Corresponding author: Georg Fischer (
Academic editor: M. Borowiec
In this paper the genus
Fischer G, Azorsa F, Fisher BL (2014) The ant genus
The ant genus
In recent years, the boundaries of the ant genus
The differences between intermediate worker subcastes in
In addition to the inclusion of
The Natural History Museum (British Museum, Natural History), London, U.K.
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Insect Collection, Instituto Humboldt, Claustro de San Agustín, Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de la Ville de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
Museo Civico di Storia Naturale “Giacomo Doria”, Genova, Italy
Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel, Switzerland
Philip S. Ward Collection, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A.
The majority of specimens examined in this work are deposited in the ant collection at CASC, and PSWC. We also examined type material of
For morphological characters we followed
We present high-resolution images of all
All measurements were taken with a Leica M165 equipped with an orthogonal pair of micrometers up to a magnification of 160×.
The following terminology and abbreviations are used (see Fig.
head length: maximum distance from the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin to the midpoint of the posterior margin of the head, measured in full-face view; in majors, measured from the midpoint between anteriormost positions of clypeus to midpoint between posteriormost projections of the posterolateral lobes.
head width: measured at widest point of the head in full-face view.
scape length: maximum scape length, excluding basal condyle and neck.
eye length: maximum diameter of compound eye measured in oblique lateral view.
metafemur length: measured from the junction with the trochanter to the junction with the tibia.
metatibia length: measured from the junction with femur to the junction with first tarsal segment.
mandible length: maximum length, measured in oblique frontolateral view, from apex to lateral base.
pronotal width: maximum width of pronotum measured in dorsal view.
Weber’s length: diagonal length of mesosoma in lateral view from the anterior point of the pronotal slope and excluding the neck, to the posteroventral margin of the propodeum.
pronotum height: maximum height of pronotum, measured in profile from the posterior base of the lateral sides of pronotum, where procoxa is attached, to the highest point of the pronotum.
promesonotum height: maximum height of promesonotum, measured in profile from the anterior base of the katepisternum, where mesocoxa is attached, to the highest point of the dorsal pronotum.
propodeum height: maximum height of propodeum, measured in profile from the highest point of the dorsopropodeum perpendicular to a line that marks the lateroventral borders of the katepisternum and the propodeum.
propodeal spine length: in dorsocaudal view, with the apex of the measured spine, its base, and the center of the propodeal concavity between the spines in focus: measurement is taken from apex to base along one axis of a dual–axis micrometer, which is aligned along the length of the spine, while the second axis crosses the base of the measured spine, and connects the base with the center of the propodeal concavity.
petiole length: maximum diagonal length of petiole, measured in lateral view, from most anteroventral point of the peduncle, at or below the propodeal lobe, to most posterodorsal point at the junction withhelcial tergite.
petiole height: maximum height of petiole, measured in lateral view from the highest (median) point of the node, orthogonally to the ventral outline of the node.
petiole width: maximum width of the petiole node, measured in dorsal view.
postpetiole length: maximum length of postpetiole, measured in lateral view, from anterior beginning of the dorsal slope to the posterior end of postpetiole tergite.
postpetiole height: maximum height of postpetiole, measured in lateral view, from the highest (median) point of the node to the lowest point of the ventral process, often in an oblique line.
postpetiole width: maximum width of postpetiole, measured in dorsal view.
Illustration of standard measurements used for this revision:
Genera synonymised under
cephalic index: HW / HL × 100
scape index: SL / HW × 100
mandible index: MDL / HW × 100
eye index: EL / HW × 100
metafemur index: MFL / HW × 100.
propodeal spine index: PSL / HW × 100
lateral postpetiole index: PPL / PPH × 100
dorsal postpetiole index: PPW / PPL × 100
postpetiole width index: PPW / PTW × 100
postpetiole length index: PPL / PTL ×100
postpetiole height index: PPH / PTH × 100
postpetiole index: PPW / PNW × 100
These independently generated results finally led us to the current synonymization of
There are other examples of species within
Due to the considerable amount of morphological diversity across the genus
1. Antenna with eight to eleven segments and a two-segmented club.
2. Clypeus of minor workers usually with four distinct setae (some species with a central isolated seta).
3. Mandibles of workers triangular or subtriangular and usually with four to seven teeth or denticles present (3 teeth in
4. Palp formula 2,2 or 1,2.
5. Frontal lobes separated by median part of clypeus.
6. Eyes either absent or reduced to one or few ommatidia and situated anterior of cephalic midlength, or larger, not reduced, and situated at or posterior of cephalic midlength.
7. Antennal scrobes absent, weakly developed only in species with workers with phragmotic head.
8. Frontal carinae varying from absent to weakly developed and short to very rarely reaching beyond cephalic midlength, but never extending towards posterior head margin.
9. Promesonotal dorsum in profile convex to weakly convex, very rarely near-linear.
10. Propodeum often with a pair of spines, short teeth or angulate posterior corners, in which cases often with a lamella reaching down towards propodeal lobes, but sometimes propodeum posteriorly completely unarmed and rounded.
11. Petiole with a distinct peduncle and well-differentiated node.
12. Different worker subcastes in dimorphic and polymorphic species, sometimes with enormous size variation (e.g. in
13. Major workers, where present and especially when large, often with at least a few small remnants of queen flight sclerites present, and some
Some species, like
The establishment of the
The former
1. Antennae with usually eleven, but one species with nine segments; scapes, when laid back, never reaching or surpassing posterior head margin.
2. Eyes of minor workers small, in most specimens consisting of only one ommatidium, in major workers absent to multi-facetted, in all subcastes situated anterior to cephalic midlength and relatively close to anterior head margin.
3. Madibles with four to six teeth, number in minor workers often one less than in major workers.
4. Posterior margin of head concave to weakly concave medially, or nearly straight.
5. Frons in minor workers medially smooth and shiny.
6. Minor workers with short to comparatively long propodeal spines present, in major workers sometimes reduced to a blunted angle (
7. Minor and/or major workers often with petiolar ventral process present as anteriorly directed small tooth, which is sometimes reduced or inconspicuous.
8. Petiole node in minor workers usually subangulate to rounded in profile, dorsally smooth and shiny, in major workers very well-developed and high, the dorsum rounded to angulate-subangulate and anterodorsally compressed.
9. Minor worker postpetiole relatively elongate, distincly longer than high (LPpI 131–173) and lower than petiole, major worker postpetiole compact, dorsally rounded, and in profile about as high as long (LPpI 83–107).
Range in head shape and sculpture, the number of distinctly expressed mesosomal sclerites in major workers, and the propodeum varying from having spines or not in this group is relatively large and comparable to the range found in former
Six species occur in the Afrotropical region, two of them are widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa:
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Where necessary, the endings of specific epithets were changed in order to agree with the gender of the genus
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[Combined key for major and minor workers, but note that majors of
1a | Antennae with 11 segments. |
2 |
1b | Antennae with 9 segments. |
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Full-face view of
2a | 3 | |
2b | 5 |
Full-face view of
3a | 4 | |
3b |
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Full-face view of
4a |
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|
4b |
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Profile of
5a | 6 | |
5b | 7 |
Full-face view of
6a | Smaller species (HW major worker: 0.52–0.70). |
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6b | Slightly larger species (HW major worker: 0.64–0.99). |
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Profile of
7a |
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7b |
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Dorsal view of
Antennae with 11 segments.
Measurements (n=5): HW 0.31–0.32 (0.31), HL 0.32–0.33 (0.32), SL 0.20–0.21 (0.21), MDL 0.20-0.21 (0.20), EL 0.01–0.02 (0.01), WL 0.35–0.37 (0.35), PNH 0.14–0.16 (0.15), PNW 0.19–0.20 (0.19), MNH 0.20, PDH 0.14, PTL 0.13–0.14 (0.14), PPL 0.07–0.08 (0.08), PTH 0.09–0.11 (0.10), PPH 0.05–0.06 (0.05), PTW 0.05, PPW 0.08–0.09 (0.08), PSL 0.04–0.05 (0.04), MFL 0.23–0.25 (0.24), MTL 0.17–0.19 (0.18), CI 95–98 (97), SI 65–68 (67), MDI 65–67 (66), EI 4–5 (5), FI 74–80 (77), PSLI 12–15 (14), LPpI 136–143 (139), DPpI 100–116 (108), PpWI 157–190 (170), PpLI 53–58 (55), PpHI 50–67 (56).
Head in full-face view almost as wide as long (CI 95–98), narrowed anteriorly and posteriorly, posterior margin straight or feebly concave medially, posterolateral corners bluntly angulate, sides convex. Mandibles with four teeth, apical and preapical tooth larger than following teeth. Clypeus anteriorly concave, bicarinate, subangulate toward sides. Antennae with eleven segments, scapes failing to reach posterior margin of head by about the length of the preapical funicular segment. Eyes reduced to a single ommatidium. Frontal carinae present, usually feebly developed but long, in some specimens almost reaching posterior head margin.
In profile, promesonotum convex or weakly convex, metanotal groove broadly concave and deeply impressed. Dorsum of propodeum almost straight in profile and sloping posteriorly, anterodorsal corner convex, propodeal spines relatively short, triangular and upwardly directed, declivity of propodeum concave. Propodeal spiracle near posterior border of propodeum.
Petiole moderately long, peduncle in profile about as long as petiole node, ventral face convex, anteroventral corner with a small triangular tooth which, in some specimens, can be reduced and inconspicuous, petiole node broadly wedge-shaped and rounded dorsally. Postpetiole in profile weakly convex dorsally, almost straight ventrally, about 1.4 times longer than high (LPpI 136–143) and much lower than petiole (PpHI 50–67). In dorsal view, petiole node almost as wide as long, and roundly convex, postpetiole on average 1.7 times wider than petiole (PpWI 157–190), with convex sides and posteriorly wider than anteriorly.
Head with some irregular, longitudinal striations and rugosities, except for smooth and shiny frons. Mandibles and median portion of clypeus smooth and shiny with scattered punctures, face with scattered punctuations. Mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole areolate-rugose, except for smooth spot on anteroventral pronotum, and smooth and shiny petiole and postpetiole dorsum. Gaster smooth and shiny.
Head and body with relatively few long, suberect standing hairs and with decumbent to subdecumbent short pilosity. Scapes with abundant decumbent pilosity. Four longer hairs on clypeal margin extending close to the anterior border of mandibles. Color dark orange, legs and antennae lighter colored orange.
(major worker) CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Parc National Dzanga-Ndoki, Mabéa Bai, 21.4 km 53° NE Bayanga,
(8 major workers and 32 minor workers) 8 major workers, same data as holotype: CASC:
Antennae with nine segments.
Measurements (n=4): HW 1.09–1.13 (1.12), HL 1.19–1.28 (1.23), SL 0.52–0.54 (0.53), MDL 0.60–0.65 (0.63), EL 0.0, WL 1.02–1.07 (1.04), PNH 0.53–0.56 (0.54), PNW 0.55–0.56 (0.56), MNH 0.72–0.75 (0.74), PDH 0.49–0.51 (0.50), PTL 0.51–0.56 (0.54), PPL 0.32–0.33 (0.32), PTH 0.36–0.44 (0.41), PPH 0.31–0.33 (0.32), PTW 0.33–0.36 (0.34), PPW 0.44–0.50 (0.46), PSL 0.15–0.17 (0.16), MFL 0.69–0.74 (0.72), MTL 0.60–0.63 (0.62), CI 88–92 (91), SI 47–48 (47), MDI 55–58 (56), EI 0, FI 63–65 (64), PSLI 13–15 (15), LPpI 100–102 (101), DPpI 138–150 (143), PpWI 130–141 (135), PpLI 58–62 (60), PpHI 73–88 (78).
Head longer than wide (CI 88–92), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, slightly narrowed posteriorly, posterior margin shallowly concave medially, corners rounded, sides of head straight to weakly convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Frontal carinae absent or inconspicuous. Anterior margin of clypeus weakly concave, sides subangulate. Antennae nine-segmented, scapes short, not surpassing cephalic midlength (SI 47–48). Eyes absent.
In profile, promesonotum nearly straight or weakly convex, slightly higher than propodeum. Scutum well-developed, scutellum present, but smaller than scutum. Promesonotal suture present or absent on dorsum, metanotum present as small and reduced sclerite. Dorsal face of propodeum in profile straight, or slightly concave, declining posteriorly, propodeum with anterodorsal corner weakly rounded, posterior corners with a pair of stout and subtriangular teeth, declivity of propodeum vertical, slightly concave in the middle, lamella well–developed and extending from the propodeal teeth to the propodeal lobe, forming a subangulate triangular shape. Propodeal spiracle rounded, situated close to center of lateral propodeum.
Petiole with moderately long peduncle, ventral face concave and posterior margin convex, subpetiolar process relatively large, forward-directed. In profile, petiole node with anterior margin deeply concave in middle, posterior margin vertical, nearly straight to slightly concave, and dorsal face roundly convex. Petiole node high, and well developed, antero-posteriorly compressed. Postpetiole roundly convex, and lower than petiole. In dorsal view, postpetiole almost as wide as petiole (PPW 0.44–0.50, PTW 0.33–0.36), petiole node wider than long, and flattened anteroposteriorly, anterior face of petiole nearly straight, posterior face roundly convex, sides rounded, postpetiole wider than long, anterior face nearly straight and posterior face roundly convex, posterolateral corners convex.
Face, clypeus, mandibles, pronotum and mesonotum smooth and shiny with scattered punctures and widely spaced foveae, each punctum and fovea with small hair. Gena with longitudinal striations and weakly marked reticulations on frontal lobes, mandibles with weak rugulae laterally near the bases. Sculpture on mesosoma consisting of transverse striations at metapleuron, rugosities at the junctions of pronotum, anepisternum, katepisternum and metapleuron, and weak rugae on dorsopropodeum. Petiole node and postpetiole dorsally smooth and shiny, lateroventrally finely areolate. Gaster smooth and shiny, foveolate near the anterodorsal corner, and with weak longitudinal carinae at articulation to postpetiole. Head and body with very short and appressed to subdecumbent pilosity. Scape and tibiae with abundant and appressed pilosity. Color light to reddish brown, gaster, legs and antennae orange to very light brown.
Measurements (n=5): HW 0.33–0.41 (0.38), HL 0.37–0.45 (0.42), SL 0.26–0.29 (0.27), MDL 0.26–0.27 (0.26), EL 0.02–0.02 (0.02), WL 0.38–0.56 (0.45), PNH 0.16–0.20 (0.18), PNW 0.20–0.24 (0.22), MNH 0.22–0.27 (0.25), PDH 0.17–0.20 (0.19), PTL 0.17–0.20 (0.19), PPL 0.12–0.15 (0.14), PTH 0.12–0.14 (0.13), PPH 0.08–0.09 (0.09), PTW 0.05–0.07 (0.07), PPW 0.08–0.11 (0.10), PSL 0.05–0.06 (0.05), MFL 0.26–0.32 (0.30), MTL 0.20–0.26 (0.24), CI 88–92 (90), SI 69–84 (72), MDI 65–82 (70), EI 5–6 (5), FI 76–81 (79), PSLI 11–16 (13), LPpI 165–167 (165), DPpI 67–75 (71), PpWI 142–161 (156), PpLI 72–77 (75), PpHI 63–67 (66).
Head longer than wide (CI 88–92), in full-face view weakly subrectangular, with convex sides, nearly straight posterior head margin and rounded posterolateral corners. Mandibles with five teeth, apical and preapical teeth larger than others. Anterior margin of clypeus medially concave, bicarinate, with a small triangular tooth laterally. Frontal carinae extending beyond midlength of head. Antennae with nine segments, scapes ending before posterior quarter of head (SI 69–84). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EI 5–6).
In profile, promesonotum weakly convex, slightly more convex posterodorsally, metanotal groove narrow, but deeply impressed. Dorsum of propodeum straight to slightly convex and much shorter than posterior declivity, rounded anteriorly, declining posteriorly towards posterodorsal corners, spines small, acute-triangular, and upwardly directed, declivity of propodeum nearly straight and lamella of propodeal declivity concave medially between the spines and propodeal lobes. Propodeal spiracle situated close to posterolateral border of propodeum.
Petiole in profile with moderately short peduncle, ventral face almost straight or weakly concave at center, anteriorly directed subpetiolar process present, posteroventrally with a pronounced convex corner, petiole dorsum anteriorly concave, petiole node roundly convex. Postpetiole longer than high (LPpI 165-167), lower than petiole (PpHI 63–67), in profile dorsally convex and rounded, ventrally weakly convex. In dorsal view petiole node almost as wide as long, postpetiole almost 1.6 times wider than petiole (PpWI 142–161) with sides tapering anteriorly.
Head smooth and shiny at frons, rugulose at the sides and with scattered punctations except medially on frons, posterior margin of head with carina. Promesonotum, posterior declivity of propodeum, dorsum of petiole and postpetiole, and gaster smooth and shiny, remainder of mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole areolate rugulose. Head, scapes and tibiae with short, decumbent pilosity, mesosoma and metasoma with moderately long subdecumbent to suberect hairs and scattered shorter, decumbent pilosity. Color orange with lighter legs.
Named in memory Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918–5 December 2013), who was nicknamed Madiba by his people, former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary, often also described as “father of the nation”.
Antennae with 11 segments.
Measurements (n=1): HW 2.09, HL 1.78, SL 0.82, MDL 0.94, EL 0.15, WL 2.27, PNH 1.48, PNW 1.71, MNH 2.27, PDH 0.94, PTL 0.91, PPL 0.59, PTH 0.73, PPH 0.70, PTW 0.70, PPW 1.01, PSL 0.45, MFL 1.45, MTL 1.22, CI 117, SI 39, MDI 45, EI 7, FI 70, PSLI 21, LPpI 83, DPpI 172, PpWI 143, PpLI 64, PpHI 97.
Head distinctly wider than long (CI 117), in full-face view massive and weakly heart shaped, posteriorly wider than anteriorly. Posterior margin of head widely and shallowly emarginate, sides convex. Mandibles triangular and masticatory margin with six teeth including the basal tooth. Anterior margin of clypeus medially straight, laterally concave. Antennae eleven-segmented, scapes reaching slightly beyond midlength of head (SI 39). Eyes relatively small, multi-faceted (EI 7).
In profile, mesosoma queenlike and large, pronotum high, with large and convex scutum, scutellum inconspicuous, most likely fused with scutum. Promesonotal suture present, metanotal sclerite strongly reduced, present as narrow band below overhanging scutum-scutellum. Anepisternum and katepisternum large and well-separated from each other and segmental figs surrounded by relatively wide grooves with several short, parallel, coarse and transverse carinae. Dorsal face of propodeum nearly straight, propodeal spines relatively long, acute and with blunt tips, posterior declivity of propodeum slightly concave with a shallow lamella starting from below the base of the spines towards propodeal lobes. Propodeal spiracle situated nearly in the center of lateropropodeum.
Petiole with short peduncle, in profile ventrally straight, with rounded posteroventral corner, subpetiolar process short and digitiform, pointing anteroventrally, anterodorsal face slightly concave, posterodorsal face vertical and concave, petiole node massive and tapering apically, widely transverse on dorsal edge and posteriorly marginate. Postpetiole roundly convex in profile, about as high as petiole (PpHI 97) and distinctly higher than long (PpLI 64), convex anterodorsally, the posterior margin towards gaster oblique and linear, and with a very short ventral face. In dorsal view, petiole node anteriorly and posteriorly compressed, wider than long, anterior and posterior faces nearly straight, postpetiole about 1.4 times wider than petiole (PpWI 143), anterior and posterior faces convex.
Mandibles smooth and shiny, with weak rugulae laterally near the bases. Clypeus smooth and shiny medially, with lateral carinae. Frons and remainder of face with coarse, irregular, longitudinal rugose-reticulate sculpture, the interspaces superficially reticulate-punctate. Frontal carinae absent or inconspicuous. Dorsal pronotum anteriorly rugose-reticulate, grading to posteriorly weakly punctate, scutum grading from medially superficially punctate to laterally irregularly and posteriorly coarsely rugose-reticulate. Lateral pronotum, anepisternum and katepisternum mostly smooth and shiny, the latter weakly rugulose at margins. In profile propodeum longitudinally rugulose near the lateral base, dorsolaterally with coarse rugae and punctures in between. Posterior propodeal declivity weakly punctate. Petiole node punctate and with strong vertical rugae near the posterodorsal base. Postpetiole dorsum with irregular, longitudinal rugoreticulate sculpture. Gaster, near articulation to postpetiole, with many short, but strongly developed, longitudinal carinae, covered with a dense coat of short pubescence, and anterior quarter of first gastral tergite with faint longitudinal rugulae present.
Head and body with abundant long, erect to subdecumbent hairs, and with short, appressed to decumbent, very fine pilosity, the latter very abundant on postpetiole and gaster. Scapes and tibiae with short, very fine, and decumbent pilosity. Color reddish brown, antennae, legs and gaster yellowish light brown.
Measurements (n=5): HW 0.46–0.47 (0.46), HL 0.52–0.54 (0.53), SL 0.35–0.37 (0.36), MDL 0.27–0.29 (0.28), EL 0.02–0.03 (0.02), WL 0.52–0.65 (0.56), PNH 0.23–0.24 (0.23), PNW 0.26–0.28 (0.27), MNH 0.31–0.33 (0.32), PDH 0.23, PTL 0.23–0.26 (0.24), PPL 0.14–0.15 (0.15), PTH 0.14–0.15 (0.15), PPH 0.09–0.10 (0.10), PTW 0.07–0.09 (0.08), PPW 0.11–0.12 (0.11), PSL 0.09–0.10 (0.09), MFL 0.38–0.43 (0.41), MTL 0.30–0.34 (0.31), CI 86–89 (88), SI 76–80 (77), MDI 58–61 (60), EI 5–6 (5), FI 84–90 (88), PSLI 19–21 (20), LPpI 141–167 (153), DPpI 70–81 (76), PpWI 127–161 (140), PpLI 56–67 (62), PpHI 63–68 (65).
Head longer than wide (CI 86–89), narrowed anteriorly and posteriorly, posterior margin of head sharply concave, occipital corners convex, sides strongly convex. Mandibles with five well-defined teeth. Anteromedian margin of clypeus concave, with triangular denticle laterally. Antennae with eleven segments, scapes reaching about 6/7 towards posterior margin of head (SI 76–80). Eyes consisting of one ommatidium (EI 5–6).
In profile, promesonotum weakly convex to almost straight, roundly convex at posterodorsal corner, metanotal groove weakly impressed to inconspicuous. Pronotum in profile about as high as propodeum. Dorsum of propodeum slightly convex and much shorter than posterior declivity, propodeal spines long, very acute and lamellate, lamella reaching from spines down toward propodeal lobes. Propodeal spiracle in profile close to posterior border of propodeum, somewhat below base of spine.
In profile, petiole with relatively long peduncle, ventrally weakly concave near the anterior corner and convex near the posterior corner, with a very short and angular tooth anteriorly, anterodorsally deeply concave at center, peduncle about as long as petiole node, dorsal face of node subangulate, anterodorsally rounded. Postpetiole in profile on average about 1.5 times longer than high (LpPI 141–167) and lower than petiole (PpHI 63–68), dorsally convex, bluntly angulate anteriorly and slightly rounded posteriorly, with a small, convex ventral process anteriorly. In dorsal view, petiole node about 1.5 times longer than wide, postpetiole on average 1.4 times wider than petiole (PpWI 127–161), with anteriorly converging sides. Gaster very slender in dorsal view, with acute anterior corners lateral of postpetiole attachment.
Mandibles, clypeus and face smooth and shiny, malar area up to eye level weakly longitudinally striate, with one or a few faint striae reaching posteriorly towards posterolateral lobes. Frontal carinae moderately long, continuing behind eye level to about midlength of head. Promesonotum and posterior declivity of propodeum mostly smooth and shiny, but mesopleuron and lateral and dorsal propodeum entirely areolate. Petiole areolate. Postpetiole mostly smooth and shiny and covered with weak punctures. Gaster smooth and shiny.
Head and body with several, relativel uniformly spaced, moderately long suberect to subdecumbent hairs, short decumbent pilosity very scattered and almost entirely absent from head and body surface. Posterolateral head corners with two to three short stiff hairs. Scapes and tibiae with short, decumbent pilosity. Color dark orange with slightly lighter legs and gaster.
As the type material for this species could not be obtained during our studies, we used the original description and drawing of the type specimen by Arnold for the identification of our material. The facts that the material collected in Zambia is fairly close to the locality of the old types and that it does not fit the character distribution found within material of
Antennae with eleven segments.
Measurements (n=5): HW 0.52–0.70 (0.62), HL 0.68–0.95 (0.80), SL 0.28–0.38 (0.32), MDL 0.32–0.49 (0.38), EL 0.0–0.05 (0.03), WL 0.53–0.69 (0.62), PNH 0.24–0.35 (0.31), PNW 0.29–0.39 (0.36), MNH 0.37–0.51 (0.44), PDH 0.23–0.29 (0.26), PTL 0.22–0.30 (0.26), PPL 0.14–0.17 (0.15), PTH 0.16–0.22 (0.19), PPH 0.14–0.18 (0.16), PTW 0.13–0.18 (0.16), PPW 0.18–0.24 (0.22), PSL 0.07–0.11 (0.09), MFL 0.32–0.44 (0.38), MTL 0.27–0.40 (0.32), CI 74–80 (77), SI 48–54 (52), MDI 56–69 (62), EI 0–7 (5), FI 57–63 (61), PSLI 14–16 (15), LPpI 88–95 (92), DPpI 132–167 (151), PpWI 128–163 (142), PpLI 50–65 (58), PpHI 81–90 (85).
Head longer than wide (CI 74–80), in full-face view nearly rectangular. Posterior margin of head roundly concave in middle, posterolateral corners slightly rounded or truncate, sides of the head weakly convex, nearly straight. Mandibles with six teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus concave in middle, sides angulate. Antennae eleven-segmented, scapes short, not surpassing cephalic midlength (SI 48–54). Eyes present, usually consisting of six to eight ommantidia (EI 0–7).
In profile, promesonotum roundly convex and higher than propodeum. Scutum and scutellum fused, promesonotal suture absent dorsally, metanotum small but separated from promesonotum. Dorsal face of propodeum straight, or slightly concave, declining posteriorly, propodeal spines subtriangular, directed slightly forward, posterior declivity of propodeum concave in profile. Propodeal spiracle roundly convex, situated closer to dorsum of propodeum than middle, lamella present but not well-developed.
Petiole with long peduncle, in profile ventrally nearly straight or weakly convex, anterior subpetiolar process present as small tooth, petiole node relatively high, dorsally weakly rounded and anteriorly and posteriorly relatively straight to slightly convex. Postpetiole in profile dorsally roundly convex, lower than petiole. In dorsal view petiole node wider than long, anteroposteriorly flattened and slightly convex, sides somewhat rounded, postpetiole about 1.5 times wider than long (DPpI 132–167), on average 1.4 times wider than petiole (PpWI 128–163), shaped almost as a half-circle, with weakly concave anterior, and convex lateral and posterior faces.
Mandibles, clypeus and face mostly smooth and shiny with scattered punctures, head laterally and posteriorly with fine or well-defined, irregular striations or reticulations, gena with well developed and longitudinal reticulations extending to eye level, weakly marked reticulations present on frontal lobes, frontal carinae absent or inconspicuous. Dorsom of promesonotum smooth and shiny, remainder of mesosoma areolate-rugose to weakly areolate, but sculpture on antero- and lateropronotum and on anepisternum often effaced to partly smooth. Petiole node and postpetiole dorsally smooth and shiny, lateroventrally finely areolate. Gaster smooth and shiny with scattered punctures on dorsum.
Head and body with moderately long, suberect standing hairs and fine, decumbent to subdecumbent pilosity, both hair types abundant on gaster. Scapes and tibiae with abundant, decumbent pilosity. Color reddish brown, legs and antennae yellowish.
Measurements (n=7): HW 0.31–0.39 (0.35), HL 0.37–0.46 (0.42), SL 0.24–0.30 (0.28), MDL 0.20–0.27 (0.23), EL 0.01–0.02 (0.02), WL 0.38–0.56 (0.44), PNH 0.14–0.20 (0.17), PNW 0.20–0.25 (0.23), MNH 0.21–0.28 (0.25), PDH 0.15–0.20 (0.17), PTL 0.14–0.18 (0.15), PPL 0.09–0.11 (0.10), PTH 0.09–0.10 (0.11), PPH 0.06–0.08 (0.07), PTW 0.05–0.09 (0.07), PPW 0.08–0.11 (0.09), PSL 0.05–0.07 (0.06), MFL 0.25–0.32 (0.28), MTL 0.20–0.27 (0.24), CI 83–87 (85), SI 77–79 (78), MDI 63–69 (65), EI 4–6 (5), FI 77–81 (80), PSLI 14–19 (17), LPpI 133–173 (153), DPpI 81–93 (87), PpWI 122–143 (132), PpLI 59–71 (66), PpHI 60–67 (64).
Head longer than wide (CI 83–87), in full-face view weakly subrectangular, with convex sides, posterior margin slightly concave in middle, posterolateral corners rounded. Mandibles with five teeth, apical and preapical teeth larger than the rest. Anterior margin of clypeus nearly straight, or weakly concave, bicarinate. Frontal carinae not reaching midlength of head, ending posterior of eye level. Antennae with eleven segments, scapes ending before posterior margin of head (SI 77–79). Eyes consisting of one ommatidium (EI 4–6).
In profile, promesonotum weakly convex, anterodorsally marginate, metanotal groove rounded and deeply impressed. Dorsum of propodeum straight, declining towards posterodorsal corners, and about as long as weakly concave posterior declivity, spines acute-triangular and upwardly directed. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated closely beneath the base of spines.
Peduncle of petiole about as long as petiole node, in profile ventral face anteriorly weakly concave, with very short to almost inconspicuous angulate tooth, and posteriorly convex, petiole node low and dorsally rounded to subtriangular. Postpetiole in profile on average 1.5 times longer than high (LPpI 133-173), lower than petiole (PpHI 60-67), weakly convex dorsally and ventrally weakly concave. In dorsal view, petiole node slightly wider than long, weakly convex laterally, anteriorly and posteriorly slightly convex, postpetiole on average 1.3 times wider than petiole (PpWI 122-143), posterior face roundly convex, with sides oblique and tapering anteriorly.
Mandibles, clypeus and face smooth and shiny with relatively abundant punctures. Promesonotum smooth and shiny, remainder of mesosoma areolate. Petiole and postpetiole areolate–rugose, except for smooth and shiny dorsum of petiole node and lateral and dorsal face of postpetiole. Gaster smooth and shiny.
Head and body with relatively few erect to suberect standing hairs and relativley abundant, decumbent pilosity. Scapes and tibiae with decumbent pilosity. Color yellowish orange.
Antennae with 11 segments.
Measurements (n=6): HW 1.20–1.74 (1.62), HL 1.17–1.77 (1.59), SL 0.65–0.74 (0.70), MDL 0.68–0.86 (0.80), EL 0.09–0.15 (0.13), WL 1.58–1.80 (1.71), PNH 0.83–1.05 (0.97), PNW 0.93–1.17 (1.07), MNH 1.13–1.35 (1.28), PDH 0.72–0.77 (0.75), PTL 0.65–0.72 (0.68), PPL 0.42–0.48 (0.45), PTH 0.54–0.57 (0.55), PPH 0.47–0.51 (0.48), PTW 0.47–0.58 (0.55), PPW 0.63–0.69 (0.67), PSL 0.29–0.33 (0.31), MFL 1.07–1.16 (1.12), MTL 0.84–0.95 (0.89), CI 97–108 (102), SI 40–54 (44), MDI 45–56 (50), EI 5–9 (8), FI 62–94 (71), PSLI 17–28 (19), LPpI 88–100 (94), DPpI 140–153 (148), PpWI 109–135 (122), PpLI 63–70 (60), PpHI 84–89 (87).
Head about as long as wide (CI 97–108), in full-face view weakly subquadrate, with posteriorly slightly diverging, convex sides, posterior margin usually triangularly emarginate and with small protuberances or horns at posterolateral lobes. Mandibles with five well-developed teeth. Clypeus slightly concave at anteromedian margin, laterally with two carinae. Antennae eleven-segmented, scapes short, reaching slightly beyond midlength of head (SI 40–54). Eyes present, with between ten and sixteen ommatidia (EI 5–9).
In profile, promesonotum roundly convex, much higher than propodeum. Scutum well-developed, scutellum either fused with scutum or vestigial in most specimens, but well-developed in a few major workers. Promesonotal suture present on dorsum, metanotum developed and usually well-separated. Anepisternum and katepisternum large and well separated by a wide groove with some cross-ribs. Dorsal face of propodeum straight and declining posteriorly, propodeal spines comparatively short and stout with rounded tips, declivity of propodeum slightly concave, with lamella reaching from basal edge of spines towards propodeal lobes. Propodeal spiracle close to center of propodeum.
Petiole with moderately short peduncle, in profile ventrally weakly concave with rounded posterior corner, subpetiolar process short and subtriangular to reduced, petiole node in profile high and subrectangular, anteriorly concave, posterior margin vertical and nearly straight, dorsal face nearly straight or weakly convex. Postpetiole in profile lower than petiole (PpHI 84–89), subglobular, almost as long as high (LpPI 88–100), dorsally roundly convex, ventral face much shorter than dorsal face. In dorsal view, petiole wider than long, strongly flattened anteroposteriorly, anterior and posterior faces straight to almost straight, postpetiole weakly hexagonally shaped, on average 1.2 times as wide as petiole (PpWI 109–135), and sides weakly subangulate anteriorly and towards posterior face.
Mandible and head with scattered punctures, except medially on frons. Mandibles smooth and shiny, and laterally weakly striate, clypeus smooth and shiny, with lateral carinae, frons finely longitudinally rugulose, rugulae diverging posteriorly towards posterolateral lobes, at sides of head weaker and more irregular, interspaces weakly to faintly punctate-rugose. Frontal carinae weakly developed, length varying from reaching towards anterior eye level to about midlength of head.
Dorsum of pronotum and scutum variably circularly striate, sometimes only on margins, with center being smooth and shiny, lateral portions of pronotum, anepisternum and katepisternum mostly smooth and shiny to faintly striate. Propodeum longitudinally striate lateroventrally, dorsally and dorsolaterally coarsely sculptured with irregular rugulae, posterior propodeal declivity shagreened or micropunctate. Petiole and postpetiole densely punctate lateroventrally, grading to smooth and shiny on dorsal faces. Gaster smooth and shiny, anteriorly, at articulation with postpetiole, weakly punctate.
In profile, head and body with several short, suberect hairs and scattered short, appressed pilosity. Head in full-face view with two or three relatively coarse suberect hairs present on posterolateral lobes. Scapes and tibiae with abundant appressed and yellow pilosity. Color reddish brown, legs and antennae yellowish or light brown.
Measurements (n=11): HW 0.43–0.54 (0.51), HL 0.50–0.62 (0.57), SL 0.36–0.44 (0.41), MDL 0.25–0.32 (0.30), EL 0.00–0.03 (0.02), WL 0.48–0.76 (0.58), PNH 0.23–0.29 (0.26), PNW 0.26–0.32 (0.29), MNH 0.33–0.42 (0.38), PDH 0.23–0.29 (0.26), PTL 0.23–0.29 (0.25), PPL 0.14–0.18 (0.16), PTH 0.15–0.17 (0.16), PPH 0.10–0.12 (0.11), PTW 0.08–0.12 (0.10), PPW 0.11–0.15 (0.13), PSL 0.08–0.11 (0.09), MFL 0.38–0.49 (0.45), MTL 0.29–0.38 (0.35), CI 86–91 (88), SI 78–84 (81), MDI 53–62 (59), EI 0–7 (5), FI 78–92 (88), PSLI 16–21 (18), LPpI 136–171 (147), DPpI 75–91 (83), PpWI 119–136 (126), PpLI 58–75 (63), PpHI 61–73 (66).
Head in full-face view longer than wide (CI 86–91), with strongly convex sides, posterior margin of head sharply concave, posterolateral corners angulate to subangulate. Mandibles with four well-defined teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus deeply concave medially, bicarinate and anteriorly divergent, laterally with two small, triangular teeth. Frontal carinae extending towards the cephalic midlength. Antennae with eleven segments, scapes reaching about 6/7 towards posterior margin of head (SI 78–84). Eyes usually present and consisting of one or two ommatidia, rarely no ommatidia visible (EI 0–7).
In profile, promesonotal dorsum smoothly rounded and convex, metanotal groove shallowly impressed. Dorsum of propodeum slightly convex and much shorter than posterior declivity, spines long and lamellate, lamella reaching from spines down toward large propodeal lobes. Propodeal spiracle closer to posterodorsal corner than center of propodeum.
Petiole in profile with moderately long peduncle, ventrally nearly straight, anteroventral corner with a very short to inconspicuous angulate tooth present, petiole node anteriorly slightly concave, posteriorly weakly convex, and dorsal face weakly convex to subangulate anteriorly and posteriorly. Postpetiole in profile convex, on average 1.5 times longer than high (LPpI 136–171), lower than petiole (PpHI 61–73). In dorsal view petiole anteriorly and laterally convex, postpetiole slightly wider than petiole (PpWI 119–136), postpetiole convex and tapering anteriorly, sides subparallel, posteriorly almost straight to faintly convex.
Mandibles, clypeus and face smooth and shiny, with scattered punctures, malar area up to eye level longitudinally striate. Mesosoma mostly smooth and shiny without microsculpture, propodeal lamella, dorsal and posterior propodeal margins weakly alveolate. Petiole weakly alveolate, dorsal face of node, postpetiole and gaster mostly smooth and shiny. Head and body usually without standing hairs and with very little appressed pilosity, in some specimens a few erect, relatively short and stiff hairs with blunt apices present on mesosoma and gaster. Scapes and tibiae with short, appressed pilosity. Color orange to dark brown (in Kibale and Semuliki National Parks, Uganda).
Antennae with eleven segments.
Measurements (n=6): HW 0.64–0.99 (0.85), HL 0.79–1.15 (1.02), SL 0.34–0.45 (0.41), MDL 0.38–0.57 (0.49), EL 0.04–0.07 (0.05), WL 0.58–0.87 (0.75), PNH 0.24–0.46 (0.37), PNW 0.32–0.48 (0.42), MNH 0.39–0.62 (0.53), PDH 0.24–0.38 (0.31), PTL 0.20–0.36 (0.28), PPL 0.15–0.21 (0.18), PTH 0.17–0.27 (0.22), PPH 0.14–0.23 (0.18), PTW 0.13–0.18 (0.15), PPW 0.15–0.23 (0.20), PSL 0.09–0.15 (0.12), MFL 0.37–0.60 (0.50), MTL 0.31–0.52 (0.43), CI 76–87 (83), SI 45–53 (49), MDI 56–61 (58), EI 6–7 (6), FI 57–65 (59), PSLI 13–16 (14), LPpI 92–107 (99), DPpI 100–128 (112), PpWI 122–144 (133), PpLI 56–81 (66), PpHI 76–88 (83).
Head longer than wide (CI 76–87), in full-face view nearly rectangular to subquadrate. Posterior margin of head weakly concave to V-shaped medially, posterolateral corners roundly convex, sides of the head nearly straight to slightly convex. Mandibles triangular and masticatory margin with five teeth including the basal tooth. Frontal carinae short or inconspicuous. Anterior margin of clypeus concave medially, sides angulate. Antennae with eleven segments, scapes short and not surpassing cephalic midlength (SI 45–53). Eyes small and consisting of one ommatidium (EI 6-7).
In profile, promesonotum roundly convex and higher than propodeum. Promesonotal suture present or absent on dorsum, metanotal groove present and impressed. Dorsal face of propodeum straight in profile, or slightly concave and declining posteriorly, anterodorsal corner weakly angulate, propodeal spines stout and subtriangular, posterior declivity concave. Propodeal spiracle rounded, situated slightly above center of lateral propodeum.
Petiole with relatively long peduncle, ventrally weakly concave anteriorly and slightly convex posteriorly, sometimes nearly straight over the whole length, subpetiolar process present as a small, angulate, forward-directed tooth, petiole node relatively high, anteroposteriorly somewhat compressed, dorsally subangulate anteriorly and posteriorly in smaller major workers, rounded in larger majors. Postpetiole in profile roundly convex dorsally, about as high as long (LPpI 92–107), and lower than petiole (PpHI 76–88). In dorsal view petiole node small, wider than long, anteriorly and posteriorly flattened and nearly straight to weakly convex, sides subangulate, postpetiole slightly wider than long (DpPI 100–128), about 1.3 times wider than petiole (PpWI 122–144), anteriorly and posteriorly weakly convex, laterally roundly convex.
Mandibles, clypeus and frons medially, and in large majors most of face, smooth and shiny with scattered punctures. In small majors sides of face with irregular longitudinal reticulations, grading to transverse reticulations towards posterior head margin, and with a transverse carina near posterior margin. In large majors, posterior head margin with transverse carina and with short transverse reticulations anterior and posterior of transverse carina. In all majors gena and frontal lobes with well-defined longitudinal striations. Dorsum of promesonotum centrally smooth and shiny, weakly reticulate near its margins, remainder of mesosoma areolate to weakly areolate, sometimes locally effaced on lateropronotum and katepisternum. Petiole node and postpetiole dorsally smooth and shiny, lateroventrally finely areolate. Gaster smooth and shiny with scattered punctures.
Head and body with moderately long suberect to subdecumbent hairs and short decumbent pilosity, scapes and tibiae with mostly decumbent pilosity. Color reddish brown, legs and antennae yellowish.
Measurements (n=4): HW 0.36–0.44 (0.40), HL 0.41–0.51 (0.46), SL 0.29–0.34 (0.32), MDL 0.23–0.29 (0.26), EL 0.02, WL 0.45–0.59 (0.53), PNH 0.17–0.22 (0.19), PNW 0.23–0.27 (0.25), MNH 0.25–0.31 (0.28), PDH 0.17–0.22 (0.19), PTL 0.15–0.18 (0.16), PPL 0.11–0.12 (0.11), PTH 0.09–0.11 (0.10), PPH 0.08–0.09 (0.08), PTW 0.07–0.08 (0.08), PPW 0.08–0.10 (0.09), PSL 0.07–0.08 (0.07), MFL 0.30–0.39 (0.34), MTL 0.26–0.32 (0.29), CI 86–88 (87), SI 76–91 (81), MDI 62–66 (65), EI 4–6 (5), FI 80–91 (84), PSLI 17–19 (18), LPpI 139–160 (147), DPpI 69–81 (75), PpWI 109–122 (115), PpLI 67–80 (71), PpHI 71–83 (77).
Head longer than wide (CI 86–88), in full-face view anteriorly and posteriorly narrowed, sides strongly convex, posterior margin of head sharply concave, posterolateral corners angulate. Mandibles triangular with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus concave, bicarinate and divergent forward, sides angulate. Frontal carinae not surpassing midlength of head. Antennae eleven-segmented, scapes not reaching posterior head margin (SI 76–91). Eyes consisting of one ommatidium (EI 4-6).
In profile, promesonotum weakly convex, posterodorsal corner roundly convex, metanotal groove rounded and deeply impressed, pronotum anterodorsally transversely carinate. Dorsum of propodeum in profile straight, declining posteriorly, anterodorsal corner rounded, propodeal spines subtriangular and upwardly directed, posterior declivity of propodeum concave, lamella extending from the spines to the lobes. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated below the base of spines and close to posterior border of lateral propodeum.
Petiole with relatively long peduncle, ventrally weakly concave anteriorly and slightly convex posteriorly, sometimes nearly straight over whole length, subpetiolar process present as small, angulate, forward-directed tooth, petiole node relatively low, small, subtriangular, or subangulate anteriorly and posteriorly. Postpetiole roundly convex in profile, on average about 1.5 times longer than high (LPpI 139–160), and lower than petiole (PpHI 71–83). In dorsal view petiole node small, almost wider than long, anteriorly weakly convex, posteriorly almost straight, sides subangulate, postpetiole longer than wide (DpPI 69–81), slightly wider than petiole (PpWI 109–122), anteriorly tapering, almost pedunculate, sides and posterior face roundly convex.
Mandibles, clypeus and frons smooth and shiny with scattered punctures, remainder of face irregularly rugreticulate. Dorsum of promesonotum weakly reticulate except for smooth and shiny center, and central area of lateral pronotum with effaced sculpture. Remainder of lateropronotum, mesopleuron and propodeum areolate, except smooth and shiny posterior declivity. Gaster and dorsum of petiole node and postpetiole smooth and shiny, remainder weakly areolate to areolate-rugose.
Head and body with moderalely long suberect to subdecumbent hairs and short decumbent pilosity. Scapes and tibiae with decumbent pilosity. Color reddish brown, legs and antennae yellowish.
Antennae with eleven segments.
Measurements (n=4): HW 0.97–0.99 (0.98), HL 1.01–1.06 (1.04), SL 0.41–0.44 (0.43), MDL 0.53–0.54 (0.53), EL 0.08, WL 0.97–1.02 (0.99), PNH 0.53–0.57 (0.54), PNW 0.56–0.61 (0.58), MNH 0.64–0.68 (0.66), PDH 0.42–0.46 (0.45), PTL 0.42–0.46 (0.44), PPL 0.25–0.26 (0.26), PTH 0.35–0.38 (0.37), PPH 0.26–0.30 (0.28), PTW 0.31–0.35 (0.33), PPW 0.38–0.43 (0.41), PSL 0.11–0.14 (0.13), MFL 0.58–0.61 (0.60), MTL 0.44–0.46 (0.45), CI 93–95 (94), SI 43–44 (44), MDI 54–55 (55), EI 8–9 (8), FI 60–62 (61), PSLI 12–14 (13), LPpI 88–96 (91), DPpI 152–167 (161), PpWI 124–132 (127), PpLI 57–60 (58), PpHI 74–80 (77).
Head slightly longer than wide (CI 93–95), in full-face view nearly subquadrate. Posterior margin of head with deep, V-shaped emargination, posterolateral corners rounded, sides subparallel and almost straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus nearly straight, sides convex. Frontal carinae absent to inconspicuous. Antenna with eleven segments, scapes short and reaching to about midlength of head (SI 43–44). Eyes present, multi-faceted, and comparatively large (EI 8–9).
In profile, promesonotum queen-like with moderately high pronotum, comparatively long scutum, and short scutellum, the latter slightly to strongly raised above convex to weakly convex dorsal outline of mesosoma. Promesonotal suture on dorsum present as broad impression, metanotum small and obliquely raised posteriorly. Propodeum higher than long in profile, with dorsal face oblique, declining posteriorly, propodeal spines and posterolateral lamella absent to reduced to slightly raised, posterior corners bluntly angulate, posterior declivity subvertical with well-developed lobe. Propodeal spiracle roundly convex and situated closer to dorsum of propodeum than to its center, not close to posterior declivity.
Petiole with relatively short peduncle, anteroventrally concave, with very conspicuous, short to relatively long, finger-like anterior process, posteroventrally convex, petiole node high, anteriorly oblique to weakly concave, posteriorly vertical and weakly concave, dorsum straight with a rounded angle anteriorly and a sharp right angle posteriorly. Postpetiole in profile squarish with rounded corners and lower than petiole (PpHI 74-80), with shallow, anteriorly angulate ventral process, anterior face almost vertical, dorsum almost straight and posterior face short and oblique. In dorsal view, petiole node much wider than long and anteroposteriorly flattened, anteriorly slightly convex, posterioly transverse and sharply marginate, postpetiole with wide, lamellate processes extending lateroventrally (PpWI 124-132), the node itself narrower than petiole and slightly wider than long, with convex sides, and anterior and posterior margins almost transverse.
Mandibles smooth and shiny, laterally weakly striate and with scattered punctures. Clypeus smooth and shiny, with several weak lateral carinae. Sculpture on frons and anterior sides of head with strong, irregular rugae, posterior parts of face coarsely rugoreticulate, interspaces weakly to superficially punctate, ventral side of head with long, parallel, longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma mostly coarsely and very irregularly rugoreticulate with punctate ground sculpture, rugoreticulate sculpture can be reduced on lateral surfaces, anepisternum sometimes with smooth and shiny area posteriorly. Petiole node and postpetiole dorsally smooth and shiny to faintly punctate, gaster shagreened or superficially punctate. Head and body usually with abundant, erect to suberect hairs of varying length and shorter decumbent to suberect pilosity, scapes and tibiae with appressed to decumbent pilosity and long suberect to erect hairs along outer edge. Color reddish brown, appendages and gaster light brown.
Measurements (n=5): HW 0.36–0.44 (0.40), HL 0.41–0.51 (0.46), SL 0.29–0.34 (0.32), MDL 0.23–0.29 (0.26), EL 0.02, WL 0.45–0.59 (0.53), PNH 0.17–0.22 (0.19), PNW 0.23–0.27 (0.25), MNH 0.25–0.31 (0.28), PDH 0.17–0.22 (0.19), PTL 0.15–0.18 (0.16), PPL 0.11–0.12 (0.11), PTH 0.09–0.11 (0.10), PPH 0.08–0.09 (0.08), PTW 0.07–0.08 (0.08), PPW 0.08–0.10 (0.09), PSL 0.07–0.08 (0.07), MFL 0.30–0.39 (0.34), MTL 0.26–0.32 (0.29), CI 86–88 (87), SI 76–91 (81), MDI 62–66 (65), EI 4–6 (5), FI 80–91 (84), PSLI 17–19 (18), LPpI 139–160 (147), DPpI 69–81 (75), PpWI 109–122 (115), PpLI 67–80 (71), PpHI 71–83 (77).
Head almost as wide as long (CI 93–95), posterior margin nearly straight to weakly concave, sides convex. Mandible with four well-defined teeth, apical and preapical tooth larger than others. Anterior margin of clypeus very weakly concave, at each side with a triangular tooth. Frontal carinae moderately long, sometimes reaching posterior third of head. Antenna with eleven segments, scape short and reaching about 6/7 towards posterior margin of head (SI 76–91). Eyes consisting of one ommatidium (EI 4–6).
In profile, dorsum of promesonotum weakly convex, anteriorly sharply marginate and right-angled, posteriorly curving slightly downwards toward widely, but shallowly impressed metanotal groove. Dorsum of propodeum convex, softly declining posteriorly and slightly shorter than posterior declivity, anterodorsal corner convex, propodeal spines relatively short, acute (PSLI 14–15) and lamellate, lamella proceeding ventrally, ending in large propodeal lobes. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated close to base of spines.
Petiole in profile with peduncle about as long as petiole node, anteroventrally concave, with small, acute, anteriorly pointing ventral process, posteroventrally weakly convex, petiole node low and dorsally rounded. Postpetiole in profile dorsally convex, ventrally almost straight, on average 1.5 times longer than high (LPpI 139–160), lower than petiole (PpHI 71–83). In dorsal view, petiole node almost as wide as long, anteriorly roundly convex, posteriorly nearly straight or weakly convex, postpetiole longer than wide (DPpI 69–81), slightly wider than petiole (PpWI 109–122), anteriorly tapering and posteriorly weakly concave. Gaster slender in dorsal view, its anterior margin straight to faintly convex.
Mandibles, clypeus and center of frons smooth and shiny, remainder of face coarsely rugoreticulate, with scattered punctures. Promesonotum dorsally with several irregular longitudinal rugae, interspaces superficially punctate to smooth, remainder of mesosoma alveolate, alveolae on basal lateropronotum sometimes strongly effaced. Gaster and dorsum of petiole and postpetiole smooth and shiny, remainder of waist segments weakly alveolate.
Head and body with long, suberect to erect hairs and shorter subdecumbent to decumbent pilosity. Scapes and tibiae with decumbent to subdecumbent pilosity, the latter with longer suberect hairs along outer edge. Color orange to dark orange with lighter colored antennae, legs and gaster.
Antenna with eleven segments.
Measurements (n=5): HW 0.44–0.49 (0.47), HL 0.50–0.54 (0.52), SL 0.37–0.38 (0.38), MDL 0.27–0.29 (0.28), EL 0.02–0.03 (0.03), WL 0.52–0.54 (0.53), PNH 0.20–0.21 (0.21), PNW 0.26–0.28 (0.27), MNH 0.29–0.31 (0.30), PDH 0.20–0.22 (0.21), PTL 0.21–0.23 (0.22), PPL 0.13–0.14 (0.14), PTH 0.14–0.15 (0.14), PPH 0.10–0.11 (0.10), PTW 0.08–0.09 (0.08), PPW 0.10–0.11 (0.10), PSL 0.10–0.11 (0.10), MFL 0.40–0.42 (0.41), MTL 0.30–0.34 (0.31), CI 87–90 (89), SI 78–86 (81), MDI 58–62 (60), EI 5–7 (6), FI 85–93 (88), PSLI 21–23 (22), LPpI 131–146 (138), DPpI 68–81 (75), PpWI 113–130 (123), PpLI 59–68 (63), PpHI 68–72 (70).
Head longer than wide (CI 87–90), in full-face view rounded oval to subcircular, narrowed anteriorly and posteriorly, posterior margin weakly concave. Sides strongly convex, smoothly rounding into posterolateral corners. Mandible triangular with five teeth apical and preapical tooth larger than the others. Anterior margin of clypeus concave, bicarinate and divergent forward, sides with short triangular teeth. Antennae with eleven segments, scape almost reaching posterior margin of head (SI 78–86). Eyes consisting of one ommatidium, situated comparatively close to anterolateral margin of head (EI 5–7).
In profile, promesonotum convex, metanotal groove moderately impressed. Dorsum of propodeum short in profile and slightly convex, posteriorly with long, acute, blade-like, and posteriorly pointing spines, in dorsal view distinctly longer than distance between their bases, declivity of propodeum faintly concave to straight and oblique, with straight lamella. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated near the base of the spines.
Petiole in profile with peduncle slightly longer than petiole node, ventrally almost straight with straight and shallowly lamellate anterior process and rounded posterior corner, petiole node low, anterodorsally and posterodorsally with short, weakly concave faces, dorsal face almost straight and subangulate anteriorly and posteriorly. Postpetiole in profile on average 1.4 times longer than high (LPpI 131–146), lower than petiole (PpHI 68–72), anteroventrally weakly convex. In dorsal view, petiole node narrow, distinctly longer than wide, anteriorly tapering, posteriorly almost straight, postpetiole distinctly longer than wide (DPpI 68–81), slightly wider than petiole (PpWI 113–130), anteriorly tapering, almost pedunculate, and posterior face convex. Gaster anterolaterally with acute shoulders around posterior base of postpetiole.
Mandibles and head smooth and shiny with some punctures, except on frons, malar region anterior of eye level with short rugulae. Mesosoma and metasoma mostly smooth and shiny, except for weak areolae on mesopleuron and metapleuron, comparatively long cross-ribs at dorsal metanotal groove, superficial areolae on anterolateral border of propodeum and on posterolateral lamella. Anterodorsal and ventral surface of petiole weakly to superficially areolate, ventral face of postpetiole weakly punctate.
Standing hairs relatively short and stout, not abundant, evenly distributed, and mostly arrayed in pairs from head to gaster. Scapes and metatibiae with appressed to weakly decumbent pilosity. Color yellowish orange.
Distribution maps for the
Minor workers of
We would like to express our gratitude to two anonymous reviewers for their critiques and valuable comments on earlier versions on the manuscript, including a better understanding of several species’ distributions. We greatly appreciate the help of Dr. Brian Brown, Wieping Xie, and Giar-Ann (LACM), Dr. Stefan Cover and Gary Alpert (MCZC), Dr. Giulio Cuccodoro (MHNG), Dr. Claire Villemant (MNHN), Dr. Maria Tavano (MSNG), Dr. Daniel Burckhardt and Isabell Zürcher-Pfänder (NHMB), and Prof. Phil Ward and Marek Borowiec (Davis, CA) for kindly sending us type and other material of