Key to Novomessor species

This key to the workers of Novomessor is based on Creighton (1950), Umphrey (1996), Mackay and Mackay (2002) and unpublished notes by Bill Mackay.

1

 * Posterior section of head in the form of an elongate neck => Novomessor ensifera


 * Posterior section of head broadly convex, never in the form of an elongate neck => 2

2

 * Head (excluding mandibles) slightly longer than broad, usually with wavy, longitudinal or transverse rugae extending almost to posterior border, frons usually granulose; common in arroyos and desert canyons => Novomessor albisetosus


 * Head (excluding mandibles) at least 1 ⅓ as long as broad with wavy longitudinal rugae well developed only in anterior half of head; posterior half with feeble rugae which are replaced towards posterior border with fine, coriaceous sculpture; common in open desert => Novomessor cockerelli