| Morphology is the most direct approach biologists have to recognize uniqueness of insect species as compared to close relatives. Ants of the genus Procryptocerus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) possess important morphologic characters that have not been explored for use in a taxonomic revision. The genus is characterized by the protrusion of the clypeus forming a broad nasus and antennal scrobes over the eyes. The toruli are located directly posterior to the flanks of the nasus opposite to each other. The vertex is deflexed in most species. I present an in-group comparison of the external morphology focusing on the workers. I also present a general morphology for gynes and males. I analize previously mentioned characters as well as new ones, and clarify their character states in different species. For the metasoma I propose a new system of ant metasomal somite nomenclature applicable to Aculeata in general. Finally, a glossary of morphological terms is offered for the genus. Most of the terminology can be used in other members of the Formicidae and Aculeata.;Key words. Hymenoptera, Aculeata, Formicidae, external anatomy, Taxonomy, Cephalotini, qualitative characters. |
