Replacement names for junior homonyms in ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract

Full text

Introduction

A primary purpose of zoological nomenclature is to ensure that each taxon at every rank has a unique and stable name. In accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999), homonyms — identical names for different taxa at the same rank, whether within the species group, genus group, or family group — must be resolved to maintain this stability. When two taxa share the same name, the later (junior) homonym must either be replaced by an available synonym or, if no appropriate synonym exists, by a new replacement name (nomen novum) (ICZN Article 60).

Homonymy is particularly problematic in ants (Formicidae), a group with a long history of taxonomic revisions and a high diversity of described species. Currently, 16,881 valid species and subspecies of ants are recognized worldwide (AntCat 2025), reflecting more than 250 years of continuous taxonomic work beginning with Linnaeus (1758). The recurrent use of common descriptive epithets (e.g., niger, rufus, elongatus), compounded by limited historical access to prior literature, has led to the creation of multiple junior homonyms. Additionally, generic boundaries that have shifted over time have resulted in secondary homonyms as species are moved between genera.

The consequences of unresolved homonymy go beyond nomenclatural confusion. Unresolved homonymy can lead to misinterpretations in biodiversity data integration and conservation planning, especially in the era of big data (Morrison et al. 2009; Patterson et al. 2010; Sánchez-González 2020).

This review seeks to provide clarity by examining ICZN guidelines and illustrating their application through historical and modern examples within Formicidae. In doing so, I hope to provide guidelines and historical context for ant taxonomists. Overall, this work takes a practical approach that emphasizes avoiding unnecessary nomenclatural changes while ensuring that valid taxa are properly named and recognized.

Simplified overview of ICZN rules for homonymy

The ICZN Code outlines strict rules to address homonymy. Two main categories are distinguished. Primary homonymy occurs when two taxa are originally described under the same genus using the same species-group name. For example, if two species were named “Formica rufa” by different authors, the latter-named one is a junior primary homonym and must be replaced. According to Article 57.2, junior primary homonyms are permanently invalid and cannot be used, regardless of later taxonomic changes.

Secondary homonymy arises when species described in different genera are later placed in the same genus, resulting in identical combinations. In such cases, the junior name becomes invalid under Article 59.1, but only if the taxa are considered congeneric. If subsequent revisions treat the species as belonging to separate genera and they have not been regarded as congeneric since 1899, the junior name may be maintained (Article 23.9.5).

A replacement name (nomen novum) should only be proposed if the junior homonym is an accepted name in use and no available synonym exists (ICZN Articles 23.3.5, 60.3); this name will then compete for priority with any synonym recognized later. If a junior homonym was already replaced by a nomen novum prior to 1961 and that replacement name is still in use, the replacement name retains priority, even if the act was unnecessary (ICZN Article 59.3). These provisions are intended to prevent the proliferation of superfluous names while promoting clarity and stability in nomenclature.

Practical considerations

Addressing homonymy requires careful attention to historical taxonomy, synonymy, and the ICZN rules. Before introducing a new name, taxonomists should undertake a thorough review of the nomenclatural history of both the senior and junior homonyms. This includes verifying type specimens (AntWeb 2025), consulting original descriptions, and reviewing synonymies.

Modern tools such as AntCat.org (https://antcat.org/) and ZooBank (https://zoobank.org/) provide critical resources for checking name availability and synonym status. However, even with digital tools, homonym detection and resolution remain challenging, particularly in groups with extensive historical literature.

As emphasized by Gardner and Hayssen (2004), replacement names should be introduced with precision and only when truly necessary. Thorough historical research and careful verification of original sources are required to avoid introducing unnecessary new names, which can further complicate taxonomic databases and scientific communication. When in doubt, authors should err on the side of nomenclatural stability and avoid coining new names if an existing synonym or classification solution is available. Neubauer et al. (2014) illustrate this restrained approach in proposing replacement of homonyms within European freshwater gastropods. Those authors documented six cases of species-group homonyms that were unambiguously considered junior synonyms, and thus they chose not to introduce new names for those taxa. This approach follows the spirit of stability. If a name is not needed (because the taxon is not valid or in use), introducing a new name would only add clutter. As those authors noted, the Code has no explicit instruction for disused homonyms, but “following the intent expressed in Article 23.9.5, which seems to discourage the proposal of unnecessary replacement names” they refrained from naming new replacements. In fact, the Code explicitly provides that such cases may be referred to the Commission for a ruling under its plenary power, and that until such a ruling is made, prevailing usage of both names should be maintained (ICZN 1999: Art. 82).

This nomenclatural review establishes criteria for proposing replacement names for homonyms, with an emphasis on stability and alignment with the ICZN Code. Replacement names are proposed only for junior homonyms (primary or secondary) that are accepted, currently in use, and lack available synonyms. For primary homonyms, a replacement is introduced only when the taxa have been regarded as congeneric since 1899 (Art. 23.9.5). For secondary homonyms, a replacement is proposed only when the taxon occupies a stable generic placement supported by molecular or strong taxonomic evidence, consistent with the Code’s emphasis on nomenclatural stability (Art. 23.9.5). Although all junior primary homonyms are technically invalid under the Code, replacement names are introduced only for those that are currently accepted taxa, not for names that are junior synonyms or otherwise not in use. For example, Suppl. material 1 lists 155 unresolved junior primary homonyms among ant taxa that are treated as synonyms or are taxonomically indeterminate; for these, no replacement names are introduced, since doing so would not contribute to stability. In all cases, a complete historical review of taxonomic combinations is essential before any replacement is made.

Replacement names proposed in this work were selected to ensure uniqueness and compliance with the ICZN, with priority given to names that are easy to use and phonetically distinct. While some replacement names in taxonomy preserve etymological intent, reference morphology, geography, or honor individuals, such semantic continuity is not required by the Code, and the primary goal in this work was to provide clear, stable, and unambiguous names.

Type specimen, authorship, and date

Stability in nomenclature depends not only on name priority but also on accurately linking type specimens to accepted species-group names. Even in the absence of homonymy, this linkage can be complicated by the lack of standardized unique specimen identifiers in older taxonomic works. Homonyms exacerbate this problem, as illustrated below.

A nomen novum (replacement name) is attributed to the author who proposes it and dated to that publication. The original author of the junior homonym is not credited as the author of the replacement name. However, the nomen novum inherits the name-bearing type specimen of the replaced junior homonym. Thus, although the authorship is new, the type specimen of the nomen novum is that of the junior homonym it replaces. As a result, the nomen novum becomes a senior objective synonym of the replaced name, since it is based on the same type (ICZN Article 60.1). A change in type is permitted only under exceptional circumstances, such as when the original type is inadequate or non-diagnostic following Recommendation 60A (e.g., as described in Article 75.5 or, in the case of a genus-group homonym, the type species is poorly defined).

If the junior homonym is replaced not with a nomen novum but with an existing synonym, then the type specimen(s) of that synonym becomes the name-bearing type(s) of the accepted taxon. Nevertheless, the type specimen of the junior homonym remains important, as synonymy is reversible. Should taxonomic revisions restore the junior homonym to validity, its type specimen will again carry nomenclatural weight. This creates a rare scenario where two distinct type specimens, those of the accepted synonym and of the suppressed homonym, must be tracked and curated.

To reduce future instances of homonymy and their attendant complexities, Formicidae taxonomists are strongly encouraged to propose species-group names that are unique across the family. While the ICZN permits identical species epithets in different genera, the practical burden of resolving homonyms is considerable for modern taxonomic databases and digital biodiversity platforms. Avoiding homonyms from the outset enhances long-term nomenclatural clarity and database integrity.

Case studies in Formicidae

Within Formicidae, 97 instances were identified where previously proposed replacement names are now unnecessary. In most cases, these names were rendered superfluous when a secondary junior homonym was no longer considered congeneric with its senior homonym, thus eliminating the homonymy. In other cases, replacement names were unnecessary because an available synonym already existed and could serve as the valid name. Finally, several new names were introduced due to oversight, even though valid replacement names had already been established.

The following case studies illustrate common pitfalls and resolutions in the management of homonymy within ants. By highlighting these patterns, I aim to reduce the future creation of homonyms and to guide best practices when addressing unresolved cases, particularly by avoiding unnecessary nomina nova. Each case is presented in the context of the relevant ICZN Articles, underscoring the importance of a careful, context-aware taxonomic approach.

All names in the case studies are provided in both their original combination (protonym) and, where applicable, their current valid combination.

Temporary nature of secondary homonymy

Secondary homonyms may be temporary due to shifting genus boundaries. Proposing replacement names in such cases has often proved premature. It is preferable not to propose a replacement name until generic limits stabilize. This is especially relevant in ants, where molecular phylogenetics and, more recently, phylogenomic datasets (e.g., Ward et al. 2015; Branstetter et al. 2017; Blaimer et al. 2018; Doré et al. 2025) have led to substantial redefinitions of genera and higher-level relationships. While these studies have greatly improved our understanding of evolutionary lineages, they also highlight the fluidity of generic boundaries in some groups. Until phylogenomic frameworks are more fully integrated and stabilized across all Formicidae genera, restraint in proposing replacement names for secondary homonyms is warranted.

Case 1

Micromyrma pygmaea Dufour, 1857: 61 (current combination Tapinoma pygmaeum) was combined in Tapinoma in 1859.

Formica pygmaea Latreille, 1798: 45 was combined in Tapinoma in 1852 and then Plagiolepis in 1861.

Tapinoma dufouri Donisthorpe, 1943: 662 was proposed as a replacement name for Tapinoma pygmaeum Dufour, 1857: 61, but is unnecessary as Tapinoma pygmaeum Dufour, 1857: 61 was no longer a secondary junior homonym.

Case 2

Meanwhile, Micromyrma dufourii Perris, 1878: 382 (current combination Plagiolepis dufourii) was combined in Tapinoma in 1983 but moved to Plagiolepis in 1925. But that did not stop Tapinoma confusum Smith, 1951: 837 being proposed as a replacement name for Tapinoma dufouri Donisthorpe, 1943: 662.

Case 3

When described, Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66 (current combination Ectomomyrmex apicalis) was a junior secondary homonym of Formica apicalis Latreille, 1802: 204 (current combination Neoponera apicalis) which was combined in Ponera by Latreille, 1809: 128. However, Mayr (1863: 439) combined the taxa in Pachycondyla in 1863. Thus, Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66 was a junior secondary homonym in Ponera from 1857–1863. By the time Ectomomyrmex terminalis Smith, 1871: 321 was proposed as a replacement name, the name was no longer needed. Ectomomyrmex terminalis Smith, 1871: 321 is an unnecessary replacement name and an objective synonym of Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66.

For Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66, the secondary homonym story continues. Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66 was combined in Pachycondyla by Brown in 1995 (Brown 1995: 302), joining Formica apicalis Latreille, 1802: 204. Thus, once again, Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66 was a junior secondary homonym. In 2010, homonym hunter Özdikmen created the replacement name Ectomomyrmex terminalis Özdikmen, 2010: 993 for Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66. However, in 2014, both Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66 and Formica apicalis Latreille, 1802: 204 left Pachycondyla for different genera (Schmidt and Shattuck 2014). This shift made Ectomomyrmex terminalis Özdikmen, 2010: 993 an unnecessary name in 2014 and an objective synonym of Ponera apicalis Smith, 1857: 66.

This sequence illustrates the risk of proposing new names based on transient classifications. Another issue is Özdikmen’s (2010) use of the same species epithet proposed by Smith, 1871. Replacement names, even when unnecessary, still need to be recorded and managed, the proposal of an identical name to replace a homonym does not help. Identical names should never be proposed.

Case 4

Wheeleria santschii Forel, 1905: 171 (current combination Monomorium santschii).

In 1906, Forel (1906: 64) noted that the genus-group name Wheeleria was already in use and thus a junior homonym of Wheeleria Tutt, 1905: 37 (Lepidoptera). Forel was correct to provide a genus replacement name Santschia Forel, 1906: 65. However, Forel also unnecessarily proposed a replacement name for the species Santschia intrudens Forel, 1906: 65 [perhaps to avoid having the genus and species names to be the nearly identical Santschia santschii (Forel 1905: 171).] However, the replacement name is unnecessary, and thus, Monomorium intrudens Forel, 1906: 65, is now an objective junior synonym of Monomorium santschii Forel, 1905: 171. In addition, the proposed name is a junior secondary homonym of Monomorium intrudens Smith, 1874: 406. Because there is an existing, valid synonym for Monomorium intrudens Forel, 1906: 65, the replacement name for Monomorium intrudens Forel, 1906: 65 is Monomorium santschii Forel, 1905: 171.

Junior secondary homonym replaced before 1961

If a junior secondary homonym was replaced before 1961, and the substitute name remains in use, it retains priority under ICZN Article 59.3. The following case illustrates this problem:

Syllophopsis jonesi Arnold, 1952: 465 was proposed as a replacement name for Syllophopsis arnoldi Santschi, 1921: 120; a junior secondary homonym of Monomorium arnoldi Forel, 1913a: 137. The replacement name Syllophopsis jonesi Arnold, 1952: 465 was proposed before 1961 (when both arnoldi taxa were included in Monomorium). Article 59.3 stipulates that valid pre-1961 replacement names retain priority, even if the original homonymy is later resolved. In 2015, Ward et al. combined arnoldi Santschi, 1921: 120 in Syllophopsis and mistakenly proposed that jonesi was an unnecessary replacement name. The priority awarded by Ward et al. (2015: 73) is incorrect and Syllophopsis jonesi Arnold, 1952: 465 has priority.

Complete taxonomic histories required

Confusion also arises when earlier replacements are overlooked; the following case illustrates this problem.

Anochetus jacobsoni Menozzi, 1939: 178 is a junior primary homonym of Anochetus jacobsoni Forel, 1911b: 193. Anochetus menozzii Donisthorpe, 1941b: 237 was proposed as a replacement name. This new name was overlooked and a second and unnecessary replacement name was proposed: Anochetus ineditus Baroni Urbani, 1971: 360.

Use of available synonyms

If an available synonym exists for the junior secondary homonym, the synonym should be used instead of proposing a new name. However, a replacement name has priority if proposed before a junior synonym.

Case 1

Ponera simillima Smith, 1860b: 105 (current combination Prionopelta simillima) is a junior primary homonym of Leptogenys simillima Smith, 1860b: 104 (original combination: Ponera simillima). [The same species epithet was used one page later to describe a different species]. Prionopelta nominata Smith, 1871: 323 was proposed as a replacement name for the junior homonym but this name was overlooked, and a second replacement name was proposed, Prionopelta poultoni Donisthorpe, 1932: 462. Subsequently Brown (1953: 12) synonymized three species, including Prionopelta majuscula Emery, 1897: 595 with Ponera simillima Smith, 1860b: 105, and thought the oldest synonym Prionopelta majuscula Emery, 1897: 595 would take priority as a replacement name for Ponera simillima Smith, 1860b: 105. However, nom. nov. proposed before the synonymy take priority, and thus Prionopelta nominata Smith, 1871: 323, nom. restit. has priority as the replacement name.

Case 2

Here is another example of an overlooked replacement name and the use of a synonym that occurred after the nomen novum replacement name. All species are currently in Anochetus, but I use original combinations to help keep the story straight.

Odontomachus tyrannicus Smith, 1861: 44 is a junior primary homonym of Odontomachus tyrannicus Smith, 1859: 144. As with the Ponera simillima example above, we have name duplication by the same author within the same genus. The situation is further complicated: Smith had shared specimens with colleagues and labeled them “gladiator” (see Brown 1978: 574, suggesting that gladiator was the intended species epithet for Odontomachus tyrannicus Smith, 1861: 44). In 1862, Mayr included one of the specimens labeled gladiator in the description of a new genus for the taxon and used gladiator as the species name, providing an unintentional but formal description of the new species Stenomyrmex gladiator Mayr, 1862: 712.

In 1863, Roger proposed Odontomachus smithii Roger, 1863: 21 as a replacement name for Odontomachus tyrannicus Smith, 1861: 44.

In 1871, Odontomachus gladiator Smith, 1871: 320 was proposed as a replacement name.

In 1893, Stenomyrmex gladiator Mayr, 1862: 712 was proposed as a junior synonym of Odontomachus tyrannicus Smith, 1861: 44 by Dalla Torre 1893: 48.

In 1932, Odontomachus gladiator Donisthorpe, 1932: 467 was proposed as a replacement name for Odontomachus tyrannicus Smith, 1861: 44.

Brown (1978: 556) mistakenly prioritizes Stenomyrmex gladiator Mayr, 1862: 712 as the replacement name, although Odontomachus smithii Roger, 1863: 21 nom. restit. actually has priority.

Results

In the homonym lists below, collections are referred to by the following acronyms. When the type depository is not known and not given in the original description, it is recorded here as “unspecified”.

AMNHAmerican Museum of Natural History, New York, USA;

ANICAustralian National Insect Collection, Canberra, Australia;

ATPC Alberto Tinaut personal collection, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain;

CASCCalifornia Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, USA;

DEIBDeutsches Entomologisches Institut, Berlin-Dahlem, Germany;

HNHMHungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary;

IEUBIstituto di Entomologia “Guido Grandi”, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy;

LACMLos Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, USA;

LKCNHM Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore;

MCZCMuseum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA;

MHNGMuséum d’histoire naturelle, Geneva;

MNHNMuséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris;

MNHUMuseum für Naturkunde an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Zoologisches Museum), Berlin, Germany;

MSNGMuseo Civico di Storia Naturale “Giacomo Doria”, Genoa, Italy;

MVMA Museum of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia;

NHMBNaturhistorisches Museum Basel, Basel, Switzerland;

NHMUKBritish Museum of Natural History, now Natural History Museum London, London, England;

NHMWNaturhistorisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria;

NUYC Laboratory of Insect Specimens, Agricultural College, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China;

OXUMOxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, England;

SAMCIziko Museums of Cape Town (= South African Museum), Cape Town, South Africa;

SIZKSchmalhausen Institute of Zoology, Kyiv, Ukraine;

SMNGSenckenberg Museum für Naturkunde (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde), Görlitz, Germany;

SWFUFaculty of Conservation Biology, Southwest Forestry College [University], Kunming, Yunnan, China;

WUIK Wonkwang University, Division of Biological Sciences, Iksan (= Iri City), North Cholla Province, Republic of Korea.

A. Genus-group name homonyms

Estevia

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae



Fisher nom. nov.

9509854B-8623-5897-8CEC-6EE17610592F

† Wilsonia Hong, 2002: 608 (Insecta, Hymenoptera). Preoccupied by Wilsonia Bonaparte, 1838: 23 (Aves).

Type species.

†Wilsonia megagastrosa Hong, 2002: 608, by original designation.

Etymology.

The genus name is proposed in honor of Flávia Esteves, a Brazilian myrmecologist and taxonomist, recognized for her significant contributions to the study of ant morphology, diversity, and systematics. Gender: feminine.

Estevia

megagastrosa

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae



Hong, 2002 comb. nov.

4F7F7FC2-5C1C-5FA4-B5A1-1AF87EEC20A2

†Wilsonia megagastrosa Hong, 2002: 608, figs 565–573 (w.) China (Liaoning, Fushun Amber, Eocene).

B. Primary homonyms

Below are the primary homonyms that satisfy the following criteria for the creation of a new replacement name (nomen novum): the junior primary homonym is an accepted taxon, that is, in use as a valid species. In one case, the senior homonym is not valid (a junior synonym of another species) but a new name is still proposed since the junior homonym is in use.

Replacement names are not established when the junior primary homonym is a disused junior synonym (and already treated as a synonym), when the junior primary homonym’s status is highly doubtful, nor when the two homonyms have not been congeneric for over 100 years. All such long-separated homonym pairs are listed in Section C (ICZN Article 23.9.5), where no replacement names are introduced and prevailing usage is maintained.

Homonyms are presented first with the original combination and then the current combination is given if different than the original combination. Homonyms are listed by the current combination of the junior primary homonym.

Acromyrmex

atrina

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B1.

Fisher nom. nov.

5839B14C-FD38-5F0A-838C-D095914B6633

Note.

Replacement name for Atta (Acromyrmex) subterranea var. brunnea Forel, 1912b: 181 (current combination Acromyrmex brunneus), junior primary homonym of Atta brunnea Patton, 1894: 618 (current combination Odontomachus brunneus).

Type locality.

“Palmeiras, Prov. Rio, Brésil (Goeldi); São Paulo (Brésil); Ceara, Brésil (Diaz da Rocha); Teixeira Suares, Brésil (Sampaio)” [Palmeiras, Rio de Janeiro State; São Paulo State; Ceará State; Teixeira Soares, Paraná State, Brazil].

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

MHNG.

Etymology.

Derived from Latin ater, atra, atrum (adjective for black, dark). The form atrina is treated here as a noun in apposition, and is therefore indeclinable with respect to the gender of the genus.

Camponotus

dorex

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B2.

Fisher nom. nov.

836F54B1-D3C4-5FF5-859F-C96E18498CE8

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus concavus Kim & Kim, 1994: 285, junior primary homonym of Camponotus aethiops var. concava Dalla Torre, 1893, junior synonym of Camponotus aethiops (Latreille, 1798: 35).

Type locality.

South Korea: Jeonnam, Paekyang Temple.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

WUIK.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

durnyx

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B3.

Fisher nom. nov.

EBB79CB8-F92E-5995-AB9F-45C4664FC426

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus horni Clark, 1930: 308, junior primary homonym of Camponotus horni Kirby, 1896: 58 (current combination Iridomyrmex horni), junior synonym of Iridomyrmex purpureus (Smith, 1858).

Type locality.

Australia: Northern Territory, Palm Creek.

Type material.

Holotype queen.

Type depository.

MVMA.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotites

flarex

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B4.

Fisher nom. nov.

EFCDB691-C0E9-5B1F-A7A1-E2A8310EF1A9

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus pictusZhang et al., 1994: 8 (fossil) (current combination Camponotites pictus), junior primary homonym of Camponotus ligniperdus var. pictus Forel, 1886, junior synonym of Camponotus novaeboracensis (Fitch, 1855).

Type locality.

China: Shanwang Basin (fossil locality, Miocene).

Type material.

Fossil imprint, registration number K0174 (original description did not specify an institutional repository; depository remains unknown). Validity is based on the published description and illustrations, which allow recognition of the taxon and justify replacement under ICZN Article 60.

Type depository.

Unspecified.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

robecchii clyne

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B5.

Fisher nom. nov.

CB433489-3D2B-51D9-A644-4FA6E7827A75

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Myrmotrema) troglodytes var. dispar Stitz, 1923: 165 (current combination Camponotus robecchii dispar), junior primary homonym of Camponotus siemsseni var. dispar Forel, 1902b: 287.

Type locality.

Namibia (“German Southwest Africa”): Kuibis.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

MNHU.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

substitutus cylrix

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B6.

Fisher nom. nov.

41F41870-85BA-51EC-8566-785DFF3646D3

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) substitutus var. clara Stitz, 1938: 116, junior primary homonym of Camponotus clarus Mayr, 1862: 660.

Type locality.

Argentina.

Type material.

Syntype queens.

Type depository.

Unknown unspecified.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Colobopsis

breva

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B7.

Fisher nom. nov.

67DB4D55-2FE5-5663-8064-2C3C9BF1AB85

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Colobopsis) vitreus var. latinota Stitz, 1925: 127 (current combination Colobopsis vitrea latinota), junior primary homonym of Camponotus foraminosus subsp. latinotus Forel, 1907b: 144, junior synonym of Camponotus galla Forel, 1894.

Type locality.

Philippines: Mindanao.

Type material.

Syntype queens.

Type depository.

MNHU.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Crematogaster

scutellaris gynia

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B8.

Fisher nom. nov.

CEABBABB-FED8-590F-BF81-F63E2833F6EC

Note.

Replacement name for Crematogaster scutellaris var. nigra Krausse, 1912: 164, junior primary homonym of Crematogaster chiarinii var. nigrum Forel, 1910b: 434.

Type locality.

Italy: Sardinia, Asuni.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

MSNG.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Dolichoderus

thoracicus jexina

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B9.

Fisher nom. nov.

E5EBFB40-5F88-5CD7-8159-5774F363BA8E

Note.

Replacement name for Dolichoderus (Hypoclinea) bituberculatus var. rufescens Stitz, 1925: 123 (current combination Dolichoderus thoracicus rufescens), junior primary homonym of Dolichoderus (Monacis) debilis var. rufescens Mann, 1912: 40 (current combination Dolichoderus rufescens).

Type locality.

Borneo.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

MNHU.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Ectomomyrmex

pylixy

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B10.

Fisher nom. nov.

10DF3557-B0C1-5C73-8C21-3FA7D98324BF

Note.

Replacement name for Pachycondyla (Ectomomyrmex) punctata Karavaiev, 1935: 71 (current combination Ectomomyrmex punctatus), unresolved junior primary homonym of Pachycondyla punctata Smith, 1858: 108 (current combination Platythyrea punctata).

The replacement name uses the same type specimen and type locality originally identified for the name replaced.

Type locality.

Vietnam (“Zentralannam”): Bana.

Type material.

Syntype workers, syntype queens.

Type depository.

SIZK.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Ectomomyrmex

pylor

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B11.

Fisher nom. nov.

81331E14-4498-5681-B85F-4638D4E64662

Note.

Replacement name for Pachycondyla (Ectomomyrmex) sauteri Forel, 1912a: 49 (current combination Ectomomyrmex sauteri), unresolved junior primary homonym of Pachycondyla (Pseudoponera) sauteri Wheeler, 1906: 304 (current combination Cryptopone sauteri).

The replacement name uses the same type specimen and type locality originally identified for the name replaced.

Type locality.

Taiwan (“Formosa”): Pilam.

Type material.

Syntype workers, syntype queens.

Type depository.

MHNG.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Euponera

tynara

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B12.

Fisher nom. nov.

3A6FD4ED-F66F-5819-81CA-9DB92C67B949

Note.

Replacement name for Ponera grandis Donisthorpe, 1947: 283 (current combination Euponera grandis), unresolved junior primary homonym of Ponera grandis Guérin-Méneville, 1838: 206 (current combination Dinoponera grandis).

The replacement name uses the same type specimen and type locality originally identified for the name replaced.

Type locality.

Vietnam: Tonkin, Yen Bay.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

NHMUK.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Formica

lavateri liora

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B13.

Fisher nom. nov.

0B1DCCED-433B-5AD0-93FE-C6A0499BBB86

Note.

Replacement name for Formica lavateri var. major Heer, 1867: 11, junior primary homonym of Formica major Nylander, 1849: 29, junior synonym of Formica polyctena Foerster, 1850: 15.

Type locality.

Croatia (Miocene).

Type material.

Fossil imprints (original description did not specify an institutional repository; Heer’s fossil material is generally housed in the Paläontologisches Institut und Museum der Universität Zürich, but the depository for this specimen is not confirmed).

Type depository.

Unspecified.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Formica

mytara

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B14.

Fisher nom. nov.

1C6800A5-BA70-5D31-975F-57F4E4C91582

Note.

Replacement name for Formica robusta Chang & He, 2002: 53, junior primary homonym of Formica robusta Carpenter, 1930: 56.

Type locality.

China: Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Liupan Mountains.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

NUYC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Hypoponera

rylin

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B15.

Fisher nom. nov.

218EDBDC-36F5-5C20-9F17-DBF5216E39DF

Note.

Replacement name for Ponera gracilicornis Menozzi, 1931: 266, junior primary homonym of Ponera gracilicornis Mayr, 1868: 72.

Type locality.

Costa Rica.

Type material.

Syntype workers, syntype queen(s).

Type depository.

DEIB, IEUB.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Hypoponera

veltan

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B16.

Fisher nom. nov.

493B3238-D849-592A-8F9C-E712123BC858

Note.

Replacement name for Ponera lamellosa Forel, 1907a: 4, junior primary homonym of Ponera lamellosa Roger, 1860: 295 (current combination Platythyrea lamellosa).

Type locality.

Malaysia: Malacca, Kuala Lumpur.

Type material.

Probable holotype worker (No indication of number of specimens is given).

Type depository.

HNHM.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Lepisiota

vynia

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B17.

Fisher nom. nov.

6445DC3D-BB47-5B58-996A-BAA6F9EAA435

Note.

Replacement name for Acantholepis monardi var. australis Santschi, 1930: 75 (current combination Lepisiota monardi australis), junior primary homonym of Acantholepis (Acrostigma) australis Forel, 1902c: 479 (current combination Stigmacros australis).

Type locality.

Angola: Tchitunda.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

NHMB.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Temnothorax

flavispinus novira

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B18.

Fisher nom. nov.

1E8C6FDB-A194-5544-A2E2-53344D7697A9

Note.

Replacement name for Leptothorax flavispinus subsp. crassispinus Cagniant, 1970: 421 (current combination Temnothorax flavispinus crassispinus), junior primary homonym of Leptothorax (Leptothorax) nylanderi var. crassispina Karavaiev, 1926: 69 (current combination Temnothorax crassispinus).

Type locality.

Tunisia: Dratamar, nr. Kairouan.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

NHMB.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Messor

minor nubina

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B19.

Fisher nom. nov.

9EB6C542-2EB2-5A4B-B742-FC8B19D0EF6F

Note.

Replacement name for Messor minor subsp. maurus Barquín, 1981: 81, junior primary homonym of Messor sublaeviceps var. maurus Santschi, 1927b: 244 (current combination Messor picturatus maurus).

Type locality.

Tunisia: Kairouan.

Type material.

Syntype workers, syntype queen(s).

Type depository.

NHMB.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Messor

nuvia

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B20.

Fisher nom. nov.

EA5184E4-A789-59A1-9DDE-AB3FFED407DF

Note.

Replacement name for Messor testaceus Bernard, 1980: 266, junior primary homonym of Messor testaceus Donisthorpe, 1950: 68.

Type locality.

Syria.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

MNHN.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Pheidole

arnoldi qindra

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B21.

Fisher nom. nov.

341AE1FC-F647-512A-890C-44BD0A99097B

Note.

Replacement name for Pheidole arnoldi var. rufescens Arnold, 1920: 449, junior primary homonym of Pheidole sitarches subsp. rufescens Wheeler, 1908: 443.

Type locality.

Zimbabwe (“S Rhodesia”): Sipapoma.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

NHMUK, SAMC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Pseudoneoponera

sublaevis quorra

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B22.

Fisher nom. nov.

1444206B-7121-5AF0-91A6-AED7DDF3AFCB

Note.

Replacement name for Ponera (Bothroponera) sublaevis r. reticulata Forel, 1900a: 62 (current combination Pseudoneoponera sublaevis reticulata), junior primary homonym of Ponera reticulata Smith, 1858: 85 (current combination Odontoponera reticulata).

Type locality.

Australia: Queensland.

Type material.

Syntype workers, syntype males.

Type depository.

ANIC, MHNG.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Strumigenys

wylixa

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

B23.

Fisher nom. nov.

A84C804F-BE9F-5C50-8419-14371BD0639C

Note.

Replacement name for Strumigenys intermedia Tang & Guénard, 2023: 68, junior primary homonym of Strumigenys alberti var. intermedia Wheeler, 1913: 242, junior synonym of Strumigenys alberti Forel, 1893: 380.

Type locality.

China: Hong Kong, Lantau Island.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

LKCNHM.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

C. ICZN Article 23.9.5

The seven names listed below are not assigned replacement names, in accordance with ICZN Article 23.9.5. When an author discovers that a species-group name currently in use is a junior primary homonym (Art. 53.3) of another species-group name also in use, but the two names apply to taxa not considered congeneric after 1899, the junior homonym should not be automatically replaced. Instead, the case should be referred to the Commission for a ruling under its plenary power. In the meantime, prevailing usage of both names is to be maintained (Art. 82).

C1. No replacement name for Formica badia Smith, 1857: 54 (combination in Camponotus by Roger (1863: 3), current combination Colobopsis badia), junior primary homonym of Formica badia Latreille, 1802: 238 (combination in Atta by Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau (1835: 174), current combination Pogonomyrmex badius).

Type locality. Singapore.

Type material. Lectotype.

**Type depository.**OXUM.

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1835.

C2. No replacement name for Formica cordata Smith, 1859: 137 (combination in Hypoclinea by Mayr (1879: 659), current combination Philidris cordata), junior primary homonym of Formica cordata Holl, 1829: 140 (combination in Pheidole by Mayr (1868: 17), Boudinot et al. (2024: 148), current combination Pheidole cordata).

Type locality. Indonesia: Aru Islands.

Type material. Syntype workers.

**Type depository.**OXUM.

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1868.

C3. No replacement name for Formica nigerrima Nylander, 1856: 71 (combination in Tapinoma by Mayr (1861: 41), current combination Tapinoma nigerrimum), junior primary homonym of Formica nigerrima Christ, 1791: 513 (combination in Lasius by Emery (1892a: 162), current combination Lasius nigerrimus).

Type locality. France: Prades-le-Lez.

Type material. Neotype worker.

**Type depository.**SMNG.

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1861.

C4. No replacement name for Formica nitida Smith, 1859: 138 (combination in Camponotus by Roger (1863: 4), current combination Camponotus nitidus), junior primary homonym of Formica nitida Razoumowsky, 1789: 300.

Type locality. Indonesia: Aru.

Type material. Holotype worker.

**Type depository.**OXUM.

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1863.

C5. No replacement name for Formica pallida Smith, 1857: 57 (combination in Camponotus by Mayr (1862: 656), current combination Camponotus irritans pallidus), junior primary homonym of Formica pallida Latreille, 1798: 41 (combination in Lasius by Emery (1893: 183), current combination Lasius pallida), junior synonym of Lasius brunneus (Latreille, 1798: 41).

Type locality. Malaysia: Borneo, Sarawak.

Type material. Syntype workers.

**Type depository.**NHMUK.

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1862.

C6. No replacement name for Formica timida Jerdon, 1851: 122 (combination in Camponotus by Roger (1863: 3), current combination Camponotus timidus), junior primary homonym of Formica timida Foerster, 1850: 35 (combination in Lasius by Nylander (1856: 68), current combination Lasius timida), junior synonym of Lasius brunneus (Latreille, 1798: 41).

Type locality. India: Malabar coast.

Type material. Syntype workers, syntype queen.

Type depository. Unspecified.

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1862.

C7. No replacement name for Ponera sulcata Mayr, 1867: 441 (combination in Pachycondyla (Bothroponera) by Emery (1901a: 46), current combination Bothroponera sulcata), unresolved junior primary homonym of Ponera sulcata Smith, 1858: 99 (combination in Ectatomma (Gnamptogenys) by Emery (1893: 26), current combination Gnamptogenys sulcata).

Type locality. India. [Emery, 1911: 78 gives India as type locality, possibly based on the collection data in Forel 1900b: 326, and Bingham 1903: 99.]

Type material. Syntype workers.

**Type depository.**NHMW.

Current subspecies (nominal subspecies plus the following):

B. sulcata fossulata (Forel, 1900b: 323)

B. sulcata sulcatotesserinoda (Forel, 1900b: 323).

Note. Primary homonyms have not been congeneric since 1893.

D. Secondary homonyms

Under ICZN Article 59.1, a junior secondary homonym must be replaced if both names are in use and are congeneric. The following cases satisfy the criteria for the creation of a new replacement name (nomen novum): the junior secondary homonym is an accepted taxon, that is, in use as a valid species. Replacement names are not established when the junior secondary homonym is a disused junior synonym (and treated as a synonym already), when the junior secondary homonym’s status is highly doubtful, nor when the secondary homonym generic placement is not certain (see section E for a list of these exceptions).

Camponotus

chucki

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D1.

Fisher nom. nov.

EB9FA6EE-B3BF-5835-8DE7-2E570A8ADA1C

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus kugleri Mackay, 2025: 453, junior secondary homonym of Camponotus kugleri Ionescu-Hirsch, 2010: 78.

Type locality.

Colombia: Zona Buenos Aires.

Type material.

Holotype minor worker.

Type depository.

MCZC.

Etymology.

The name honors Charles (“Chuck”) Kugler, myrmecologist and Peace Corps colleague, who collected the holotype and numerous specimens of Camponotus in Colombia. The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

foleyi cybira

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D2.

Fisher nom. nov.

DBD9C8DC-01D4-5578-8E0F-8FDDF6834704

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) foleyi subsp. rufescens Bernard, 1953: 190, junior secondary homonym of Dendromyrmex fabricii var. rufescens Wheeler, 1916: 13 (current combination Camponotus fabricii rufescens), junior synonym of Camponotus nidulans (Smith, 1860c: 69).

Type locality.

Libya: Fezzân, El Abiod.

Type material.

Syntype major workers.

Type depository.

MNHN.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

maculatus brexyl

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D3.

Fisher nom. nov.

C7C273B9-058A-55AF-8428-34BB4DC73F7B

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Myrmoturba) maculatus r. foveolatus Stitz, 1925: 125, junior secondary homonym of Formica foveolata Mayr, 1853: 277 (current combination Camponotus lateralis foveolatus, junior synonym of Camponotus piceus (Leach, 1825: 292).

Type locality.

Philippines.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

MNHU.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

nixra

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D4.

Fisher nom. nov.

7F7F4F76-C34E-5DB2-AF30-6BE26AF4DFA2

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Karavaievia) nigripes Dumpert, 1995: 96, junior secondary homonym of Dendromyrmex nidulans var. nigripes Wheeler, 1916: 13 (current combination Camponotus nidulans nigripes), junior synonym of Camponotus nidulans (Smith, 1860c: 69).

Type locality.

Malaysia: Perak, Belum.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

NHMB.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Camponotus

planus brina

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D5.

Fisher nom. nov.

B1E7A43F-090C-559B-975F-5619C2928ABB

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Myrmorhachis) planus var. indefessus Wheeler, 1919: 294, junior secondary homonym of Formica indefessa Sykes, 1835: 104 (current combination Camponotus indefessus), junior synonym of Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1787: 307).

Type locality.

Ecuador: Galapagos Is, Indefatigable I. (= Santa Cruz Is.).

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

MCZC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Carebara

dazia

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D6.

Fisher nom. nov.

7E1B7332-32E0-506B-BFDB-875E911F737E

Note.

Replacement name for Carebara laeviceps Liu & Zhong, 2024: 17, junior secondary homonym of Oligomyrmex (Hendecatella) capreolus subsp. laeviceps Wheeler, 1928: 24 (current combination Carebara capreola laeviceps).

Type locality.

China: Sichuan Province, Kaijiang County, Dazhou City.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

SWFU.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Carebara

xynera

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D7.

Fisher nom. nov.

200279E9-019A-54A8-A6DF-9E1115F0F66B

Note.

Replacement name for Aneleus politus Santschi, 1914a: 79 (current combination Carebara polita), junior secondary homonym of Myrmica polita Smith, 1860b: 108 (current combination Carebara polita), junior synonym of Carebara diversa (Jerdon, 1851: 109).

Type locality.

Kenya (“Afrique orientale anglaise”): Blue Post Hotel, Kikuyu territory.

Type material.

Syntype workers.

Type depository.

NHMB.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Colobopsis

vitrea yevira

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D8.

Fisher nom. nov.

A16CCF88-09BE-5C85-8E5E-F5631C2C62D3

Note.

Replacement name for Camponotus (Colobopsis) vitreus r. carinata Stitz, 1938: 116 (current combination Colobopsis vitrea carinata), junior secondary homonym of Colobopsis carinata Mayr, 1870: 943, homonym replaced by Colobopsis polynesica (Emery, 1896: 374).

Type locality.

Papua New Guinea (“German New Guinea”): Aprilfluss.

Type material.

Syntype queens.

Type depository.

MNHU.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Formica

draven

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D9.

Fisher nom. nov.

56C84074-9D3A-58DC-82B7-D7F8C075F84C

Note.

Replacement name for Myrmecocystus melliger subsp. californicus Creighton, 1950: 445 (current combination Formica californica), junior secondary homonym of Formica microgyna subsp. californica Wheeler, 1917: 543, junior synonym of Formica adamsi whymperi Wheeler, 1917: 544.

Type locality.

USA: California, Weed.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

LACM.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Messor

draxil

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D10.

Fisher nom. nov.

99299ED5-CD44-5208-94E2-A5B4690D248B

Note.

Replacement name for Messor sculpturatus Carpenter, 1930: 32, junior secondary homonym of Cratomyrmex sculpturatus Stitz, 1916: 377 (current combination Messor regalis sculpturatus) junior synonym of Messor regalis (Emery, 1892b: 572).

Type locality.

USA: Colorado (Florissant Fossil Beds) Eocene.

Type material.

Fossil. fossil imprints (compression fossils). Holotype ♀ No. 2920, paratypes Nos. 2921 (MCZC), 10,032 (Peabody Museum), 7850 (Princeton University), 17,017a (University of Colorado), 78,804 (USNM), 11 (Carnegie Museum).

Type depository.

MCZC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Pheidole

singaporensis zolara

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D11.

Fisher nom. nov.

50E3FBEA-3314-5A64-9B84-34C1C9E13A7A

Note.

Replacement name for Aphaenogaster (Ischnomyrmex) longipes var. continentis Forel, 1911a: 24 (current combination Pheidole singaporensis continentis), junior secondary homonym of Pheidole tasmaniensis var. continentis Forel, 1902c: 437.

Type locality.

Myanmar (“Burma”).

Type material.

Syntype minor workers.

Type depository.

MHNG.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Pseudolasius

zynia

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D12.

Fisher nom. nov.

6733C03E-E3B4-5FE1-A977-8A1E303D893A

Note.

Replacement name for Rhizomyrma emeryi Forel, 1915: 347 (current combination Pseudolasius emeryi), junior secondary homonym of Pseudolasius emeryi Forel, 1911c: 286.

Type locality.

Papua New Guinea: Hansemann Mts.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

MHNG.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Tetramorium

drunex

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D13.

Fisher nom. nov.

627D1900-52A1-55C5-8DA4-3B9AE023C442

Note.

Replacement name for Tetramorium flavum Chang & He, 2001: 2, junior secondary homonym of Xiphomyrmex gambogecus var. flavus Donisthorpe, 1941a: 58 (current combination Tetramorium gambogecum flavum), junior synonym of Tetramorium gambogecum (Donisthorpe, 1941a: 57).

Type locality.

China: Pengyang, Ningxia.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

NUYC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Tetramorium

fenix

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D14.

Fisher nom. nov.

D715584C-B452-5DB4-BDC0-4AF12C400E87

Note.

Replacement name for Tetramorium intermediumHita Garcia et al., 2010: 48, junior secondary homonym of Rhoptromyrmex rothneyi var. intermedia Forel, 1913b: 80 (current combination Tetramorium rothneyi intermedium), junior synonym of Tetramorium wroughtonii (Forel, 1902a: 231).

Type locality.

Ghana: Aiyeola Forest Reserve, Kade.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

NHMUK.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Tetramorium

flinex

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D15.

Fisher nom. nov.

A02BC478-E3DA-5BA8-A9B3-7DFD8AD28709

Note.

Replacement name for Teleutomyrmex kutteri Tinaut, 1990: 202 (current combination Tetramorium kutteri), junior secondary homonym of Tetramorium semilaeve var. kutteri Santschi, 1927a: 57, junior synonym of Tetramorium indocile Santschi, 1927a: 53.

Type locality.

Spain: Granada, Sierra Nevada, “Prados de Otero”.

Type material.

Holotype queen.

Type depository.

ATPC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Temnothorax

fynor

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D16.

Fisher nom. nov.

65ED528F-23A3-5780-9FE7-75FAEA17DD13

Note.

Replacement name for Temnothorax similisCsősz et al., 2015: 23, junior secondary homonym of Leptothorax (Macromischa) similis Baroni Urbani, 1978: 501 (current combination Temnothorax similis), junior synonym of Temnothorax laetus (Wheeler, 1937: 456).

Type locality.

Turkey: Nur Daglari.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

HNHM.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

Tetraponera

vantix

Taxon classificationAnimaliaHymenopteraFormicidae

D17.

Fisher nom. nov.

EF819181-974D-5987-8BD3-CA2646D85EE2

Note.

Replacement name for Tetraponera insularis Ward, 2022: 49, junior secondary homonym of Sima nigra var. insularis Emery, 1901b: 113 (current combination Tetraponera nigra insularis), junior synonym of Tetraponera nigra (Jerdon, 1851: 112).

Type locality.

Madagascar: Mahajanga, Forêt Anabohazo.

Type material.

Holotype worker.

Type depository.

CASC.

Etymology.

Arbitrary combination of letters, treated as a noun in apposition.

E. Junior homonyms

In accordance with ICZN Articles 57.3 and 59.1, the following junior secondary homonyms are not replaced. In these cases, either (i) the senior homonym is a junior synonym and no longer valid, thus eliminating the conflict, or (ii) the taxonomic status is unresolved and a replacement would be premature. Replacement names are proposed only when required to resolve homonymy between valid, congeneric names in current use.

E1. No replacement name for Monomorium bidentatum Mayr, 1887: 616 (current combination Monomorium bidentatum), junior secondary homonym of Myrmica bidentata Smith, 1858: 124 (current combination Monomorium bidentata). The combination of Monomorium bidentata Smith, 1858 in Monomorium is unconvincing but even if correct, then a junior synonym of Monomorium bidentatum Mayr, 1887 exists (Monomorium bidentatum piceonigrum Borgmeier, 1948: 468).

Type locality. Chile: Valdivia.

Type material. Syntype workers, syntype queens (numbers not stated).

**Type depository.**NHMW.

E2. See Suppl. material 1 of 155 species and subspecies where unresolved junior homonyms are not replaced because the status of the junior homonym is unidentifiable (24 species, 2 subspecies) or because the junior homonym is treated as a junior synonym of another valid taxon (55 species, 74 subspecies).

F. Supplementary taxonomic notes

F1. Reinstatement of Tetramorium schultzei Forel, 1910a, stat. nov. Examination of the holotype of Tetramorium caespitum subsp. schultzei Forel, 1910a: 19 (worker), together with a review of its taxonomic history, indicates that this taxon is not conspecific with T. mossamedense. Consequently, T. schultzei is here reinstated from synonymy and elevated to species rank (stat. nov.).

Type locality. Botswana: Kalahari, Kgokong-Kang, no. 966 (L. Schultze).

Type material. Holotype worker (AntWeb unique specimen identifier: FoCol2071 https://www.antweb.org/specimen/FoCol2071).

**Type depository.**MNHU.

The type was presumed lost by Bolton, 1980: 314; but B. Bolton (pers. comm. 17 April 2025) has noted that the schultzei holotype is not conspecific with mossamedense. Tetramorium schultzei is here reinstated and raised to species rank.

Tetramorium schultzei Forel, 1910a, stat. nov.

Subspecies of caespitum: Santschi 1914b: 367; Arnold 1917: 331; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 894; Emery 1924: 278.

Junior synonym of mossamedense: Bolton 1980: 314 (mistake); Bolton 1995: 414 (mistake).

F2. New genus combinations from male-based reevaluations. Based on a detailed morphological reexamination of male specimens that remained in Pachycondyla following the treatment of Schmidt and Shattuck (2014), the following new genus combinations are proposed.

F2.1 Bothroponera jonesii (Forel, 1891), comb. nov.

Lobopelta jonesii Forel, 1891 219 (m.) Madagascar.

Type locality. Madagascar: Forêt d’Andrangoloaka (F. Sikora).

Type material. Holotype male (AntWeb unique specimen identifier: CASENT0101709).

**Type depository.**MHNG.

Combination in Leptogenys by Emery (1911: 102).

Combination in Pachycondyla by Bolton (1975: 298).

Incertae sedis in Pachycondyla by Schmidt and Shattuck (2014: 155).

F2.2 Diacamma unicolor (Smith, 1860a), comb. nov.

Ponera unicolor Smith, 1860a 73 (m.) Indonesia (Sulawesi).

Type locality. Indonesia: Indonesia: Sulawesi (“Celebes”, Makassar, “Mak.” (A.R. Wallace).

Type material. Holotype male (apex of gaster missing) (AntWeb unique specimen identifier: CASENT0901368).

**Type depository.**OXUM.

Donisthorpe (1932: 458) cites 1 male in OXUM (see CASENT0901368). 2) There is a second male in OXUM, from Tondano (Sulawesi), apparently of the same species and complete (Bolton unpublished notes, 1978).

Combination in Pachycondyla (Bothroponera) by Donisthorpe (1932: 458).

Combination in Bothroponera by Joma and Mackay (2013: 2).

Incertae sedis in Pachycondyla by Schmidt and Shattuck (2014: 155).

F2.3 Pseudoneoponera vidua (Smith, 1857), comb. nov.

Ponera vidua Smith, 1857 68 (m.) Borneo (East Malaysia: Sarawak).

Type locality. Malaysia: Borneo, Sarawak, “SAR.” (A.R. Wallace).

Type material. Holotype male (gaster missing) (AntWeb unique specimen identifier: CASENT0901367).

**Type depository.**OXUM.

Donisthorpe (1932: 448) cites 1 male in OXUM (see CASENT0901367).

Combination in Pachycondyla by Donisthorpe (1932: 448).

Incertae sedis in Pachycondyla by Schmidt and Shattuck (2014: 155).

F2.4 Diacamma solitaria (Smith, 1860b), comb. nov.

Ponera solitaria Smith, 1860b 103 (m.) Indonesia (Bacan).

Type locality. Indonesia: Bachian (= Bacan I.), “Bac.” (A.R. Wallace).

Type material. Holotype male (head detached, glued separately onto the stage card) (AntWeb unique specimen identifier: CASENT0901366).

**Type depository.**OXUM.

Type notes. Donisthorpe, 1932: 461, cites 1 male in OXUM (see CASENT0901366).

Combination in Pachycondyla (Bothroponera) by Donisthorpe (1932: 461).

Combination in Bothroponera by Wilson (1958: 362); Joma and Mackay (2013: 2).

Combination in Pachycondyla by Brown (1995: 309).

Incertae sedis in Pachycondyla by Schmidt and Shattuck (2014: 155).

Supplementary Material

XML Treatment for Estevia

XML Treatment for Estevia megagastrosa

XML Treatment for Acromyrmex atrina

XML Treatment for Camponotus dorex

XML Treatment for Camponotus durnyx

XML Treatment for Camponotites flarex

XML Treatment for Camponotus robecchii clyne

XML Treatment for Camponotus substitutus cylrix

XML Treatment for Colobopsis breva

XML Treatment for Crematogaster scutellaris gynia

XML Treatment for Dolichoderus thoracicus jexina

XML Treatment for Ectomomyrmex pylixy

XML Treatment for Ectomomyrmex pylor

XML Treatment for Euponera tynara

XML Treatment for Formica lavateri liora

XML Treatment for Formica mytara

XML Treatment for Hypoponera rylin

XML Treatment for Hypoponera veltan

XML Treatment for Lepisiota vynia

XML Treatment for Temnothorax flavispinus novira

XML Treatment for Messor minor nubina

XML Treatment for Messor nuvia

XML Treatment for Pheidole arnoldi qindra

XML Treatment for Pseudoneoponera sublaevis quorra

XML Treatment for Strumigenys wylixa

XML Treatment for Camponotus chucki

XML Treatment for Camponotus foleyi cybira

XML Treatment for Camponotus maculatus brexyl

XML Treatment for Camponotus nixra

XML Treatment for Camponotus planus brina

XML Treatment for Carebara dazia

XML Treatment for Carebara xynera

XML Treatment for Colobopsis vitrea yevira

XML Treatment for Formica draven

XML Treatment for Messor draxil

XML Treatment for Pheidole singaporensis zolara

XML Treatment for Pseudolasius zynia

XML Treatment for Tetramorium drunex

XML Treatment for Tetramorium fenix

XML Treatment for Tetramorium flinex

XML Treatment for Temnothorax fynor

XML Treatment for Tetraponera vantix