Ocymyrmex resekhes

Identification
O. resekhes is separated here as a sibling species of the more widely distributed Ocymyrmex flaviventris; both show the dense abundant pilosity of the hirsutus-group. The two are basically very similar indeed, but differ in the relative length of the petiolar peduncle, shape of the peduncle anteriorly, and width of the petiole node. In resekhes the petiolar peduncle is long and narrow in profile, tapering more or less evenly anteriorly to the junction with the alitrunk. The anteroventral portion of the peduncle is not suddenly deflected upwards near to the articulation with the alitrunk. In dorsal view the petiole node tends to be elongate and narrow, usually as long as broad or even slightly longer than broad. A few specimens have the node broader than long, but this widening is not nearly so pronounced as in flaviventris. The petiole peduncle is flaviventris is short and stout in profile and the anteroventral margin of the peduncle is suddenly deflected upwards near the articulation with the alitrunk. Sometimes the ventral margin of the peduncle immediately behind this is convex, enhancing the effect. The petiole node in dorsal view is always very conspicuously much broader than long. Some variations in shape occur in the outline profiles of the petiole in both species. Finally, workers of flaviventris average smaller than those of resekhes, and apparently always have shorter scapes. (Bolton and Marsh 1989)

Key to Ocymyrmex workers

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

Nomenclature

 *  resekhes. Ocymyrmex resekhes Bolton & Marsh, 1989: 1301, fig. 17 (w.q.) SOUTH AFRICA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 8.6, HL 1.98, HW 1.88, CI 95, SL 1.82, SI 97, PW 1.22, AL 2.50.

Palp formula 3, 3 (dissection of paratypes). Median clypeal notch conspicuous, flanked by a triangular tooth-like prominence at each side. Eyes just failing to break the outline of the sides of the head in full-face view; maximum diameter of eye 0.22 x HW. Sides of head convergent posteriorly, especially behind the eyes where they round broadly and evenly into the occipital margin. Median impression of the occipital margin vestigial. In front of level of eye the sides less convex than posteriorly, only feebly divergent anteriorly. With alitrunk in profile the pronotal dorsal outline somewhat flattened, not evenly convex, ascending posteriorly to the convex mesonotum which slopes posteriorly down to the propodeum. Metapleural lobes small and rounded, but visible in profile, projecting beyond the bulge of the metapleural gland bulla. Peduncle of petiole long and narrow, tapering anteriorly, its anteroventral surface not suddenly deflected upwards close to the articulation with the alitrunk. Petiole node in profile low and rounded, in dorsal view narrow and somewhat longer than broad. Postpetiole in dorsal view longer than broad. Base of gaster in dorsal and lateral view distinctly constricted; the base of the first tergite slightly narrower than the postpetiole in dorsal view. Cephalic dorsum finely and very densely longitudinally costulate. The costulae centrally on the head running straight back towards the occiput, but those in front of the eyes oblique. The costulae themselves are somewhat irregular, not straight, but without large vermiculate areas and the head lacking areas of chaotic sculpture. Sides of pronotum weakly longitudinally costulate, remainder of side of alitrunk obliquely rugulose. Transversely arched costulae on pronotal dorsum very weak, almost obliterated in places. A small patch of longitudinal sculpture is present between the mesothoracic spiracles but behind this the dorsal alitrunk is uniformly transversely rugulose, as is the propodeal declivity. Petiole ventrally with short transverse rugulae, which also occur dorsally on the peduncle, but elsewhere on petiole sculpture is reduced to a fine granulation or superficial reticulation. Postpetiole everywhere with fine superficial sculpture everywhere. Pilosity on head and alitrunk dorsum conspicuous and dense, the dorsal alitrunk with numerous short elevated hairs between the longer main components of the pilosity. Mesopleura and metapleura densely clothed with outstanding hairs, almost with a furry appearance. Colour of head and alitrunk a very dull dark red, the gaster lighter, orange-red to yellowish.

Paratypes. TL 7.9-8.6, HL 1.74-2.00, HW 1.66-1.96, CI 95-99, SL 1.66-1.90, SI 95-101, PW 1.06-1.23, AL 2.28-2.60 (20 measured).

As holotype but some with pronotal dorsal outline more flattened, and some with the outline somewhat more evenly convex. Cephalic sculpture variable. Many as holotype but some with the fine longitudinal costulae more disorganized, wavy or even broken in places. A distinct punctulate ground-sculpture may occur, especially close to the inner margins of the eyes, and in a few workers this may become the dominant sculpture of the immediate area. In some the longitudinal costulae become disorganized posteriorly, in others they tend to weaken or even fade out as they approach the occipital margin. Sides of pro no tum frequently with more strongly developed costulae than those exhibited by the holotype, and the sculpture of the pronotal dorsum is often also better defined. Maximum diameter of eye 0.21-0.23 x HW.

Type Material
Holotype worker, South Africa: north Cape Prov., Andriesvale, sample NC7F, 1986 (A.C. Marsh). Paratypes, 2 workers with same data as holotype; 18 workers and one ergatoid female with same data as holotype but samples NC7C, NC7E, NC7K, NC7M (BMNH,, ).