Key to Temnothorax nitens species group workers

This worker key is based on: Mackay, W. P. 2000. A review of the New World ants of the subgenus Myrafant, (genus Leptothorax) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology. 36:265-444.

Three species in the tricarinatus complex, T. adustus, T. chandleri, and T. coleenae, are included in the key as the sharp node of the petiole may cause them to be confused with members of this species complex.

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 * Temnothorax
 * New World Temnothorax species groups
 * Temnothorax nitens species group synopsis
 * Key to New World Temnothorax species groups

1

 * Dorsum of head predominantly smooth and shining . . . . . 2


 * Dorsum of head predominantly sculptured, occasionally central strip free of sculpture . . . . . 5

2
return to couplet #1
 * Scapes extending to occipital corners; anterior medial border of clypeus strongly concave, crenulated with teeth that terminate carinae on clypeus; Guatemala . . . . . Temnothorax stollii


 * Scapes not reaching occipital corners; anterior medial border of clypeus weakly concave and not crenulated . . . . . 3

3
return to couplet #2
 * Dorsum of mesosoma usually smooth and shining . . . . . Temnothorax nitens


 * Dorsum of mesosoma coarsely punctured (at least propodeum) . . . . . 4

4
return to couplet #3
 * Posterior face of petiole with fine rugulae; common and widely distributed in western North America . . . . . Temnothorax mariposa = Temnothorax nitens


 * Posterior flace of petiole punctate; New Mexico . . . . . Temnothorax melinus = Temnothorax nitens

5
return to couplet #1
 * Antenna with 11 segments . . . . . Temnothorax oxynodis


 * Antenna with 12 segments . . . . . 6

6
return to couplet #5 Mexico . . . . . 7
 * Propodeal spines developed (Fig. 34, right); California and northeastern


 * Propodeal armature consisting of simple angles; western North America . . . . . 8

7
return to couplet #6
 * Side of pronotum punctate (top with rugae); California . . . . . Temnothorax maryanae = Temnothorax nevadensis
 * Side of pronotum with rugae; northeastern Mexico . . . . . Temnothorax rugosus

8
return to couplet #6
 * Concolorous dark brown . . . . . Temnothorax adustus +


 * Concolorous pale brown or yellow ........... . . . . . 9

9
return to couplet #8
 * California . . . . . Temnothorax chandleri +


 * New Mexico . . . . . Temnothorax coleenae +

+ tricarinatus complex species