Nesomyrmex latinodis

Identification
Taylor & McGavin (2020) - A small ant, TL 3.1-3.8 mm. A widespread sub-Saharan form that appears to have been wrongly lumped with the Egypt/North Africa type Nesomyrmex angulatus (Mayr, 1862, CASENT0914922) by Bolton (1982). N. latinodis has a wider postpetiole and slightly longer scapes; it also has more sharply angled anterior pronotal corners. N. angulatus specimens appear to have consistently distinctive dark apical segments to the funiculi. Ten findings of 1-7 specimens; five on V. nilotica (Trees 5/55, 5/56, 5/57, 5/63 & 5/64), two on C. molle (Trees 2/18 & 2/31); two on L. schweinfurthii (Trees 3/66 & 3/67); and, one on T. brownii (Tree 3/68). All our specimens match the form and structure of N. latinodis.

Note that both Csosz & Fisher (2016) and Hita Garcia et al. (2017) examined the species group containing this form and concluded that it should be treated as a junior synonym of Nesomyrmex angulatus. Taylor and McGavin (2020) did not comment on either of these studies (or cite them in any way).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Mozambique, United Republic of Tanzania.

Nomenclature

 * . Leptothorax latinodis Mayr, 1895: 130 (w.) MOZAMBIQUE.
 * [Leptothorax latinodis Emery, 1895f: 337 (in list). Nomen nudum (attributed to Mayr).]
 * Combination in L. (Goniothorax): Emery, 1896g: 58 (footnote).
 * Status as species: Arnold, 1916: 259; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 891, 1029; Emery, 1924d: 250.
 * Junior synonym of angulatus: Bolton, 1982: 324; Bolton, 1995b: 240; Csösz & Fisher, 2016a: 16; Hita Garcia, Mbanyana, et al. 2017: 15.
 * Status as species: Taylor & McGavin, 2020: 14.