The Afrotropical ponerine ant genus Phrynoponera Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The Afrotropical ponerine ant genus Phrynoponera is revised and a worker-based key to species presented. Five species are recognised of which two (pulchella and transversa) are described as new. Two new junior synonyms of the type-species gabonensis are established (armata, heterodus) and earlier synonymy of some infraspecific taxa is confirmed. The genus is redefined, with diagnoses of all castes and sexes. New and important characters of the genus are discussed. Copyright © 2008 Magnolia Press.