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Student 10-Minute Paper

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

Student Competition

Student

Undergrad Competition SysEB: Biodiversity and Morphology

(2nd Place) Taxonomic revision of Nylanderia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) using morphometric analyses

Monday, November 6, 2023
8:48 AM – 9:00 AM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Chesapeake J-K
In-Person Student Competition
The genus Nylanderia has faced many revisions, especially in recent years. We aim to examine and refine species classifications in Nylanderia from Mesoamerica using morphometric analyses. This genus is extremely widespread and many of its species are “globetrotters.” Gathering more information about these species can inform global choices about their management in the future- some species in Nylanderia have become invasive pests, and others are likely to do so. A total of 174 specimens were collected and distributed between teams of undergraduate students in an Insect Research CURE at the University of Florida and Towson University for measurement and analysis. Our measurements include the scape length, dimensions of the head, Weber’s length, dimensions of the petiole, and counts of the macrosetae on the head and thorax. This was done with four different images of each specimen, using ImageJ. We then created multiple indices to attempt to clarify species differences between our specimens, focusing on general allometry, head proportions, and macrosetae. Of particular interest is one morphospecies that may be endemic to Belize and Honduras. By closing the gaps in the taxonomy of Nylanderia, we can improve our understanding of taxonomic relationships, identification of species in need of conservation, identification of invasive or problematic species, and identification of species that have not yet been described.