Ocymyrmex engytachys

Identification
O. engytachys forms a close species-pair with Ocymyrmex tachys.

Key to Ocymyrmex workers

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Namibia.

Nomenclature

 *  engytachys. Ocymyrmex engytachys Bolton & Marsh, 1989: 1294 (w.) NAMIBIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 5.5, HL 1.34, HW 1.19, CI 89, SL 1.26, SI 106, PW 0.76, AL 1.62.

Very closely related to tachys and sharing all the main characters of that species, including the extremely reduced PF 2, 3 and those characters mentioned in the notes on the species-groups. Otherwise answering to the description of tachys given below except for the following.

Anterior clypeal margin of engytachys with a shallow and inconspicuous median impression.

Sculpture of sides of alitrunk the same density as in tachys but more strongly developed, the sides of the ant appearing coarsely rugose. Dorsum of petiole node with rugulae stronger and more extensive than in tachys.

Maximum diameter of eye 0.29, about 0.24 x HW.

Colour very different from tachys. The head unicolourous dull orange-red, without lighter mandibles or anteriormost portion of head. Alitrunk red. Gaster blackish brown, much darker than both head and alitrunk.

Paratype. TL 5.4, HL 1.30, HW 1.16, CI 89, SL 1.23, SI 106, PW 0.74, AL 1.54.

Maximum diameter of eye 0.25 x HW. Very similar to holotype but cephalic sculpture different. In the holotype the cephalic dorsum is finely irregularly longitudinally rugulose, with distinctive punctu1ate ground-sculpture. In the paratype the rugular component is almost completely suppressed and the punctulate ground-sculpture more intense and obvious.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Namibia: Namib Desert, 35 km E. of Gamsberg Pass, x.1987, ND3B (A. C. Marsh). Paratype, one worker with same data as holotype (BMNH).