A review of Paratopula Wheeler, a forgotten genus of Myrmicine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The small myrmicine genus Paratopula Wheeler is defined and reviewed for the first time. Four new species are described (ankistra, catocha, demeta, macta) and tentative

associations of workers with sexual forms are made where possible. Nine named species are recognized in the genus. The species oculatus (Smith), originally described in Cerapachys

(Ponerinae) is transferred into Paratopula, as is andamanensis (Forel), originally described in Tetraponera ( = Sima) (Pseudomyrmecinae ). Keys are presented for the

workers and known males and the history and affinities of the genus are discussed.