Aenictus congolensis

Identification
Identification of A. congolensis is quite straightforward in the rotundatus group due to its developed propodeal ridge and sparse, adpressed white setae and long, digitiform subpetiolar process. The other two species with developed propodeal ridge (Aenictus nyuyi and Aenictus weissi) present erect to suberect setae and poorly developed subpetiolar process.

Mesosomal sculpture may be quite variable among individuals, varying from completely and deeply reticulated to individuals with glassy dorsal mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Zambia.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 * . Aenictus rixator var. congolensis Santschi, 1911g: 207 (w.) CONGO.
 * Type-material: holotype worker.
 * Type-locality: Congo (“Congo français”): (no further data) (A. Weiss).
 * Type-depository: NHMB.
 * Santschi, 1917a: 277 (q.).
 * Status as species: Santschi, 1917a: 277 (redescription); Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 751; Bolton, 1995b: 59.
 * Distribution: Congo, Gabon.

Type Material

 * Syntype, GABON: Mayomba. (1w) [CASENT0911420] NHMB [Examined by Gomez, 2022]; Syntype, CAMEROON, Grand Batanga (1w) [CASENT0911445] NHMB [Examined by Gomez, 2022].

Description
Worker (Translated from the original): Length 2mm. Thorax, posterior half of the head and petiole dark reddish brown, the rest borwnish yellow. Head, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny. Thorax and petiole matt, reticulated, punctuated (like a thimble) over almost the whole propodeum. Mandibles very finely reticulated and finely striated. Pilosiy short, decumbent, yellowish, all over body and legs. Mandibles with 3 to 6 teeth, the apical longer than in ceylonicus. Funicular segments 3 to 7 wider than long. The rest like the type.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Baroni Urbani C. 1977. Katalog der Typen von Formicidae (Hymenoptera) der Sammlung des Naturhistorischen Museums Basel (2. Teil). Mitt. Entomol. Ges. Basel (n.s.) 27: 61-102.
 * IZIKO South Africa Museum Collection
 * Santschi F. 1917. Description d'une nouvelle reine de Formicide du genre Aenictus Shuckard. Annales de la Société Entomologique de France 85: 277-278.