A taxonomic review of <i>Colobopsis minus</i> (Wang & Wu, 1994), comb. nov. from China, with description of all castes (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

ABSTRACT: Camponotus and Colobopsis are two species-rich genera within the ant tribe Camponotini. Despite their non-sister phylogenetic relationship, pronounced morphological convergence has long complicated their taxonomic delineation. Here, we clarify the status of Colobopsis minus (Wang & Wu, 1994), comb. nov., a taxon historically misassigned to Camponotus, through an integrative approach combining COI phylogenetics, caste-specific morphometrics, and pupae type. We provide the first comprehensive description of all castes (minor and major workers, gynes, and males), alongside two taxonomic keys to Chinese Colobopsis species. Critical evidence for reclassification includes: (1) phragmotic major workers with Colobopsis-specific cephalic modification

SUBMITTER: Ye Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639361 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature