The ant genus Nesomyrmex Wheeler (Formicidae, Myrmicinae) from the threatened Colombian tropical dry forest: three new species, a new synonymy, and new distributional data

The species of the ant genus <i>Nesomyrmex</i> inhabiting the tropical dry forest (TDF) of Colombia are reviewed. Three new species of this genus, <i>Nesomyrmexiku</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, <i>Nesomyrmexkonina</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, and <i>Nesomyrmexxerophilus</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, are described based on worker caste. <i>Nesomyrmexvargasi</i> Longino, 2006 is recorded for the first time in South America, and <i>Nesomyrmexantoniensis</i> (Forel, 1912) is proposed as a junior synonym of <i>Nesomyrmexasper</i> (Mayr, 1887). A worker-based taxonomic identification key for the Colombian species is provided. High-resolution images and illustrations, and a distribution map for the species present in the Colombian TDF are provided.