UCE phylogenomics resolves major relationships among ectaheteromorph ants (Formicidae: Ectatomminae, Heteroponerinae): a new classification for the subfamilies and the description of a new genus

Uncovering the evolutionary history of the subfamilies Ectatomminae and Heteroponerinae, currently referred to as ectaheteromorphs, is key to understand a major branch of the ant tree of life. Despite their diversity and ecological importance, they remain poorly explored using molecular sequence data and consequeantly many relationships remain uncertain. One particularly suitable tool for resolving phylogeny is the use of ultraconserved elements (UCEs), which have been shown to be ideal markers at a variety of evolutionary time scales. In the present study, we used target enrichment and multiplexing to sample 2,126 UCEs from 130 specimens belonging to the subfamilies Ectatomminae and Heteroponerinaeectaheteromorphs. Trees recovered from partitioned maximum likelihood and species tree analyses were well resolved and largely congruent. The results are consistent with an expanded concept of Ectatomminae that includes the tribe Heteroponerini new synonymtatus. Seven monophyletic groups are recognized as genera: Acanthoponera, Boltonnia Camacho & Feitosa new genus , Acanthoponera, Ectatomma, Gnamptogenys, Heteroponera, Rhytidoponera, Ectatomma, Gnamptogenys, and Stictoponera status revived. The genus Typhlomyrmex is proposed as a new synonym of Gnamptogenys. A complete assessment of the biogeographical and chronological evolution of ectaheteromorph ants is intended for later publication. The new phylogenetic framework and classification proposed here will shed light on the study of Ectatomminae taxonomy and systematics, as well as for the morphological evolution of the groups that it comprises.