Oxyopomyrmex emeryi

Identification
Differential diagnosis. Gyne. According to the description (Délye 1971), Oxyopomyrmex emeryi, along with O. krueperi and O. santschii, belong to a group of species that have the genae covered with longitudinal striae without rugosity. In this group, O. emeryi is distinguished by punctation occurring between the longitudinal striation on the lateral surfaces of the thorax. The two other known species from this group are characterized by the lateral surfaces of the thorax bearing longitudinal striation with rugosity or a smooth surface between the striae. Male. Oxyopomyrmex emeryi is one of two known species that is devoid of propodeal spines (Délye 1971). In this group, O. emeryi differs from O. magnus by having the scutellum covered by longitudinal striae on the entire surface, whereas O. magnus has at least the center of the scutellum smooth and shiny, without striation. Worker. Oxyopomyrmex emeryi belongs to a group of species that have distinctly punctate pronotum. In this group, O. emeryi differs from O. polybotesi and O. pygmalioni in the lacking rugosity and longitudinal striae on dorsal surface of pronotum. In comparison with O. oculatus, O. emeryi differs in the occurrence of vertical striation on the dorsal surface of the pronotum and from O. negevensis it can be distinguished by the shining abdomen without a dense layer of appressed micropulpae on dorsal surface of the first tergite.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Algeria, Tunisia.

Biology
Nests occur in humid sand between dunes, or under stones in sandy or clay soil. The entrance is always single and narrow, surrounded by a regular crater, 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter. Nest depth is at least 40- 50 centimeters, and consists of one enormous central gallery and 5 to 10 small chambers. Workers are nocturnal, carrying the cuttings and debris of Helianthemum lippii (L.) (Délye 1971).

Nomenclature

 *  emeryi. Oxyopomyrmex emeryi Santschi, 1908: 524, fig. 9 (w.) TUNISIA. Delye, 1971: 211 (q.m.).