Phylogenetic Study of the Family Formicidae based on the Sensillum Structures on the Antennae and Labial Palpi (Hymenoptera, Aculeata)

The present study analyzed the sensillum structures on the antennae and labial palpi of Formicidae to test hypotheses proposed for the higher-level phylogeny of this family. Sensillum structures examined were the sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichoidea curvata, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla ampullacea, setiform sensilla and button-like sensilla. A cladistic analysis of the relationships of nine subfamilies was made based on fifteen morphological characters. Plesiomorphic and apomorphic states of the characters were determined by outgroup comparison with non-formicid aculeates. The recognized patterns in nesting relationships were : ((((Leptanillinae+Cerapachyinae+Amblyoponini of Ponerinae+Proceratiini of Ponerinae)+(Ponerini of Ponerinae+Odontomachini of Ponerinae)+(Ectatommini of Ponerinae+Myrmicinae)+Dorylinae)+(Pseudomyrmecinae+Myrmeciinae))+Dolichoderinae)+Formicinae. The close relationship between Cerapachyinae and Dorylinae, and that between Proceratiini and Ectatommini of Ponerinae, both of which were proposed by earlier authors, were not supported. The validity of Ponerinae to be placed as a monophyletic taxon was questioned.