Dicaelotus
Dicaelotus is one of the largest phaeogenin genera and is one of the least known in the Nearctic. Similar to some misplaced species of Herpestomus (incorrectly placed in Dicaelotus), Dicaelotus entirely lacks thyridia or gastrolcoeli and has a punctate postpetiole. However, the head morphology is quite different (head somewhat convex and clypeus narrowed in Herpestomus) and Dicaelotus has a distinctive heart-shaped or at least posteriorly impressed areola.
There are tens of undescribed Dicaeltotus species in North America many in the West.
Diagnosis
- mandible normally shorter and flatter than most other Phaeogenini
- areola heart-shaped or at least strongly impressed posteriorly
- gastrocoelus and thyridium absent
- female metasomal apex oxypygous