Nesomyrmex braunsi

Mbanyana and Robertson (2008) - Specimens have been collected from pitfall, yellow pan, and malaise traps, and by sweeping vegetation, in Nama-Karoo. Nest is in the soil; the entrance is in the open and can have a circle of soil round it.

Identification
This large and conspicuous South African species is easily recognized by its large size, unarmed propodeum, lack of hairs on alitrunk and first gastral tergite and depressed propodeal dorsum. The closest related species in sub-Saharan Africa is Nesomyrmex simoni, but here the propodeum is distinctly bidentate. (Bolton 1982)

Key to Nesomyrmex of southern Africa

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

Nomenclature

 *  braunsi. Dilobocondyla (Tetramyrma) braunsi Forel, 1912m: 767 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA. Forel, 1913a: 122 (pseudogyne); Arnold, 1917: 359 (q.). Combination in Tetramyrma: Forel, 1913a: 122; in Leptothorax: Bolton, 1982: 325; in Nesomyrmex: Bolton, 2003: 272. See also: Mbanyana & Robertson, 2008: 42.

Worker
Bolton (1982) - TL 5.2-5.9, HL 1.20-1.36, HW 1.00-1.16, CI 83-86, SL 0.82-0.94, SI 79-83, PW 0.78-0.96, AL 1.44-1.62 (9 measured).

Mandibles finely longitudinally striate, the spaces between striae finely punctulate or shagreened; the striate sculpture sometimes inconspicuous. Median lobe of clypeus prominent, its anterior margin shallowly and evenly convex. Frontal carinae and antennal scrobes absent, the scapes of moderate length (SI above). Maximum diameter of eye 0.28-0.31, about 0.26-0.29 x HW and with 16-18 ommatidia in the longest row. In full-face view the head shaped as in Fig. 10. Alitrunk and pedicel segments in profile as in Fig. 22, the promesonotum evenly convex, the metanotal groove not or only slightly impressed but the propodeal dorsum distinctly depressed below the level of the promesonotum. Propodeum absolutely unarmed, the dorsum rounding evenly into the declivity. In dorsal view the pronotal corners rounded, the promesonotum narrowing posteriorly. Metapleurallobes rounded. Node of petiole in profile massive, with a relatively narrow anterior peduncle which has a dentiform anteroventral process. In dorsal view the petiole node subglobular, slightly broader than long; postpetiole broader than long and broader than the petiole. Dorsum of head longitudinally rugulose with a few cross-meshes, occipitally a weak reticulum may be formed. Sides of head above and behind eyes generally more obviously reticulate than the dorsum. Dorsal alitrunk irregularly rugose, the sculpture quite strong, usually forming a reticulum on the propodeum and anterior pronotum. Petiole and postpetiole irregularly reticulate-rugose. First gastral tergite densely punctulate or shagreened, the sculpture generally strongest basally and usually traces of very fine longitudinal costulae may be seen. A few short inconspicuous erect hairs present on dorsum of head but the dorsal alitrunk, petiole and postpetiole hairless. First gastral tergite without standing hairs but with a short fine appressed sparse pubescence. Appendages without standing hairs. Head and gaster dark brown tinged with red to reddish black; alitrunk and pedicel segments red, the two colours strongly contrasting in fresh specimens.