin with a semicircular median impression which is flanked by a pair of small teeth. Occipital margin very slightly concave or indented medially. Maximum diameter of eye 0.32-0.36, about 0.23 x HW. With alitrunk in profile the promesonotum evenly shallowly convex. Propodeal dorsum rounding broadly and evenly into the declivity. Metapleural lobes small and only feebly projecting, in profile mostly or wholly concealed by the bulge of the metapleural glands. Petiole node well defined, the dorsum narrowly and evenly rounded in profile, dome-like. Postpetiole swollen, the tergite low in front then rising behind into a distinctly convex, smoothly rounded node. In dorsal view the petiole node broad and conspicuous, its maximum width slightly greater than the distance from the spiracle to the apex of the petiolar collar where it articulates with the postpetiole. Postpetiole in dorsal view narrow in front, becoming much broader behind, the width greater than the length. Base of first gastral tergite strongly constricted and forming a narrow neck behind the postpetiole. Sculpture of dorsum of head of dense, closely packed fine longitudinal irregular rugulae which, away from the midline in the area behind the level of the eyes, curve out towards the occipital corners. Behind the level of the eyes a conspicuous punctulate ground-sculpture is present which in places may be the dominant component of the sculpture. Where this is the case the rugulae are distinctly uneven, becoming wavy or even vermiculate. Dorsal alitrunk and propodeal declivity transversely rugose except between the mesothoracic spiracles where the sculpture is longitudinal. On the pronotum the rugae are arched-transverse around the longitudinal component. Sides of alitrunk regularly rugose, the rugae weakest and most widely spaced on the sides of the pronotum. Petiole and postpetiole unsculptured or the former with a few weak transverse rugulae ventrally and scattered vestigial marks elsewhere. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with numerous hairs of varying length except for the first gastral tergite where the hairs are short and sparse. Colour orange to orange-red, the gaster lighter in shade than the alitrunk.

Type Material
Bolton (1981) - Holotype worker, South West Africa: Okahandja (Peters) [examined].