Taxonomic studies on the ant genus Cerapachys Smith (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from India

Abstract

The Indian species of the ant genus Cerapachys Smith are keyed. Twelve species are recognized of which 6 are described as new. The species are: C. aitkenii Forel, C. alii sp. n., C. anokha sp. n., C. besucheti Brown, C. biroi Forel, C. indicus Brown, C. longitarsus (Mayr), C. nayana sp. n., C. schoedli sp. n., C. seema sp. n., C. sulcinodis Emery and C. wighti sp. n. Geographic distribution and group affinities of the new species are discussed. A revised key to the Indian species is provided. The rare ergatoid queens of C. nayana, C. schoedli and C. seema are reported. Formed in response to selective pressures these ergatoid queens have a significant role in dispersal strategies and contribute much to our understanding of the biology of these ants. © Himender Bharti, Shahid Ali Akbar.