Aenictus hitai

Identification
This species can be separated from the rest of the mariae complex species due to defined dorsopropodeal sculpturation, similar to that in the mesopleurae and lateropropodeum. It is present even in the minor workers as an alutaceus reticula. The subpetiolar process is also quite specific, with very small (relative to petiolar dome) elliptic bulk and a poorly developed lamella. Some larger individuals may present a larger lamellae, similar to that present in Aenictus mariae, but in these the sculpturation is always clearly reticulated, never smooth as in A. mariae or Aenictus boltoni. Its dense setation is also quite distinct from the other three species in the group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Kenya, Mozambique.

Nomenclature

 * . Aenictus hitai Gómez, 2022: 52, figs. 34A-D, 35A-D, 36 (w.) KENYA.

Type Material

 * Holotype worker, KENYA: • Kajiado 20/09/1978 (Darlington, I.) (1w) [NHMUK012849036, top].
 * Paratype workers: • same data, (2w) [NHMUK012849036, middle, bottom], (9 pins, 3w each) [NHMUK012849307 to NHMUK012849315].