Revision of the Ant Genus Xenomyrmex (Forel)

The objective is to revise the genus Xenomyrmex using morphology.  The revision will include the biogeography and a key to the species.  The genus Xenomyrmex has not been fully revised since William Steel Creighton revised his own work on the genus in 1957.  This particular genus has been difficult to diagnose by researchers in the past given the small size and quality of the specimens available.  It is my goal to analyze the material available and determine if the current taxonomic placement of the species and subspecies within the genus are correct.  I have obtained a number of specimens through the efforts of Dr. William Mackay and the UTEP biology department including types, cotypes, and paratypes from the Museum of Comparative Zoology and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (USNM).  The recognition of key morphology will be determined, rendering of key features into ink scale drawings.  Preliminary results show that there is noticeable difference in the previous diagnosis by researchers and the classification of the subspecies within the genus is more likely the same species.  This will be determined fully by diagnosing the provided specimens using morphologic keys and biogeography of the genus.   The revision of the genus Xenomyrmex will help researchers understand New World ant fauna and the effects of human disturbance on the biodiversity of the Neotropic Region.