Kartidris

Identification
Kartidris belongs in the Pheidole-Aphaenogaster-Messor-group of genera, characterized by the high-domed pronotum, elongate sloping mesothorax, anteriorly situated petiolar spiracle, and propodeal spiracle located high on the side and close to the midlength. The mandible of Kartidris is specialized by reduction in the number of teeth and the median portion of the clypeus is markedly biconvex.

Nomenclature

 *  KARTIDRIS [Myrmicinae: Pheidolini]
 * Kartidris Bolton, 1991: 10. Type-species: Kartidris nyos, by original designation.

Diagnosis of worker. Monomorphic terrestrial myrmicine ants with the following combination of characters.

1. Palp formula 4, 3.

2. Mandible triangular, usually with 5 sharp teeth which decrease in size from apex to base; sometimes with a denticle following the third tooth, giving a total dental count of 6.

3. Anterior clypeal margin with a row of stout setae, lacking an isolated median seta.

4. Median portion of clypeus broad and biconvex, posteriorly broadly inserted between the frontal lobes.

5. Frontal lobes relatively narrow, each lobe narrower than the portion of the clypeus which is inserted between them.

6. Torulus projecting beyond margin of frontal lobe, visible in full-face view.

7. Frontal carinae and antennal scrobes absent.

8. Eyes of moderate size, positioned behind the midlength of the sides of the head.

9. Antennae 12-segmented, with a conspicuous 3-segmented apical club.

10. Occipital margin convex and vertex with a broad depressed area between the eyes, depression conspicuous in profile.

11. Alitrunk elongate, the pronotum forming a raised dome in profile behind which the mesonotum forms a long gradual slope to the meta notal groove.

12. Metanotal groove impressed; propodeum unarmed and rounded.

13. Propodeal spiracle high on side, located at or just in front of the midlength of the sclerite.

14. Metapleurallobes vestigial to absent.

15. Metapleural gland bulla large but widely separated from the propodeal spiracle.

16. Metasternal process vestigial to absent.

17. Tibial spurs absent from middle and hind legs or at least not distinguishable from the surrounding pilosity.

18. Petiole pedunculate, the spiracle located at or just in front of the midlength of the peduncle.

19. Postpetiolar sternite large and conspicuous.

20. Sting reduced and desclerotized, excertile but subspatulate apically.

21. Cuticle thick and strong, sculpture weak. Pilosity abundant; eyes with projecting short hairs.