(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Mahajanga, Forêt de Tsimembo, 11.0 km 346° NNW Soatana, -18.99528, 44.4435, 50 m, tropical dry forest, 21–25.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al..). Collection code BLF04508, (CASC: CASENT0483010). Paratypes. (16 major workers and 22 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 15 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0482934, CASC: CASENT0483093, CASENT0483092, CASENT0483094, CASENT0482845, CASENT0483091, CASENT0483058, CASENT0482822, CASENT0482813, CASENT0482823, CASENT0483057, CASENT0482984, MCZ: CASENT0482830, MHNG: CASENT0483009, NHMB: CASENT0482821), and 22 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0482990, CASC: CASENT0482991, CASENT0482983, CASENT0483028, CASENT0483023, CASENT0482978, CASENT0482977, CASENT0482994, CASENT0482985, CASENT0482999, CASENT0483033, CASENT0482992, CASENT0482993, CASENT0483011, CASENT0482996, CASENT0482998, CASENT0482987, CASENT0483021, CASENT0483022, MCZ: CASENT0482995, NHMB: CASENT0483037, BMNH: CASENT0482986). 1 major worker, Madagascar, Mahajanga, Forêt de Tsimembo, 8.7 km 336° NNW Soatana, -19.02139, 44.44067, 20 m, tropical dry forest, 21–25.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.) with collection code BLF04511, (CASC: CASENT0077891).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head nearly rectangular, longer than wide, head longitudinally rugose laterally, weakly reticulate near posterior margin of head, frons smooth and shiny, posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded; posterodorsal corner of propodeum angulate, never with a pair of triangular teeth; dorsum of propodeum nearly flat; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, dorsum rounded; gaster with sparse, long subdecumbent hairs and abundant, short decumbent hairs. Minor: Head longer than wide; posterodorsal corners of propodeum each armed with a weakly developed angular tooth, dorsum of propodeum slightly convex and declining posteriorly; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, posterior margin convex, dorsum rounded; gaster covered by abundant decumbent to subdecumbent hairs, and with sparse and slightly longer subdecumbent hairs.

Figure 31. 

Carebara bara–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0483010. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0482985D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=25): HL 0.54–0.71 (0.64); HW 0.41–0.56 (0.49); SL 0.21–0.27 (0.25); ML 0.11–0.18 (0.15); EL 0.01–0.03 (0.03); EM 0.15–0.21 (0.18); HD 0.28–0.40 (0.36); WL 0.46–0.65 (0.56); PSL 0.04–0.07 (0.05); PW 0.28–0.40 (0.33); MFL 0.25–0.36 (0.30); MFW 0.07–0.09 (0.08), MTL 0.15–0.29 (0.23); PTL 0.15–0.24 (0.23); PNL 0.08–0.11 (0.11); PTH 0.14–0.20 (0.16); PTW 0.12–0.17 (0.15); PPL 0.11–0.16 (0.13); PPNL 0.09–0.14 (0.12); PPH 0.11–0.17 (0.14); PPW 0.16–0.23 (0.19); GL 0.44–0.77 (0.59); GW 0.34–0.63 (0.40); CI 71–79 (77); MI 20–26 (23); SI 34–43 (39); MLI 57–65 (61); PPLI 57–82 (57); PPI 125–143 (127); PSI 10–14 (10).

Head longer than wide (CI 71–79), in full-face view nearly rectangular, about 1.5 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins straight to weakly convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus medially concave and laterally convex. Frons without median ocellus. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.54–0.71, SL 0.21–0.27, SI 34–43) not surpassing cephalic midlength. Eyes present, consisting of one to three ommatidia (EL 0.01–0.03). Supraclypeal area well defined and triangular.

In profile, posterolateral corner of head with (larger major workers) or without (smaller major workers) a small, obtuse tooth resembling a horn. Promesonotum high and convex, metanotal groove deep. Propodeum about 1.5 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum flat or weakly concave, declining posteriorly, propodeum unarmed, posterodorsal corners of propodeum convex or angulate, declivity of propodeum flat to slightly concave in direction of propodeal lobe. Propodeal lobes triangular with blunt apices. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite and beyond mid-length of sclerite, by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum almost twice the diameter of the spiracle, (PSL 0.04–0.07) and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides rounded; sides of propodeum convex.

Petiole approximately as high as long (PTH 0.14–0.20, PTL 0.15–0.24) and with a short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Anterodorsal and posterodorsal faces of petiolar node sloping, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node flat, posterior face of node vertical, straight to slightly convex, dorsum rounded. Subpetiolar process slightly shorter than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.16–0.23, PTW 0.12–0.17), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.12–0.17, PNL 0.08–0.11), anterior and posterior margins of petiole and postpetiole nearly straight, sides rounded in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and frons smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Dorsolateral faces of head longitudinally rugose, gena with well-developed longitudinal reticulations, weakly marked rugae on frontal lobes, reticulate-rugose sculpture near posterior margin of head. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum and propodeal lobe (areolate-rugose), and metapleuron (areolate and with longitudinal rugae). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate-rugose. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny.

Lateral margins, and posterolateral corners of head with short subdecumbent hairs, and longer suberect hairs. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with short subdecumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs. Petiole, postpetiole and gaster with short decumbent hairs and sparse and slightly longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with short appressed hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous, antennae, legs and parts of gaster, slightly lighter.

Measurements (n=9): HL 0.33–0.37; HW 0.28–0.34; SL 0.20–0.23; ML 0.08–0.10; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.09–0.10; HD 0.19–0.22; WL 0.33–0.38; PSL 0.02–0.04; PW 0.16–0.20; MFL 0.20–0.22; MFW 0.05; MTL 0.15–0.17; PTL 0.11–0.12; PNL 0.06–0.07; PTH 0.09–0.10; PTW 0.08–0.09; PPL 0.07–0.08; PPNL 0.06–0.08; PPH 0.07–0.08; PPW 0.09–0.12; GL 0.26–0.34; GW 0.20–0.25; CI 82–92; MI 24–27; SI 59–64; MLI 65–76; PPLI 58–67; PPI 113–138; PSI 7–14.

Head longer than wide (CI 82–92), in full-face view weakly subrectangular, about 1.2 times longer than wide, and slightly narrowed anteriorly. Posterior margin of head slightly concave in the middle, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins slightly convex, nearly straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus more or less straight, and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.33–0.37, SL 0.20–0.23, SI 59–64). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area triangular, in some specimens poorly defined, and appears as a short longitudinal depression.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, metanotal groove slightly impressed. Propodeum about 1.5 times higher than long, dorsal face convex and declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corners of propodeum each armed with a small angulate tooth, declivity of propodeum slightly concave. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated slightly above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of the sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum same as the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.02–0.04), and distance to declivity less than the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum longer than wide, anterior margin rounded, sides convex; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.11–0.12, PTH 0.09–0.10) with a short peduncle, ventral face weakly convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, posterior margin slightly convex, dorsum rounded. Subpetiolar process small, almost the same as the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node convex and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node slightly wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.09–0.12, PTW 0.08–0.0.9), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.09–0.12, PNL 0.06–0.07), anterior margin of petiole convex, posterior margin slightly concave, anterior and posterior margin of postpetiole nearly straight, sides moderately convex in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and frons smooth and shiny, with abundant piligerous punctae on mandibles and head. Head with fine and short longitudinal rugae on malar space and frontal lobes. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum, below mid-height of metapleuron, and propodeal lobe, which are areolate-rugose. Sides of petiole, and ventral face of postpetiole areolate-rugose. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny.

Lateral margins, scapes and posterior margin of head with subdecumbent hairs. Hairs in the posterior margin shorter than others. Outer margin of mandible with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with suberect hairs. Petiole, postpetiole, tibia and gaster with short decumbent to subdecumbent hairs, and with sparse and slightly longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with abundant to sparse decumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara bara is an endemic and widespread species, found across Madagascar (Figure 68), mainly in the tropical dry forest in western Madagascar and the desert spiny bush thicket in the southwest. In the center of Madagascar (montane forest) there is only one record. C. bara occurs in the dry forest, gallery forest, littoral rainforest, montane rainforest, spiny forest/dry forest transition, spiny forest/thicket, spiny thicket, spiny thicket gallery forest transition, and tropical dry forest, and has been collected at elevations ranging from 10–1410 m. Individuals and nest series were collected from rotten logs, in the leaf litter, in leaf mold, and rotten wood.

Carebara bara can be confused with C. berivelo but can be separated by the form of the propodeum. C. berivelo is armed with a pair of small triangular teeth while C. bara is unarmed in major workers and armed with a small angulate tooth in minor workers. This species can also be confused with C. tana, but in C. tana the combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node is medially concave. C. bara is widespread throughout most of Madagascar, with only one record in the center of the island and no records in the east, while C. berivelo and C. tana are restricted to the north of Madagascar. These three species occur in sympatry in the north of Madagascar, other four species were recorded at the same localities: C. grandidieri, C. kabosy, C. malagasy, and C. salegi, which can be separated from C. bara by the characters described above.

C. bara have three intermediates in the major worker subcaste (Figure 32) with only minor variations between them. The shape of the posterolateral corner of the head and the posterior margin of the head do not vary much. Intermediate 3 has an increase in the size of the eyes, but only one ommatidium. Ocelli are absent in intermediates 1 and 2, and sometimes present in intermediate 3 (one ocellus). Intermediate 3 has reduced flight sclerites. In addition, the dorsum of the mesosoma of intermediate 3 is anteriorly convex and gradually slopes to a declivity. By comparison, in intermediates 1 and 2 the dorsum of the mesosoma is anteriorly convex, and the propodeum is below the promesonotum, which is flat and declining posteriorly to a declivity. Pilosity is nearly identical in all intermediates. The longitudinal rugae of the head are more finely marked in intermediate 1. The sculpture of the mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole is nearly identical in all the intermediates.

Figure 32. 

Intermediates of Carebara bara. Major workers, CASENT0482934. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. CASENT0127693D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view. CASENT0439907G head in full-face view H body in profile view I body in dorsal view.

MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo: Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely, Forêt d’ Ambohitantely, 20.9 km 72° NE d’ Ankazobe, -18.22528, 47.28683, 1410 m, montane rainforest, 17–22.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana: Réserve Spéciale d’Ambre, 3.5 km 235° SW Sakaramy, -12.46889, 49.24217, 325 m, tropical dry forest, 26–31.i.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale de l’Ankarana, 13.6 km 192° SSW Anivorano Nord, -12.86361, 49.22583, 210 m, tropical dry forest, 16–21.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa: Parc National d’Isalo, Sahanafa River, 29.2 km 351° N Ranohira, -22.31333, 45.29167, 500 m, gallery forest, 10–13.ii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, Forêt d’Analalava, 29.6 km 280° W Ranohira, -22.59167, 45.12833, 700 m, tropical dry forest, 1–5.ii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, Parc National d’Isalo, 9.1 km 354° N Ranohira, -22.48167, 45.46167, 725 m, gallery forest, 27–31.i.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga: Réserve Spéciale de Bemarivo, 23.8 km 223° SW Besalampy, -16.925, 44.36833, 30 m, tropical dry forest, 19–23.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National de Baie de Baly, 12.4 km 337° NNW Soalala, -16.01, 45.265, 10 m, tropical dry forest, 26–30.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Forêt Ambohimanga, 26.1 km 314° Mampikony, -15.96267, 47.43817, 250 m, tropical dry forest, 13.xii.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Mahajanga, Forêt de Tsimembo, 8.7 km 336° NNW Soatana, -19.02139, 44.44067, 20 m, tropical dry forest, 21–25.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve forestière Beanka, 50.2 km E Maintirano, -18.02649, 44.05051, 250 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 19–22.x.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National d’Ankarafantsika, Forêt de Tsimaloto, 18.3 km 46° NE de Tsaramandroso, -16.22806, 47.14361, 135 m, tropical dry forest, 2–8.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National tsingy de Bemaraha, 3.4 km 93° E Bekopaka, Tombeau Vazimba, -19.14194, 44.828, 50 m, tropical dry forest, 6–10.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National tsingy de Bemaraha, 2.5 km 62° ENE Bekopaka, Ankidrodroa River, -19.13222, 44.81467, 100 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 11–15.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National d’Ankarafantsika, Ampijoroa Station Forestière, 5.4 km 331° NW Andranofasika, -16.29889, 46.813, 70 m, tropical dry forest, 26.iii.-1.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National d’Ankarafantsika, Ampijoroa Station Forestière, 40 km 306° NW Andranofasika, -16.32083, 46.81067, 130 m, tropical dry forest, 26.iii.-1.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve d’Ankoririka, 10.6 km 13° NE de Tsaramandroso, -16.26722, 47.04861, 210 m, tropical dry forest, 9–14.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National tsingy de Bemaraha, 10.6 km ESE 123° Antsalova, -18.70944, 44.71817, 150 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 16–20.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National de Namoroka, 17.8 km 329° WNW Vilanandro, -16.37667, 45.32667, 100 m, tropical dry forest, 8–12.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara: Forêt de Beroboka, 5.9 km 131° SE Ankidranoka, -22.23306, 43.36633, 80 m, tropical dry forest, 12–16.iii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National de Kirindy Mite, 16.3 km 127° SE Belo sur Mer, -20.79528, 44.147 80 m, tropical dry forest, 6–10.xii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Malaza, Mandraré River, 8.6 km 314° NW Amboasary, -25.00778, 46.306, 40 m, gallery forest, 6.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National d’Andohahela, Forêt d’Ambohibory, 1.7 km 61° ENE Tsimelahy, 36.1 km 308° NW Tolagnaro, -24.93, 46.6455, 300 m, tropical dry forest, 16–20.i.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29° WNW Tongobory, -23.52417, 44.12133, 75 m, gallery forest, 27.ii.-3.iii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329° NNW Amboasary, -24.95694, 46.2715, 35 m, gallery forest, 3–8.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale de Cap Sainte Marie, 12.3 km 262° W Marovato, -25.58167, 45.16833, 200 m, spiny forest/thicket, 11–15.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National d’Andohahela, Forêt de Manantalinjo, 33.6 km 63° ENE Amboasary, 7.6 km 99° E Hazofotsy, -24.81694, 46.61, 150 m, spiny forest/thicket, 12–16.i.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National de Zombitse, 19.8 km 84° E Sakaraha, -22.84333, 44.71, 770 m, tropical dry forest, 5–9.ii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Antafoky, -23.47917, 44.06611, 60 m, gallery forest, 26.i.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Fiherenana, -23.17694, 43.96083, 100 m, gallery forest, 21–24.x.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Ranobe, -23.0342, 43.61185, 30 m, spiny forest/thicket, 5–9.ii.2003, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Manderano, -23.52333, 44.09444, 80 m, spiny thicket, 8.vi.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Sept Lacs, -23.52472, 44.15917, 160 m, spiny thicket gallery forest transition, 10.iii.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Ranobe, -23.04067, 43.60973, 20 m, gallery forest, degraded, 17–21.v.2003, (Frontier Wilderness Project); Toliara, Sept, Lacs, -23.52833, 44.15556, 80 m, gallery forest, 8.iii.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Manderano, -23.52722, 44.0875, 70 m, gallery forest, 10.v.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Manombo, -22.8123, 43.73932, 165 m, gallery forest, TS3, 22–24.v.2004, (Frontier Wilderness Project); Toliara, Forêt de Kirindy, 15.5 km 64° ENE Marofandilia, -20.045, 44.66222, 100 m, tropical dry forest, 28.xi.-3.xii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Beza-Mahafaly, 27 km E Betioky, -23.65, 44.63333, 135 m, tropical dry forest, 24.iv.1997, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Beza-Mahafaly, 27 km E Betioky, -23.65, 44.63333, 135 m, tropical dry forest, 23.iv.1997, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, southern Isoky-Vohimena Forest, 59 km NE Sakaraha, -22.46667, 44.85, 730 m, tropical dry forest, 21.i.1996, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Forêt Vohidava 88.9 km N Amboasary, -24.24067, 46.28783, 500 m, spiny forest/dry forest transition, 6–8.xii.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Forêt de Petriky, 12.5 km W 272° Tolagnaro, -25.06167, 46.87, 10 m, littoral rainforest, 22.xi.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Makay Mts., -21.21836, 45.3106, 510 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, 24–27.xi.2010, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Makay Mts., -21.20978, 45.34184, 525 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, 27.xi-2.xii.2010, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Mandena, 8.4 km NNE 30° Tolagnaro, -24.95167, 47.00167, 20 m, littoral rainforest, 20.xi.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Forêt de Mahavelo, Isantoria River, 5.5 km 37° NE Ifotaka, -24.75361, 46.1515, 115 m, spiny forest/thicket, 31.i.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National d’Andohahela, Forêt d’Ambohibory, 1.7 km 61° ENE Tsimelahy, 36.1 km 308° NW Tolagnaro, -24.93, 46.6455, 300 m, tropical dry forest, 16–21.i.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Fiherenana, -23.17698, 43.96142, gallery forest, 18–19.viii.2003, (Frontier Wilderness Project); Toliara, Makay Mts., -21.30997, 45.12946, 590 m, dry forest on sandy soil, 3–6.xii.2010, (B.L. Fisher).

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambre, 3.5 km 235° SW Sakaramy, -12.46889, 49.24217, 325 m, tropical dry forest, 26–31.i.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF02654, (CASC: CASENT0438188). Paratypes: (10 major workers and 20 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 6 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0438182, CASC: CASENT0438184, CASENT0438198, CASENT0439906, CASENT0438197, MCZ: CASENT0438281), and 18 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0438185, CASC: CASENT0438222, CASENT0438221, CASENT0438133, CASENT0438209, CASENT0438219, CASENT0438131, CASENT0439901, CASENT0438192, CASENT0438220, CASENT0438194, CASENT0438193, CASENT0438206, CASENT0438190, CASENT0438204, MCZ: CASENT0438196, MHNG: CASENT0438187, NHMB: CASENT0439903). 3 major workers and 2 minor workers with same data as holotype except collected from pitfall trap and collection code BLF2655, 3 major workers (CASC: CASENT0439911, MHNG: CASENT0439915, NHMB: CASENT0439914), 2 minor workers (CASC: CASENT0439917, CASENT0439916). 1 major worker with different data from holotype: Madagascar, Antsiranana, Montagne des Français, 7.2 km 142° SE Antsiranana, (=Diego Suarez), -12.32278, 49.33817, 180 m, tropical dry forest, 22–28.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF03128, (CASC: CASENT0460943).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head subrectangular, posterior margin medially concave, and posterolateral corners rounded; promesonotum flat in profile view, quite similar to C. bara, but the propodeum of C. berivelo has a pair of acute teeth, dorsum of propodeum is flat; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node slightly medially concave, anterodorsal corner convex, posterior face of node vertical and nearly straight, dorsum slightly convex. Minor: Head slightly longer than wide, posterior margin nearly straight; promesonotum weakly convex, similar to C. bara but easily differentiated by the presence of a pair of small acute teeth on the propodeum, anterodorsal corner moderately convex, dorsum flat and declining posteriorly; gaster with decumbent hairs.

Figure 33. 

Carebara berivelo–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0438188. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASEN0438184 D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=11): HL 0.56–0.71 (0.71); HW 0.42–0.54 (0.53); SL 0.24–0.27 (0.27); ML 0.10–0.15 (0.15); EL 0.02–0.04 (0.04); EM 0.15–0.20 (0.20); HD 0.31–0.39 (0.39); WL 0.47–0.60 (0.60); PSL 0.06–0.09 (0.08); PW 0.28–0.37 (0.37); MFL 0.31–0.37 (0.35); MFW 0.07–0.10 (0.09); MTL 0.22–0.28 (0.28); PTL 0.16–0.25 (0.25); PNL 0.07–0.11 (0.11); PTH 0.13–0.17 (0.17); PTW 0.12–0.17 (0.17); PPL 0.11–0.14 (0.14); PPNL 0.10–0.13 (0.12); PPH 0.11–0.16 (0.16); PPW 0.15–0.20 (0.20); GL 0.46–0.86 (0.57); GW 0.40–0.55 (0.54), CI 73–77 (75); MI 16–21 (21); SI 37–43 (38); MLI 65–76 (66); PPLI 56–72 (56); PPI 118–143 (118); PSI 13–18 (15).

Head longer than wide (CI 73–77), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins nearly straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus slightly concave medially and laterally convex. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.56–0.71, SL 0.24–0.27, SI 37–43) not surpassing cephalic midlength. Eyes present, consisting of three ommatidia (EL 0.02–0.04). Supraclypeal area as a triangular depression but poorly defined.

In profile, posterolateral corner of head with (larger major workers) or without (smaller major workers) a small, obtuse tooth resembling a horn. Promesonotum high and convex, metanotal groove present. Propodeum about 1.4 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum flat, declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corner of propodeum with a pair of short, triangular teeth, declivity of propodeum flat to slightly concave with thin lateral laminae connecting propodeal lobe. Propodeal lobes triangular with blunt apices. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated slightly above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite, by about half the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum more than twice but less than three times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.06–0.09), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides rounded; sides of propodeum nearly straight.

Petiole longer than high (PTH 0.13–0.17, PTL 0.16–0.25) with a relatively short peduncle, ventral face nearly flat but slightly convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node medially concave, posterior margin nearly vertical and slightly convex, anterodorsal corner convex, and posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum rounded. Subpetiolar process small, acutely produced, and at about the same as the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node slightly wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.16–0.23, PTW 0.12–0.17), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.12–0.17, PNL 0.07–0.11), anterior and posterior margins of petiole nearly straight, anterior margin of postpetiole concave and posterior margin straight, sides rounded in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and frons smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Dorsolateral faces of head with fine longitudinal rugae, reticulate-rugose sculpture near posterior margin of head, gena with longitudinal carinae, weakly marked rugae on frontal lobes. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny. Sides of pronotum with fine longitudinal and parallel striations, smooth and shiny medially and dorsally, anepisternum smooth and shiny, katepisternum, metapleuron, propodeum, propodeal lobes, petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate-rugose. In dorsal view, promesonotum smooth and shiny except for anterior margin which is weakly areolate, propodeum, declivity and petiole areolate-rugose, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with suberect hairs, and sparse short decumbent hairs. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandible with sparse decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with suberect hairs. Petiole, postpetiole and gaster with short decumbent hairs and sparse long suberect hairs. Tibia with sparse appressed hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous, antennae, legs and parts of gaster, slightly lighter.

Measurements (n=5): HL 0.35–0.36; HW 0.30–0.33; SL 0.20–0.23; ML 0.08–0.10; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.10–0.11; HD 0.20–0.23; WL 0.33–0.38; PSL 0.04–0.05; PW 0.19–0.21; MFL 0.20–0.24, MFW 0.05–0.06; MTL 0.16–0.18; PTL 0.11–0.13; PNL 0.06–0.07; PTH 0.09–0.10; PTW 0.08; PPL 0.07–0.08; PPNL 0.06–0.07; PPH 0.07–0.08; PPW 0.09–0.11; GL 0.27–0.36; GW 0.21–0.27; CI 84–92; MI 23–28; SI 57–64; MLI 67–73; PPLI 58–64; PPI 113–138; PSI 12–15.

Head longer than wide (CI 84–92), in full-face view weakly subrectangular, about 1.2 times longer than wide, and slightly narrowed anteriorly. Posterior margin of head slightly concave in the middle, posterolateral corners convex, lateral margins convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus more or less straight, sides with small, angulate, forwardly directed teeth. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.35–0.36, SL 0.20–0.23, SI 57–64). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area triangular but poorly defined and appears as a small oblong depression.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.45 times higher than long, dorsal face nearly flat and declining posteriorly, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corners each armed with a triangular tooth, declivity of propodeum concave and with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated slightly above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum barely larger than the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.04–0.05), and distance to declivity less than half the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum longer than wide, anterior margin weakly convex, sides convex and narrowed posteriorly; propodeum about as long as wide, sides convex.

Petiole approximately as high as long (PTH 0.09–0.10, PTL 0.11–0.13) with a short peduncle, ventral face convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, sometimes weakly concave, posterior margin slightly convex, dorsum weakly convex. Subpetiolar process reduced to a small convexity. Postpetiolar node strongly convex and slightly lower than petiolar node, postpetiolar ventral process present, small and convex. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.09–0.11, PTW 0.08), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.08, PNL 0.06–0.07), anterior and posterior margins of petiole nearly straight, anterior margin of postpetiole concave and posterior margin nearly straight, sides of petiole slightly convex and sides of postpetiole strongly convex.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and frons smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Dorsolateral faces of head, gena and frontal lobes with fine longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum and posterior border of anepisternum (areolate), metapleuron (finely areolate), and dorsum of propodeum (finely areolate). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, promesonotum postpetiole and gaster smoth and shiny, propodeum and petiole areolate.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with subdecumbent hairs. Scapes with abundant decumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandible with decumbent and appressed hairs. Mesosoma with suberect hairs. Petiole, postpetiole, and gaster with subdecumbent to decumbent hairs, and some longer and subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with appressed hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara berivelo is known only from the north of Madagascar and was found in littoral rainforest and tropical dry forest (Figure 68). The specimens were found at three elevations: 90 m, 180 m, and 325 m. C. berivelo was collected using maxi-Winkler and pitfall traps. Individuals and colonies were found in sifted litter, leaf mold, and rotten wood.

Carebara berivelo is endemic to the north of Madagascar. It can be confused with C. bara but can be separated from that species by the propodeum, which is armed with a pair of small triangular teeth, while C. bara is unarmed in major workers, and armed with a small angulate tooth in minor workers. Both species occur in sympatry in the north of Madagascar. Five additional species are present in this area (C. grandidieri, C. kabosy, C. malagasy, C. salegi, and C. tana).

C. berivelo does not present intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Forêt d’Orangea, 3.6 km 128° SE Remena, -12.25889, 49.37467, 90 m, littoral rainforest, 22–28.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Montagne des Français, 7.2 km 142° SE Antsiranana (=Diego Suarez), -12.32278, 49.33817, 180 m, tropical dry forest, 22–28.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.).

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Antananarivo, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely, Forêt d’ Ambohitantely, 20.9 km 72° NE d’ Ankazobe, -18.22528, 47.28683, 1410 m, montane rainforest, 17–22.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF03694, (CASC: CASENT0479444). Paratypes: (5 major workers and 26 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 5 major workers, (BMNH: CASENT0479447, CASC: CASENT0479429, CASENT0479534, CASENT0479472, MCZ: CASENT0479509), and 26 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0007713, CASC: CASENT0479452, CASENT0474433, CASENT0479555, CASENT0479492, CASENT0479495, CASENT0479538, CASENT0479493, CASENT0479430, CASENT0479432, CASENT0479476, CASENT0479539, CASENT0479552, CASENT0479561, CASENT0479431, CASENT0479518, CASENT0479516, CASENT0479498, CASENT0479510, CASENT0479497, CASENT0479512, CASENT0479505, CASENT0479496, MCZ: CASENT0479519, MHNG: CASENT0479520, NHMB: CASENT0479521).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head subrectangular, longer than wide, lateral margins straight and parallel, dorsal face of head longitudinally rugose-rugulose, rugae extend from frontal lobes and posterior margin of supraclypeal area to the posterior margin of the head; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node flat, posterior face node vertical and nearly straight; dorsum of propodeum flat and declining posteriorly; gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Minor: Head longer than wide, weakly subrectangular, posterior margin of head medially concave; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node straight, posterior face vertical and slightly convex; dorsum of propodeum flat and declining posteriorly; gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs.

Figure 34. 

Carebara betsi–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0479444. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0479432D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=7): HL 0.51–0.63 (0.58); HW 0.40–0.50 (0.45); SL 0.20–0.27 (0.24); ML 0.09–0.13 (0.10); EL 0.02; EM 0.14–0.18 (0.17); HD 0.28–0.38 (0.28); WL 0.44–0.57 (0.52); PSL 0.05–0.08 (0.07); PW 0.27–0.33 (0.33); MFL 0.24–0.32 (0.32); MFW 0.07–0.09 (0.08); MTL 0.17–0.25 (0.21); PTL 0.19–0.22 (0.21); PNL 0.08–0.09 (0.09); PTH 0.15–0.19 (0.17); PTW 0.13–0.15 (0.15); PPL 0.11–0.16 (0.13); PPNL 0.10–0.13 (0.11); PPH 0.12–0.15 (0.13); PPW 0.17–0.20 (0.19); GL 0.43–0.58 (0.46); GW 0.35–0.42 (0.39); CI 75–79 (78); MI 15–22 (17); SI 37–44 (41); MLI 60–71 (71), PPLI 55–76 (62); PPI 121–133 (127); PSI 11–19 (16).

Head longer than wide (CI 75–79), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.4 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins straight. Mandible with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus slightly concave, nearly straight, and laterally convex. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.51–0.63, SL 0.20–0.27, SI 37–44). Eyes present, consisting of two ommatidia (EL 0.02). Ocelli absent (weakly present in some major workers). Supraclypeal area well defined and triangular.

In profile view, promesonotum high and convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.6 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum flat, declining posteriorly, propodeum armed, posterodorsal corners each armed with a small triangular tooth, anterodorsal corners angulate, declivity of propodeum concave with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite, by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum almost three times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.05–0.08), and distance to declivity almost the same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides rounded; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTH 0.15–0.19, PTL 0.19–0.22) with short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node flat, posterior face of node vertical and slightly concave, dorsum weakly rounded, anterodorsal corner convex, and posterodorsal corner weakly rounded. Petiolar node slightly narrowed at its dorsum. Subpetiolar process small, weakly triangular, and shorter than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle, at about half the diameter of the spirale. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.17–0.20, PTW 0.13–0.15), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.13–0.15, PNL 0.08–0.09), anterior and posterior margins of petiole and postpetiole straight, sides rounded in petiole and strongly convex in postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, lower median portion of clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Head with longitudinal, well-defined rugae, which extend from propodeal lobes and posterior margin of supraclypeal area to posterior margin of head, with a few, weak rugulae on upper median portion of clypeus. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum usually smooth and shiny, sometimes with short longitudinal rugulations. Sides of pronotum smooth and shiny, while mesopleuron, metapleuron, petiole and ventral face of postpetiole are areolate. In dorsal view, promesonotum smooth and shiny medially, as well as postpetiole and gaster, finely areolate on propodeum, petiole and near anterior and posterior margins of promesonotum.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with short suberect hairs, scapes with appressed hairs, and outer margin of mandible with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with subdecumbent hairs, and longer suberect hairs, gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with abundant subdecumbent and decumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Measurements (n=7): HL 0.36–0.39; HW 0.29–0.33; SL 0.22–0.23; ML 0.09–0.11; EL 0.01; EM 0.11–0.12; HD 0.22–0.25; WL 0.38–0.42; PSL 0.03–0.04; PW 0.18–0.21; MFL 0.22–0.25; MFW 0.05–0.07; MTL 0.14–0.19; PTL 0.13–0.14; PNL 0.06–0.07; PTH 0.11–0.12; PTW 0.08–0.10; PPL 0.08–0.09; PPNL 0.07–0.09; PPH 0.08–0.09; PPW 0.12–0.13; GL 0.29–0.36; GW 0.24–0.28; CI 81–85; MI 24–28; SI 58–64, MLI 71–79; PPLI 57–64; PPI 130–150; PSI 9–14.

Head longer than wide (CI 81–85), in full-face view weakly subrectangular, about 1.2 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head slightly concave medially, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins slightly convex, nearly straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus nearly straight to slightly concave medially, laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.36–0.39, SL 0.22–0.23, SI 58–64). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01). Supraclypeal area almost triangular but poorly defined, and appears as an oblong depression.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, nearly flat, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.5 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat and declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corners each armed with a small triangular, (sometines angulate), tooth, anterodorsal corner nearly convex and higher than posterodorsal corner of promesonotum, declivity medially concave and with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated slightly above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum almost twice the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.03–0.04), and distance to declivity less than half the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about 1.27 times longer than wide, anterior margin rounded, sides convex; sides of propodeum same as promesonotum.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.13–0.14, PTH 0.11–0.12) with a short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node straight to slightly concave medially, posterior face of node vertical and slightly convex, anterodorsal and posterodorsal corners of petiolar node sloping, dorsum narrowed and rounded. Subpetiolar process weakly triangular, and shorter than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. Postpetiolar ventral process produced as a small triangular denticle. In dorsal view, petiolar node not as wide as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.08–0.10, PPW 0.12–0.13), and petiolar node wider than long (PNL 0.06–0.07, PTW 0.08–0.10), anterior and posterior margin of petiole and postpetiole straight, sides rounded in petiole and convex in postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and head smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Gena and frontal lobes with fine linear rugulae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum and metapleuron which are areolate. Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate-rugose. In dorsal view, mesosoma, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny, declivity and petiole finely areolate.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with abundant short subdecumbent hairs. Scapes with abundant decumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandible with appressed hairs. Mesosoma with suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with abundant decumbent hairs. Gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara betsi is known only from the center of Madagascar (Figure 68), in montane rainforest with an elevation of 1410 m, and was collected in sifted litter using Winkler traps on a 50 sample transect. The microhabitats of this species are leaf mold and rotten wood.

Carebara betsi is endemic to the montane rainforest on the high plateau of Madagascar and can be easily separated from the other species by the following combination of characters: combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node flat, and hairs on the gaster abundant and subdecumbent. Also major workers present well-marked longitudinal and parallel rugae. Other seven species are present in this area: C. grandidieri, C. hainteny, C. jajoby, C. kabosy, C. mahafaly, C. nosindambo, and C. omasi, which can be differentiated from C. betsi by the combination of characters mentioned above.

C. betsi does not have intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo: 3 km 41° NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147° SSE Anjozorobe, -18.47333, 47.96, 1300 m, montane rainforest, 5–13.xii.2000, (Fisher, Griswold et al.).

(major worker), MAURITIUS, Brise Mt., Bambous, -20.3455, 57.75467, 200 m, rainforest, 27.v.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.). Collection code BLF12072, (CASC: CASENT0060366). Paratypes: (6 major workers and 25 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 3 major workers (CASC: CASENT0060524, CASENT0060071, CASENT0060663), and 20 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0060067, CASC: CASENT0060069, CASENT0060070, CASENT0060525, CASENT0060527, CASENT0060528, CASENT0060666, CASENT0060670, CASENT0060664, CASENT0060068, CASENT0060367, CASENT0060667, CASENT0060529, CASENT0060072, CASENT0060368, CASENT0060665, CASENT0060371, MCZ: CASENT0060668, MHNG: CASENT0060369, NHMB: CASENT0060370). 3 major workers and 4 minor workers from: Mauritius, Ile aux Aigrettes, -20.41883, 57.7305, 1 m, coastal scrub, 28.v.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.), with collection code BLF12085, 3 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0060719, CASC: CASENT0060721, MCZ: CASENT0060720), and 4 minor workers (CASC: CASENT0060726, CASENT0060722, CASENT0060724, CASENT0060725). 2 minor workers from: Seychelles, St. Joseph Island, -5.437422, 53.363127, 22.vi.2003, (J. Gerlach), with collection code ANTC10036 (CASC: CASENT0189354) and ANTC10139 (CASC: CASENT0191438).

Antennae nine-segmented. Major: Head longer than wide, nearly subrectangular in full-face view, lateral margins straight and parallel; head longitudinally reticulate-rugose; mesosoma areolate-rugose; gaster smooth and shiny. Minor: Head sculpture areolate-rugose and mesosoma areolate-rugose.

Figure 35. 

Carebara creolei–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0060366. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0060670D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=8): HL 0.45–0.53 (0.46); HW 0.36–0.39 (0.37); SL 0.21–0.22 (0.21); ML 0.10–0.11 (0.11); EL 0.02; EM 0.10–0.11 (0.10); HD 0.19–0.24 (0.24); WL 0.34–0.39 (0.35); PSL 0.06–0.07 (0.07); PW 0.21–0.23 (0.22); MFL 0.22–0.23 (0.22); MFW 0.06–0.07 (0.06); MTL 0.19–0.20 (0.20); PTL 0.15; PNL 0.07–0.08 (0.07); PTH 0.10–0.11 (0.10); PTW 0.09–0.11 (0.10); PPL 0.08–0.09 (0.08); PPNL 0.07–0.08 (0.07); PPH 0.09; PPW 0.09–0.11(0.10); GL 0.36–0.46 (0.40), GW 0.29–0.35 (0.29); CI 73–82 (80); MI 19–24 (24); SI 40–47 (46); MLI 56–62 (59); PPLI 53–60 (53); PPI 100; PSI 15–19 (19).

Head longer than wide (CI 73–82), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins nearly straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus with a concavity flanked by a pair of triangular teeth. Antennae with nine segments. Scapes short (HL 0.45–0.53, SL 0.21–0.22, SI 40–47). Ocelli absent. Eye present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.02). Supraclypeal area extends posteriorly toward antennal insertions.

In profile view, promesonotum convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.5 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly concave closer to posterodorsal corner, and convex closer anterodorsal corner, propodeum armed, posterodorsal corners each armed with a triangular tooth upwardly directed, declivity of propodeum concave with lamellate lateral margination on each side. Propodeal lobes short and triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated slightly above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite, by about half the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum almost four times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.06–0.07), and distance to declivity about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides rounded; sides of propodeum weakly concave in the middle.

Petiole longer than high (PTL 0.15, PTH 0.10–0.11) with relatively long peduncle, ventral face nearly flat but weakly convex medially. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node deeply concave medially, posterior face of node convex, anterodorsal corner rounded and posterodorsal corner convex, dorsum flat and declining posteriorly. Subpetiolar process produced as a small triangular denticle, slightly larger than propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node slightly convex, nearly flat, and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node almost as wide as petiolar node (PTW 0.09–0.11, PPW 0.09–0.11), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.09–0.11, PNL 0.07–0.08), anterior and posterior margins of petiole straight, anterior margin of postpetiole straight, posterior margin rounded, sides of petiole rounded, sides of postpetiole convex.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Clypeus with a few poorly defined transverse rugae. Head reticulate-rugose in full-face view, with irregular longitudinal rugulae which do not reach posterior margin of head. Cephalic dorsum between frontal carinae with two longitudinal rugulae, extending from posterior clypeal margin to posterior quarter of head. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum areolate-rugose, except for smooth and shiny ventral area. Mesosoma areolate-rugose, except for middle sides of pronotum which are smooth and shiny. Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma areolate, petiole and postpetiole smooth and shiny, with scattered foveolae.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with short, sparse decumbent and appressed hairs. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandible with few decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short decumbent hairs, and sparse long and erect hairs. Petiole, postpetiole and gaster with short decumbent to appressed hairs, and sparse long subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Measurements (n=7): HL 0.31–0.33; HW 0.26–0.28; SL 0.18–0.20; ML 0.08–0.09; EL 0.01; EM 0.06–0.07; HD 0.14–0.21; WL 0.31–0.33; PSL 0.05–0.06; PW 0.17–0.19; MFL 0.17–0.21; MFW 0.04–0.05; MTL 0.13–0.15; PTL 0.10–0.11; PNL 0.06; PTH 0.07–0.09; PTW 0.07–0.08; PPL 0.06–0.07; PPNL 0.06; PPH 0.06–0.07; PPW 0.07; GL 0.22–0.33; GW 0.22–0.25; CI 79–88; MI 24–28; SI 58–63; MLI 61–81; PPLI 55–64; PPI 88–100; PSI 17–23.

Head a little longer than wide (CI 79–88), in full-face view nearly subquadrate, about 1.1 times longer than wide, narrowed anteriorly. Posterior margin of head nearly straight, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins slightly convex. Mandible with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus with a concavity flanked by a pair of triangular teeth. Antennae with nine segments. Scapes barely exceeding midpoint of head (HL 0.31–0.33, SL 0.18–0.20, SI 58–63). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01). Supraclypeal area triangular and extends posteriorly toward antennal insertions.

In profile, promesonotum weakly convex, nearly flat, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.25 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum convex towards anterodorsal corner and medially concave, posterodorsal corners each armed with a triangular tooth, declivity of propodeum concave with lamellate lateral margination on each side. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about four times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.05–0.06), and distance to declivity about half the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about 1.08 times longer than wide, anterior margin and sides of promesonotum rounded, sides of propodeum weakly concave near posterodorsal corner.

Petiole longer than high (PTL 0.10–0.11, PTH 0.07–0.09) with a relatively long peduncle, ventral face nearly flat to weakly convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node deeply concave, posterior face of node slightly convex, anterodorsal corner rounded, posterodorsal corner convex, dorsum flat and declining posteriorly. Subpetiolar process produced as a small denticle, usually the same as the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node nearly flat and slightly lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node almost as broad as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.07–0.08, PPW 0.07), petiolar node slightly wider than long (PTW 0.0.7–0.0.8, PNL 0.06), anterior margin of petiole convex, posterior margin straight, anterior margin of postpetiole nearly straight and posterior margin slightly convex, sides of petiole and postpetiole convex to rounded.

Dorsal surface of mandibles smooth and shiny with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles, clypeus finely sculptured. Head longitudinally areolate-rugose, malar space with longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma, petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma areolate-rugose, petiole and postpetiole weakly areolate, and gaster smooth and shiny.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with short decumbent to appressed hairs. Scapes with abundant decumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandible with a few decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with long suberect hairs, and short subdecumbent hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short appressed hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs and gaster with abundant short subdecumbent hairs and sparse longer subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara creolei is only known from Mauritius and Seychelles (Figure 68). It occurs in the coastal scrub, mangrove, mixed forest, and rainforest. The species was collected at different elevations, ranging from 1 m to 200 m, using Winkler traps. The individuals and colonies were found in sifted litter, leaf mold, rotten wood, under coconut husks on the ground, and under rootmats/litter on rocks. The distribution of this species on two distant islands is interesting given the presence of invasive species on these islands. It is possible that C. creolei has been introduced to these islands, but a review of described species from outside the region, notability SE Asia, did not turn up any possible candidates. Until futher evidence is obtained, it is best to consider this species as a new species and native to the region.

Carebara creolei is endemic to Mauritius and Seychelles and is the only species where minor and major workers have a sculptured on heads and mesosoma. This species and C. grandidieri are the only two species with nine antennal segments. C. creolei does not have intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

MAURITIUS: Ile aux Aigrettes, -20.41883, 57.7305, 1 m, coastal scrub, 28.v.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); SEYCHELLES: St. Joseph Island, -5.437422, 53.363127, 22.vi.2003, (J. Gerlach); Conception Island, -4.66311, 55.36821, 65 m, mixed forest, 12–13.ii.2010, (B.L. Fisher et al.)

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale Manongarivo, 14.5 km 220° SW Antanambao, -13.99833, 48.42833, 1175 m, montane rainforest, 20.x.1998, (B.L. Fisher). Collection code BLF01938, (CASC: CASENT0906155). Paratypes: (10 major worker and 9 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 10 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0192622, CASC: CASENT0248445, CASENT0248446, CASENT0248447, CASENT0248448, CASENT0248449, CASENT0248450, MCZ: CASENT0248451, MHNG: CASENT0248452, NHMB: CASENT0248453), and 9 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0127683, CASC: CASENT0127688, CASENT0192568, CASENT0248454, CASENT0248455, CASENT0248456, CASENT0248457, CASENT0248458, MCZ: CASENT0248459).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head longer than wide, nearly subrectangular in full-face view, lateral margins straight and parallel, head with longitudinal and irregular rugae, reticulate-rugose close to posterior margin of head; petiole triangular in profile view, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node almost straight, ventral face medially convex, subpetiolar process present. Minor: Head longer than wide, slightly narrowed anteriorly, lateral margins weakly convex; dorsum of promesonotum and anterodorsal corner of propodeum at the same height, posterodorsal corner of propodeum each armed with a small triangular, angulate tooth; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node weakly concave in the middle, posterior face slightly convex; gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs.

Figure 36. 

Carebara demeter–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0906157. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0192568D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=12): HL 0.53–0.64 (0.62); HW 0.43–0.50 (0.47); SL 0.24–0.25 (0.25); ML 0.10–0.14 (0.13); EL 0.02–0.03 (0.02); EM 0.14–0.17 (0.17); HD 0.28–0.37 (0.35); WL 0.48–0.58 (0.53); PSL 0.04–0.06 (0.06); PW 0.28–0.35 (0.33); MFL 0.26–0.31 (0.29); MFW 0.07–0.08 (0.08); MTL 0.20–0.23 (0.23); PTL 0.17–0.20 (0.20); PNL 0.08–0.10 (0.09); PTH 0.14–0.17 (0.15); PTW 0.12–0.14 (0.14); PPL 0.08–0.14 (0.12); PPNL 0.10–0.13 (0.11); PPH 0.10–0.14 (0.12); PPW 0.16–0.18 (0.18); GL 0.47–0.60 (0.49); GW 0.34–0.45 (0.42); CI 74–81 (76); MI 17–22 (21); SI 39–45 (40), MLI 60–70 (62); PPLI 44–74 (60); PPI 129–150 (129); PSI 9–14 (13).

Head longer than wide (CI 74–81), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head slightly concave in the middle, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus nearly straight, laterally convex. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.53–0.64, SL 0.24–0.25, SI 39–45). Eyes present, consisting of two or three ommatidia (EL 0.02–0.03). Supraclypeal area triangular and appears as a short longitudinal depression, surpassing frontal carinae.

In profile, posterolateral corner of head with (medium and larger major workers) or without (smaller major workers) a small, obtuse tooth resembling a horn. Promesonotum high and strongly convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.6 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum slightly convex, nearly flat, declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corners of propodeum each armed with a small triangular tooth, declivity of propodeum concave, nearly flat, with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about twice the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.04–0.06), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides rounded; sides of propodeum straight.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.17–0.20, PTH 0.14–0.17) with short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, posterior face of node vertical and slightly concave, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as denticle, slightly larger than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node convex and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node not as wide as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.12–0.14, PPW 0.16–0.18), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.12–0.14, PNL 0.08–0.10), anterior and posterior margins of petiole and postpetiole nearly straight, sides rounded in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus, supraclypeal area, and median area of head smooth and shiny; scattered piligerous punctae on mandibles and head. Head with longitudinal and irregular rugae and reticulate-rugose near the posterior margin. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate), metapleuron (longitudinally and parallel areolate rugose), and propodeal lobes (areolate-rugose). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate-rugose. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny, declivity of propodeum, anterior and posterior face of petiole finely areolate.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with short suberect hairs, short appressed hairs below eye level. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandible with decumbent to appressed hairs. Mesosoma with long and short suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent hairs and long subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs. Gaster with abundant decumbent hairs, and longer suberect hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Measurements (n=6): HL 0.34–0.37; HW 0.29–0.32; SL 0.20–0.23; ML 0.09–0.11; EL 0.01; EM 0.10–0.11; HD 0.21–0.23; WL 0.35–0.39; PSL 0.02–0.04; PW 0.18–0.21; MFL 0.21–0.24, MFW 0.05–0.06, MTL 0.14–0.17, PTL 0.12–0.14; PNL 0.06–0.07; PTH 0.10–0.11; PTW 0.08–0.09; PPL 0.08–0.09; PPNL 0.07–0.08; PPH 0.07–0.08; PPW 0.11–0.12; GL 0.30–0.40, GW 0.24–0.28, CI 85– 89; MI 24–31; SI 59–64, MLI 72–77, PPLI 57–67, PPI 133–138, PSI 6–13.

Head longer than wide (CI 85–89), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.2 times longer than wide, and slightly narrowed anteriorly. Posterior margin of head nearly straight to slightly concave in the middle, posterolateral corners strongly convex, lateral margins slightly convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus nearly straight medially and laterally convex. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.34–0.37, SL 0.20–0.23, SI 59–64). Eye present, consisting of two ommatidia (EL 0.01). Supraclypeal area almost triangular and not well defined.

In profile view, promesonotum convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.3 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat, declining posteriorly, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corners each armed with a small angulate tooth, declivity of propodeum slightly concave with thin lateral laminae which extend from posterodorsal corner of propodeum to propodeal lobe. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle nearly oval and situated above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about 2.5 times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.02–0.04), and distance to declivity about 1.4 times the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum slightly longer than wide (about 1.13 times longer than wide), anterior margin and sides weakly rounded; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.12–0.14, PTH 0.10–0.11) with short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node weakly concave in the middle, posterior face of node vertical and nearly straight, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum rounded. Subpetiolar process produced as denticle, slightly larger than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.11–0.12, PTW 0.08–0.09), petiolar node wider than long (PNL 0.06–0.07, PTW 0.08–0.09), anterior and posterior margins of petiole slightly convex, anterior and posterior margin of postpetiole straight, sides of petiole and postpetiole rounded.

Dorsal surface of head, mandibles and clypeus smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles, except in central longitudinal area, malar area with short longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate), and metapleuron (finely areolate-rugose). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole, and gaster smooth and shiny.

Lateral margins of head with decumbent hairs, posterior margin with short subdecumbent hairs, scapes with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short suberect hairs, and long subdecumbent hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with abundant decumbent hairs. Gaster with abundant, short subdecumbent hairs, and sparse suberect hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara demeter is known only from northwestern Madagascar (Figure 68), in montane rainforest with an elevation of 1175 m. It was collected using Winkler traps, and individuals were found in leaf litter, leaf mold and rotten wood.

Carebara demeter is endemic to the northwest of Madagascar. It can be confused with C. tana due to the form of the head. However, C. demeter has irregular longitudinal rugae and is rugoreticulate near the posterior margin of the head, while the frontal area is smooth and shiny in C. tana. The petiolar node of C. tana is thicker than C. demeter. The anterior margin of the petiole is nearly straight in C. demeter, but slightly concave in C. tana. The anteroventral corner of the petiole has a well-developed triangular tooth in C. demeter, and a small angulate triangular tooth in C. tana. The anterodorsal corner of the petiole is convex in C. tana, but rounded in C. demeter. The posterodorsal corner is convex in C. demeter, but slightly concave in C. tana. Only two additional species were recorded in this area: C. grandidieri, and C. jajoby.

C. demeter does not have intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, 43 km S Ambalavao, Réserve Andringitra, -22.23333, 47, 825 m, rainforest, 5.x.1993, (B.L. Fisher). Collection code BLF00747, (CASC: CASENT0192623). Paratypes: (5 major workers and 19 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 5 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0248460, CASC: CASENT0281313, CASENT0127684, CASENT0127650, CASENT0127649), and 19 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0004053, CASC: CASENT0004050, CASENT0002885, CASENT0004051, CASENT0002887, CASENT0002886, CASENT0002884, CASENT0002882, CASENT0002883, CASENT0004057, CASENT0004052, CASENT0004056, CASENT0004049, CASENT0004055, CASENT0127703, CASENT0192570, MCZ: CASENT0227028, MHNG: CASENT0227023, NHMB: CASENT0127685).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head longer than wide, lateral margins straight, head with longitudinal and parallel rugae, reticulate rugose close to posterolateral corners of head; promesonotum strongly convex, dorsum of propodeum slightly convex, nearly flat, posterodorsal corners with small angulate tooth; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node slightly concave, posterior margin vertical and nearly straight; gaster with subdecumbent hairs. Minor: Head longer than wide, lateral margins slightly convex; propodeum with small, triangular, angulate teeth; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, posterior margin vertical and concave.

Figure 37. 

Carebara dota–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0192623. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0192570D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=7): HL 0.61–0.71 (0.62); HW 0.47–0.56 (0.50); SL 0.22–0.28 (0.25); ML 0.12–0.15 (0.12); EL 0.02–0.03 (0.02); EM 0.15–0.19 (0.18); HD 0.35–0.41 (0.36); WL 0.53–0.62 (0.53); PSL 0.05–0.07 (0.05); PW 0.33–0.40 (0.35); MFL 0.30–0.36 (0.32); MFW 0.08–0.09 (0.08), MTL 0.20–0.27 (0.23); PTL 0.19–0.23 (0.19); PNL 0.09–0.10 (0.09); PTH 0.15–0.18 (0.15); PTW 0.13–0.16 (0.14); PPL 0.13–0.16 (0.13); PPNL 0.11–0.14 (0.12); PPH 0.13–0.16 (0.14); PPW 0.17–0.22 (0.19); GL 0.47–0.60 (0.50); GW 0.39–0.55 (0.39); CI 77–83 (81); MI 19–21 (19); SI 35–41 (40), MLI 58–64 (64); PPLI 62–74 (68); PPI 129–143 (136); PSI 9–13 (10).

Head longer than wide (CI 77–83), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus slightly concave, and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.61–0.71, SL 0.22–0.28, SI 35–41). Eyes present, consisting of two ommatidia (EL 0.02–0.03). Supraclypeal area triangular and well defined.

In profile, posterolateral corner of head with a small, triangular tooth resembling a horn. Promesonotum high and strongly convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum lower than promesonotum. Propodeum about 1.8 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum slightly convex, nearly flat, declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corners each armed with a very small angulate tooth, declivity of propodeum vertical and concave with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle nearly oval and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about two times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.05–0.07), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide (1.1 times longer than wide), anterior margin and sides of promesonotum rounded; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole approximately as high as long (PTH 0.15–0.18, PTL 0.19–0.23) and with a relatively short peduncle, ventral face slightly convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node concave, posterior face of node vertical and nearly straight, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as a small denticle, almost as large as the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node strongly convex and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node not as broad as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.13–0.16, PPW 0.17–0.22) and petiolar node wider than long (PNL 0.09–0.10, PTW 0.13–0.16), anterior and posterior margins of petiole straight, anterior margin of postpetiole concave, posterior margin nearly straight, sides of petiole rounded and strongly convex in postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on mandibles and head. Head with well defined longitudinal rugae, and reticulate rugose near the posterior margin, gena with longitudinal rugae extending to the posterolateral corners. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny but with finely longitudinal reticulations. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate), and metapleuron (finely areolate and with longitudinal rugae). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster, smooth and shiny except for declivity, anterior face of petiole and postpetiole which are finely areolate.

Lateral margins of head with short subdecumbent hairs, posterolateral corners with scattered suberect hairs. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with short appressed hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs, petiole and postpetiole with decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs. Gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish.

Measurements (n=8): HL 0.38–0.41; HW 0.33–0.36; SL 0.23–0.25; ML 0.09–0.11; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.10–0.11; HD 0.20–0.25; WL 0.39–0.42; PSL 0.03–0.04; PW 0.18–0.24; MFL 0.23–0.29; MFW 0.06–0.07; MTL 0.15–0.21; PTL 0.12–0.16; PNL 0.06–0.07; PTH 0.11–0.13; PTW 0.09–0.10; PPL 0.08–0.10; PPNL 0.08–0.09; PPH 0.08–0.10; PPW 0.12–0.14; GL 0.32–0.42; GW 0.26–0.30; CI 80–92; MI 22–27; SI 58–63; MLI 69–83; PPLI 53–83; PPI 130–144; PSI 9–12.

Head longer than wide (CI 80–92), in full-face view nearly subquadrate, about 1.1 times longer than wide, weakly narrowed anteriorly. Posterior margin of head slightly concave in the middle, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins slightly convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus medially convex, and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.38–0.41, SL 0.23–0.25, SI 58–63). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area triangular and well defined.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.65 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat and declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corners of propodeum each armed with a small triangular tooth, anterodorsal corner of propodeum convex, declivity vertical and concave with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about two times the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum almost twice the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.03–0.04), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide (1.1 times longer than wide), anterior margin weakly convex, sides convex and narrowed posteriorly; sides of propodeum straight to weakly convex.

Petiole about as high as long (PTL 0.12–0.16, PTH 0.11–0.13) and with a short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, posterior face of node vertical and slightly concave, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum slightly convex. Subpetiolar process produced as a small denticle, almost as large as the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node convex and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.12–0.14, PTW 0.09–0.10), petiolar node wider than long (PNL 0.06–0.07, PTW 0.09–0.10), anterior and posterior margin of petiole nearly straight, anterior margin of postpetiole slightly concave, posterior margin convex, sides of petiole convex and rounded in postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, median portion of clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles, except for smooth and shiny frons; malar area and frontal lobes with longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate), and metapleuron (weakly areolate and with longitudinal and parallel rugae). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny.

Lateral margins of head with subdecumbent hairs, posterior margin of head with suberect hairs. Scapes with abundant decumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandible with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with abundant decumbent hairs. Gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs, and sparse suberect hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara dota is known only from southwestern and north-central Madagascar (Figure 68). This species was found in habitats such as gallery forest, grassland, littoral rainforest, montane rainforest, montane rainforest edge, and rainforest. C. dota was collected at elevations ranging from 10 m to 1670 m using maxi-Winkler and pitfall traps. Individuals and colonies were found in leaf mold and rotten wood.

Carebara dota is endemic to Madagascar, and major workers are easily distinguished from other species by the longitudinal and parallel rugae on the dorsal surface of the head. Six species were recorded at the same places were this species was collected: C. bara, C. grandidieri, C. hainteny, C. jajoby, C. nosindambo, and C. sampi, which can be separated from C. dota by the characters mentioned above.

C. dota does not have intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa: 45 km S. Ambalavao, -22.21667, 47.01667, 785 m, rainforest, 25.ix.1993, (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, 28 km SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady, -20.775, 47.16833, 1670 m, grassland, 11.i.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, Réserve Spéciale Ivohibe, 7.5 km ENE Ivohibe, -22.47, 46.96, 900 m, rainforest, 7–12.x.1997, (B.L.Fisher (Sylvain)); Fianarantsoa, 28 km SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady, -20.775, 47.16833, 1670 m, montane rainforest edge, 14.i.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara: Manombo, -22.8123, 43.73932, 165 m, gallery forest, TS3, 22–24.v.2004, (Frontier Wilderness Project); Toliara, Parc National d’Andohahela, Col du Sedro, 3.8 km 113° ESE Mahamavo, 37.6 km 341° NNW Tolagnaro, -24.76389, 46.75167, 900 m, montane rainforest, 21–25.i.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ampanihy, -23.4635, 46.4631, 1270 m, montane rainforest, 9–10.ii.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Forêt de Petriky, 12.5 km W 272° Tolagnaro, -25.06167, 46.87, 10 m, littoral rainforest, 22.xi.1998, (B.L. Fisher).

Antennae nine-segmented. Major: Head longer than wide, nearly rectangular, margins straight and parallel; petiole with relatively long peduncle, ventral face flat, petiolar node rounded. Minor: Head longer than wide, nearly subrectangular; petiole with relatively long peduncle, petiolar node rounded.

Figure 38. 

Carebara grandidieri. Major worker, CASENT0035958. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0036011D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Figure 39. 

Intermediates of Carebara grandidieri. Major workers, CASENT0021673. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. CASENT0444643D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view. CASENT0133170G head in full-face view H body in profile view I body in dorsal view.

Figure 40. 

Carebara grandidieri-lectotype and Carebara voeltzkowi (= C. grandidieri syn. n.). Queen, CASENT0101999. A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Queen, CASENT0906665D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=22): HL 0.56–0.84; HW 0.44–0.61; SL 0.25–0.32; ML 0.12–0.21; EL 0.01–0.03; EM 0.14–0.19; HD 0.30–0.45; WL 0.51–0.74; PSL 0.05–0.09; PW 0.26–0.38; MFL 0.29–0.42; MFW 0.06–0.10; MTL 0.26–0.37; PTL 0.18–0.28; PNL 0.09–0.14; PTH 0.12–0.20; PTW 0.12–0.19; PPL 0.11–0.16; PPNL 0.09–0.14; PPH 0.10–0.17; PPW 0.13–0.21; GL 0.44–0.85; GW 0.35–0.65; CI 71–79; MI 20–27; SI 38–46; MLI 63–74; PPLI 50–67; PPI 100–123; PSI 10–15.

Head longer than wide (CI 71–79), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins straight. Mandibles with six teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus concave and laterally convex. Frons without median ocellus. Antennae with nine segments. Scapes short (HL 0.56–0.84, SL 0.25–0.32, SI 38–46). Eyes present, consisting of one to three ommatidia (EL 0.01–0.03). Supraclypeal area acutely triangular, extending forward beyond the antennal insertions.

In profile view, promesonotum convex, mesonotum shallowly present and lower than dorsum of promesonotum, metanotal groove present. Propodeum lower than promesonotum, about 1.2 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat and declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corner angulate to dentate, declivity of propodeum slightly concave with thin lateral laminae in direction of propodeal lobe. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about 2.5 times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.05–0.09), and distance to declivity almost twice the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about 1.2 times longer than wide, anterior margin of promesonotum rounded, sides convex and narrowed posteriorly; sides of propodeum weakly convex or straight.

Petiole with relatively long peduncle, ventral face flat. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node deeply concave in the middle, posterior face of node slightly convex, anterodorsal and posterodorsal corner convex, dorsum rounded. Subpetiolar process produced as a small denticle, smaller than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node as broad as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.12–0.19, PPW 0.13–0.21) and petiolar node wider than long (PNL 0.09–0.14, PTW 0.12–0.19), anterior and posterior margins of petiole nearly straight, anterior margin of postpetiole concave and convex posterior margin, sides rounded in petiole and convex in postpetiole, narrowed posteriorly.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, upper median portion of clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Head with longitudinal rugae along the gena, and frontal lobes. Lower median portion of clypeus with transverse rugae. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for propleuron and mesopleuron (areolate), and metapleuron (longitudinally rugulose). Ventral face of petiole and postpetiole longitudinally areolate. In dorsal view mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny, except for declivity of propodeum, anterior and posterior face of petiole finely areolate.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with suberect to subdecumbent hairs. Scapes with subdecumbent to decumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with short decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short subdecumbent hairs and long suberect hairs. Tibia with subdecumbent to decumbent hairs. Gaster with abundant suberect to decumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Measurements (n=18): HL 0.39–0.49; HW 0.31–0.40; SL 0.23–0.30; ML 0.08–0.13; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.11–0.13; HD .022–0.28; WL 0.40–0.52; PSL 0.03–0.05; PW 0.18–0.24; MFL 0.24–0.31; MFW 0.06–0.08; MTL 0.19–0.27; PTL 0.16–0.19; PNL 0.09–0.11; PTH 0.10–0.13; PTW 0.09–0.11; PPL 0.08–0.11; PPNL 0.07–0.10; PPH 0.07–0.10; PPW 0.10–0.12; GL 0.31–0.55; GW 0.22–0.32; CI 79–86; MI 19–28; SI 57–65; MLI 73–82; PPLI 47–63; PPI 100–120; PSI 9–13.

Head longer than wide (CI 79–86), in full-face view nearly subrectangular, about 1.2 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head weakly concave, nearly straight, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins slightly convex, nearly straight. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus concave and laterally angulate. Antennae with nine segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.39–0.49, SL 0.23–0.30, SI 57–65). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area triangular but poorly defined.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, nearly flat, metanotal groove present. Propodeum about 1.3 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum convex, posterodorsal corners angulate, or with a small triangular tooth, anterodorsal corner convex, declivity concave with thin lateral laminae in direction of propodeal lobe. Propodeal lobes short and triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about two times the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum almost three times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.03–0.05), and distance to declivity less than twice the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about 1.25 times longer than wide, anterior margin rounded, sides convex; sides of propodeum straight.

Petiole with a relatively long peduncle, petiole longer than high (PTL 0.16–0.19, PTH 0.10–0.13), ventral face flat. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node deeply concave in the middle, posterior face of node slightly convex, anterodorsal and posterodorsal corner convex, dorsum rounded. Subpetiolar process produced as a small denticle, smaller than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node strongly convex and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node almost as broad as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.09–0.11, PPW 0.10–0.12), and petiolar node as broad as long (PNL 0.09–0.11, PTW 0.09–0.11), anterior and posterior margin of petiole convex, anterior margin of postpetiole concave and convex posteriorly, sides of petiole and postpetiole strongly convex.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus, supraclypeal area, and head smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Head with transverse rugae near the posterior margin of head, gena and frontal lobes with longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for propleuron and mesopleuron (areolate), and metapleuron (finely areolate-rugose). Lateral margins of petiole finely areolate-rugose, except for petiolar node and ventral face of postpetiole which are areolate. In dorsal view mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny, except for declivity of propodeum, anterior and posterior face of petiole which are finely areolate.

Lateral margins of head and scape with subdecumbent to decumbent hairs. Posterior margin of head with short suberect hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent hairs and long subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs. Gaster with longer suberect to decumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara grandidieri is a widespread and common species in the Malagasy region, and has been recorded on Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte (Figure 68). This species was collected in the following environments: along the roadside, coastal scrub, dry forest, gallery forest, grassland, littoral forest, montane rainforest, open secondary vegetation, rainforest, spiny forest/thicket, tropical dry forest, Uapaca woodland, and urban/garden. C. grandidieri was sampled at elevations ranging from 10 m to 1550 m. Individuals and colonies were collected in rotten logs, rotting tree stumps, soil, termite mounds, leaf litter, under moss, litter on rocks, under rotten logs, under stones, and in leaf litter.

Carebara grandidieri is widely distributed throughout Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte, and co-occurs with almost all Carebara species recorded in the Malagasy region. The morphology of this species is highly variable (Figure 39, 40). There are different populations that initially appear to be distinct species. However, we could not find consistent characters to split C. grandidieri into additional species. The characters that vary across populations include: a) pilosity that varies from suberect to decumbent hairs, and is more noticeable on the gaster; b) posterior corner of propodeum, which varies from a pair of small triangular and angulate upwardly directed teeth, to nearly convex (in specimens from the same colony it is possible to see the gradual change from nearly convex to slightly dentate); c) petiole, where the node is thicker in profile and dorsal view, in some populations; and d) the diameter of the propodeal spiracle, which is smaller in populations from the north of Madagascar.

Upon examining all Carebara workers in the Malagasy region, we found only two species with nine antennal segments, C. grandidieri and C. creolei, and C. creolei is present only in Comoros and the Seychelles. All other Carebara species present in Madagascar have 10 or 11 antennal segments. The main character present in the queens of C. grandidieri and C. voeltzkowi described by Forel, is the presence of nine antennal segments, while the morphological differences between these specimens are not sufficient to merit placement in separate species. It is possible that C. grandidieri represents a species complex, with two or three different species, but much more detailed studies, including molecular studies, will likely be required to confirm this.

The main variations between the queens (Figure 40) of the two species are in the form of the head and the posterodorsal corner of the propodeum. After examining queens collected in different localities we see that the shape of the head is very variable in the queen caste, with some populations with lateral margins of the head convex, and others nearly straight. In the queen caste of C. grandidieri, the posterodorsal corner of the propodeum is unarmed, while in C. voeltzkowi it has a pair of small and angulate triangular teeth, though we found that this character is highly variable in the queens and the major worker caste. For this reason, we are including C. voeltzkowi as a junior synonym of C. grandidieri. In general, the queen of C. grandidieri can be separated from others by the following combination of characters: head longer than wide, in full-face view nearly rectangular, or nearly subquadrate, posterior margin of head slightly concave in the middle, posterolateral corners rounded; lateral margins straight to slightly convex; mandible with six or seven teeth; anterior margin of clypeus slightly concave; antennae with nine segments; ocelli present, eyes present.

COMOROS: Anjouan, -12.25764, 44.38915, 20 m, along roadside, 27.i.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mohéli Ouallah, -12.32717, 43.65952, 10 m, coastal scrub, 17.i.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mohéli Ouallah, -12.30668, 43.66407, 275 m, rainforest, 21–24.i.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mohéli Lac Boundouni, -12.37915, 43.85165, 25 m, dry forest, 20–21.i.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mohéli Ouallah, -12.30353, 43.66827, 500 m, rainforest, 18–22.i.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mohéli Ouallah, -12.30353, 43.66827, 500 m, rainforest, 18–19.i.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.). MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo. Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely, Forêt d’ Ambohitantely, 20.9 km 72° NE d’ Ankazobe, -18.22528, 47.28683, 1410 m, montane rainforest, 17–22.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antananarivo, [Antananarivo], (Camboué); Antananarivo, Ankalalahana, -19.00659, 47.1122, 1375 m, Uapaca Woodland, 29–31.iii.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana. Forêt de Binara, 7.5 km 230° SW Daraina, -13.255, 49.61667, 375 m, tropical dry forest, 1.xii.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Forêt d’ Antsahabe, 11.4 km 275° W Daraina, -13.21167, 49.55667, 550 m, tropical dry forest, 12.xii.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Forêt d’ Andavakoera, 21.4 km 75° ENE Ambilobe; 4.6 km 356° N Betsiaka, -13.11833, 49.23, 425 m, rainforest, 15.xii.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Forêt de Bekaraoka, 6.8 km 60° ENE Daraina, -13.16667, 49.71, 150 m, tropical dry forest, 7.xii.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Analamerana, 16.7 km 123° Anivorano-Nord, -12.80467, 49.37383, 225 m, tropical dry forest, 3.xii.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Analamerana, 28.4 km 99° Anivorano-Nord, -12.74667, 49.49483, 60 m, tropical dry forest, 5.xii.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Forêt Ambato, 26.6 km 33° Ambanja, -13.4645, 48.55167, 150 m, rainforest, 8.xii.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Ambondrobe, 41.1 km 175° Vohemar, -13.71533, 50.10167, 10 m, littoral rainforest, 29.xi.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Forêt Ambato, 26.6 km 33° Ambanja, -13.4645, 48.55167, 150 m, rainforest, 10.xii.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Ambondrobe, 41.1 km 175° Vohemar, -13.71533, 50.10167, 10 m, littoral rainforest, 30.xi.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy, Manantenina River, 28.0 km 38° NE Andapa, 8.2 km 333° NNW Manantenina, -14.43667, 49.775, 450 m, rainforest, 23.xi.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Forêt d’Ampombofofo, -12.09949, 49.33874, 25 m, littoral forest, 21–22.xi.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Nosy Faly, -13.36435, 48.49137, 40 m, open secondary vegetation, 25.ii.2013, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Nosy Be, Réserve Naturelle Intégrale de Lokobe, 6.3 km 112° ESE Hellville, -13.41933, 48.33117, 30 m, rainforest, 19–24.iii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale de l’Ankarana, 22.9 km 224° SW Anivorano Nord, -12.90889, 49.10983, 80 m, tropical dry forest, 10–16.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Forêt d’Anabohazo, 21.6 km 247° WSW Maromandia, -14.30889, 47.91433, 120 m, tropical dry forest, 11–16.iii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale de l’Ankarana, 13.6 km 192° SSW Anivorano Nord, -12.86361, 49.22583, 210 m, tropical dry forest, 16–21.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale de l’Ankarana, 22.9 km 224° SW Anivorano Nord, -12.90889, 49.10983, 80 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 10–16.ii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Ampasindava, Forêt d’Ambilanivy, 3.9 km 181° S Ambaliha, -13.79861, 48.16167, 600 m, rainforest, 4–9.iii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Forêt d’Ampondrabe, 26.3km 10° NNE Daraina, -12.97, 49.7, 175 m, tropical dry forest, 10.xii.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambre, 3.5 km 235° SW Sakaramy, -12.46889, 49.24217, 325 m, tropical dry forest, 26–31.i.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Fianarantsoa. Parc National d’Isalo, Sahanafa River, 29.2 km 351° N Ranohira, -22.31333, 45.29167, 500 m, gallery forest, 10–13.ii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, Parc National d’Isalo, 9.1 km 354° N Ranohira, -22.48167, 45.46167, 725 m, gallery forest, 27–31.i.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, Parc National d’Isalo, Ambovo Springs, 29.3 km 4° N Ranohira, -22.29833, 45.35167, 990 m, Uapaca woodland, 9–14.ii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, Réserve Forestière d’Agnalazaha, Mahabo, 42.9 km 215° Farafangana, -23.19383, 47.723, 20 m, littoral rainforest, 19.iv.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Fianarantsoa, Réserve Spéciale Manombo 24.5 km 228° Farafangana, -23.01583, 47.719, 30 m, rainforest, 20.iv.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Fianarantsoa, Forêt d’Atsirakambiaty, 7.6 km 285° WNW Itremo, -20.59333, 46.56333, 1550 m, grassland, 22–26.i.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Mahajanga Parc National tsingy de Bemaraha, 10.6 km ESE 123° Antsalova, -18.70944, 44.71817, 150 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 16–20.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Mahavavy River, 6.2 km 145° SE Mitsinjo, -16.05167, 45.90833, 20 m, gallery forest, 1–5.xii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National de Namoroka, 17.8 km 329° WNW Vilanandro, -16.37667, 45.32667, 100 m, tropical dry forest, 8–12.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve Spéciale de Bemarivo, 23.8 km 223° SW Besalampy, -16.925, 44.36833, 30 m, tropical dry forest, 19–23.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National de Namoroka, 9.8 km 300° WNW Vilanandro, -16.46667, 45.35, 140 m, tropical dry forest, 4–8.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National de Namoroka, 16.9 km 317° NW Vilanandro, -16.40667, 45.31, 100 m, tropical dry forest, 12–16.xi.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Forêt de Tsimembo, 8.7 km 336° NNW Soatana, -19.02139, 44.44067, 20 m, tropical dry forest, 21–25.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National tsingy de Bemaraha, 2.5 km 62° ENE Bekopaka, Ankidrodroa River, -19.13222, 44.81467, 100 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 11–15.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve Forestière Beanka, 50.7 km E Maintirano, -17.88021, 44.46877, 140 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 29.x.-1.xi.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve Forestière Beanka, 50.2 km E Maintirano, -18.02649, 44.05051, 250 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 19–22.x.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve Forestière Beanka, 52.7 km E Maintirano, -18.0622, 44.52587, 300 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, 24–27.x.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National d’Ankarafantsika, Forêt de Tsimaloto, 18.3 km 46° NE de Tsaramandroso, -16.22806, 47.14361, 135 m, tropical dry forest, 2–8.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National tsingy de Bemaraha, 3.4 km 93° E Bekopaka, Tombeau Vazimba, -19.14194, 44.828, 50 m, tropical dry forest, 6–10.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National d’Ankarafantsika, Ampijoroa Station Forestière, 40 km 306° NW Andranofasika, -16.32083, 46.81067, 130 m, tropical dry forest, 26.iii.-1.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Parc National d’Ankarafantsika, Ampijoroa Station Forestière, 5.4 km 331° NW Andranofasika, -16.29889, 46.813, 70 m, tropical dry forest, 26.iii.-1.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Réserve d’Ankoririka, 10.6 km 13° NE de Tsaramandroso, -16.26722, 47.04861, 210 m, tropical dry forest, 9–14.iv.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Mahajanga, Forêt de Tsimembo, 11.0 km 346° NNW Soatana, -18.99528, 44.4435, 50 m, tropical dry forest, 21–25.xi.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Toamasina. Parcelle K7 Tampolo, -17.28333, 49.41667, 10 m, littoral forest, 20.iv.2004, (Malagasy ant team); Toamasina, Forêt d’Analava Mandrisy, 5.9 km 195º Antanambe, -16.48567, 49.847, 10 m, littoral rainforest, 13.xi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Mahavelona (Foulpointe), -17.66667, 49.5, 20.v.1993, (A. Pauly); Toamasina, Station Forestière Analamazaotra, Analamazaotra 1.3 km S Andasibe, -18.38466, 48.41271, 980 m, montane rainforest, 11–13.xii.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Réserve Forestière Tampolo, 95.2 km N Toamasina, -17.27808, 49.42853, 20 m, littoral rainforest, 7.v.2008, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Tamatave, (Voeltzkow); Toliara. Parc National de Kirindy Mite, 16.3 km 127° SE Belo sur Mer, -20.79528, 44.147, 80 m, tropical dry forest, 6–10.xii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Malaza, Mandraré River, 8.6 km 314° NW Amboasary, -25.00778, 46.306, 40 m, gallery forest, 6.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29° WNW Tongobory, -23.52417, 44.12133, 75 m, gallery forest, 27.ii.-3.iii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329° NNW Amboasary, -24.95694, 46.2715, 35 m, gallery forest, 3–8.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Forêt de Mahavelo, Isantoria River, -24.75833, 46.15717, 110 m, spiny forest/thicket, 28.i.-1.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale de Cap Sainte Marie, 12.3 km 262° W Marovato, -25.58167, 45.16833, 200 m, spiny forest/thicket, 11–15.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National d’Andohahela, Forêt de Manantalinjo, 33.6 km 63° ENE Amboasary, 7.6 km 99° E Hazofotsy, -24.81694, 46.61, 150 m, spiny forest/thicket, 12–16.i.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa, 6.7 km 130° SE Efoetse, 23.0 km 175° S Beheloka, -24.10056, 43.76, 25 m, spiny forest/thicket, 18–22.iii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohijanahary, Forêt d’Ankazotsihitafototra, 35.2 km 312° NW Ambaravaranala, -18.26667, 45.40667, 1050 m, montane rainforest, 13–17.i.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohijanahary, Forêt d’Ankazotsihitafototra, 34.6 km 314° NW Ambaravaranala, -18.26, 45.41833, 1100 m, montane rainforest, 16.i.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Forêt de Kirindy, 15.5 km 64° ENE Marofandilia, -20.045, 44.66222, 100 m, tropical dry forest, 28.xi.-3.xii.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Antafoky, -23.48778, 44.0775, 60 m, gallery forest, 9.ii.2002, (Frontier Project); Toliara, Manombo, -22.8123, 43.73932, 165 m, gallery forest, TS3, 22–24.v.2004, (Frontier Wilderness Project); Toliara, Amboasary, -25.03883, 46.3835, 25 m, urban/garden, 9.xii.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Manatantely, 8.9km NW Tolagnaro, -24.9815, 46.92567, 100 m, rainforest, 27.xi.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ambinanitelo, -23.45707, 46.4473, 1300 m, grassland, 8.ii.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ambinanitelo, -23.45373, 46.45773, 1345 m, grassland, 11.ii.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, -23.4185, 46.4583, 1365 m, grassland, 8.ii.2009, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Beza-Mahafaly, 27 km E Betioky, -23.65, 44.63333, 135 m, tropical dry forest, 23.iv.1997, (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Makay Mts., -21.21985, 45.32396, 500 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, 25.xi.2010, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Makay Mts, -21.22284, 45.32477, 490 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, 24.xi.-1.xii.2010, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Makay Mts., -21.20978, 45.34184, 525 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, 27.xi-2.xii.2010, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Mahafaly Plateau, 6.2 km 74° ENE Itampolo, -24.65361, 43.99667, 80 m, spiny forest/thicket, 21–25.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toliara, Réserve Spéciale de Cap Sainte Marie, 14.9 km 261° W Marovato, -25.59444, 45.14683, 160 m, spiny forest/thicket, 13–19.ii.2002, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); MAYOTTE: Dapani, -12.96279, 45.15037, 135 m, rainforest, 2–4.xii.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); MAYOTTE: Mont Benara, -12.87585, 45.15672, 425 m, rainforest, 30.xi.-2.xii.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); MAYOTTE: Mont Chongui, -12.95903, 45.13411, 380 m, rainforest, 28–30.xi.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); MAYOTTE: Mont Combani, -12.80632, 45.15314, 370 m, rainforest, 25–28.xi.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.).

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Antananarivo, 3 km 41° NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147° SSE Anjozorobe, -18.47333, 47.96, 1300 m, montane rainforest, 5–13.xii.2000, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF02378, (CASC: CASENT0410494). Paratypes: (7 major workers, and 26 minor workers), with same data as holotype. 21 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0410551, CASC: CASENT0410541, CASENT0410542, CASENT0410553, CASENT0410561, CASENT0410557, CASENT0410540, CASENT0410546, CASENT0410560, CASENT0410568, CASENT0410567, CASENT0410566, CASENT0410507, CASENT0410508, CASENT0410509, CASENT0410510, CASENT0410511, CASENT0410515, MCZ: CASENT0410512, MHNG: CASENT0410513, NHMB: CASENT0410555). 2 major workers and 3 minor workers with same data as holotype but with collection code BLF02464, 2 major workers (CASC: CASENT0410495, CASENT0410496), and 3 minor workers (CASC: CASENT0410516, CASENT0410524, CASENT0410518). 3 major workers and 2 minor workers with same data as holotype but with collection code BLF02506, 3 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0410498, CASC: CASENT0410497, MCZ: CASENT0410499), and 2 minor workers (CASC: CASENT0410529, CASENT0410530). 1 major worker from: Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Parc National de Ranomafana, Vatoharanana River, 4.1 km 231° SW Ranomafana, -21.29, 47.43333, 1100 m, montane rainforest, 27–31.iii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.) and collection code BLF08400 (CASC: CASENT0039833. 1 major worker from: Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, 2 km W Andrambovato, along river Tatamaly, -21.51167, 47.41, 1075 m, montane rainforest, 3–5.vi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.) and collection code BLF12164, (CASC: CASENT0061535).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head subrectangular, posterior margin of head concave, lateral margins nearly straight and parallel; propodeum with a pair of small triangular teeth, dorsum of propodeum nearly flat; head with longitudinal and parallel rugose-reticulate and with longitudinal rugae laterally; posterolateral corners of head with a small, dentiform horn; gaster with abundant, suberect hairs. Minor: Head slightly longer than wide, nearly subquadrate; posterodorsal corner of propodeum with a pair of triangular teeth, dorsum nearly flat; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node nearly straight, posterior margin vertical and slightly convex, anterodorsal corner convex; gaster with abundant suberect hairs.

Figure 41. 

Carebara hainteny–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0410494: A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0410542: D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=10): HL 0.56–0.68 (0.63); HW 0.43–0.53 (0.50); SL 0.24–0.27 (0.26); ML 0.10–0.14 (0.12); EL 0.02–0.04 (0.02); EM 0.16–0.19 (0.18); HD 0.31–0.38 (0.35); WL 0.50–0.57 (0.56); PSL 0.06–0.07 (0.06); PW 0.28–0.35 (0.32); MFL 0.28–0.36 (0.31); MFW 0.07–0.10 (0.08); MTL 0.22–0.25 (0.25); PTL 0.20–0.23 (0.23); PNL 0.08–0.10 (0.09); PTH 0.16–0.19 (0.17); PTW 0.12–0.16 (0.15); PPL 0.11–0.15 (0.14); PPNL 0.10–0.13 (0.11); PPH 0.12–0.14 (0.14); PPW 0.18–0.21 (0.20); GL 0.45–0.65 (0.48); GW 0.36–0.45 (0.42); CI 75–82 (79); MI 17–23 (19); SI 38–44 (41), MLI 60–73 (62); PPLI 55–75 (61); PPI 127–150 (133); PSI 11–14 (12).

Head longer than wide (CI 75–82), in full-face view subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins slightly convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus medially concave and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.56–0.68, SL 0.24–0.27, SI 38–44). Ocelli are absent. Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.02–0.04). Supraclypeal area acutely triangular, extending forward beyond the antennal insertions.

In profile view, posterolateral corner of head with a short triangular tooth resembling a horn. Promesonotum high and convex, metanotal groove deep. Propodeum about 1.65 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat and declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corners of propodeum each armed with a triangular tooth, declivity of propodeum vertical, flat with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes triangular. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle; distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about 2.5 times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.06–0.07), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum almost as long as wide (about 1.02 times longer than wide), anterior margin and sides of promesonotum rounded, narrowed posteriorly; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.20–0.23, PTH 0.16–0.19) and with a short peduncle, ventral face weakly convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node slightly concave, nearly straight, posterior face of node vertical, nearly straight, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as denticle, slightly larger than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node not as broad as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.12–0.16, PPW 0.18–0.21), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.12–0.16, PNL 0.08–0.10), anterior and posterior margin of petiole and postpetiole nearly straight, sides rounded in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Head with longitudinal irregular and parallel rugose-reticulate, transverse irregular rugae near posterior margin of head, gena with longitudinal rugae extending to posterolateral lobes, reticulate close to posterolateral corners. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate) and metapleuron (areolate and with longitudinal and parallel rugae). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster, smooth and shiny, except for anterior and posterior faces of petiole which are areolate.

Lateral margins of head with short subdecumbent hairs, posterior margin of head with suberect hairs. Scapes with abundant appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with long and short erect and suberect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with abundant decumbent hairs. Gaster with sparse, suberect hairs and abundant subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferrugineus.

Measurements (n=7): HL 0.35–0.39; HW 0.31–0.35; SL 0.21–0.24; ML 0.08–0.11; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.10–0.12; HD 0.21–0.24; WL 0.35–0.42; PSL 0.02–0.05; PW 0.18–0.21; MFL 0.21–0.25, MFW 0.05–0.06; MTL 0.15–0.18; PTL 0.12–0.15; PNL 0.06–0.07; PTH 0.10–0.12; PTW 0.08–0.10; PPL 0.07–0.10; PPNL 0.07–0.08; PPH 0.07–0.10; PPW 0.11–0.13; GL 0.35–0.39; GW 0.23–0.30; CI 87–92; MI 23–29; SI 60–64, MLI 66–75; PPLI 54–71; PPI 122–150; PSI 7–15.

Head slightly longer than wide (CI 87–92), in full-face view nearly subquadrate, about 1.1 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head shallowly straight, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins weakly convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus almost straight and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.35–0.39, SL 0.21–0.24, SI 60–64). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area triangular but poorly defined.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.3 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum slightly concave and declining posteriorly, anterodorsal corner rounded, posterodorsal corners each armed with a triangular tooth, declivity slightly concave with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes convex. Propodeal spiracle weakly oval and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about two times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.02–0.05), and distance to declivity about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum almost as long as wide (about 1.03 times longer than wide), anterior margin of promesonotum weakly convex, sides rounded and narrowed posteriorly; sides of propodeum convex.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.12–0.15, PTH 0.10–0.12) and with a short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node straight, posterior face of node vertical and weakly concave, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as denticle, slightly larger than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node nearly rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.11–0.13, PTW 0.08–0.10), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.0.8–0.10, PNL 0.06–0.0.7), anterior and posterior margin of petiole and postpetiole convex, sides of petiole and postpetiole rounded.

Dorsal surface of head, mandibles, clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Gena and frontal lobes with longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate) and metapleuron (areolate and with longitudinal and parallel rugae). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny, except for petiole which is areolate.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with suberect hairs. Scapes with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandibles with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short and long suberect hairs. Petiole, and postpetiole with short subdecumbent hairs and long suberect hairs. Tibia with appressed hairs. Gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish.

Carebara hainteny is known only from the center of Madagascar (Figure 68) from grassland, montane rainforest and rainforest and was collected once in montane grassland. The species was sampled at different elevations from 785 m to 1300 m. C. hainteny was collected using Winkler traps, and found in rotten logs, leaf mold and rotten wood.

Carebara hainteny is endemic to Madagascar. This species can be easily distinguished from other species by the presence of well-defined, irregular and longitudinal rugoreticulate sculpture on the head; short, triangular, horn-like teeth on the posterolateral corners of the head; workers with a pair of triangular teeth on the propodeum, a thick petiolar node and the gaster with abundant suberect to subdecumbent hairs. Other five species, C. betsi, C. jajoby, C. kabosy, C. mahafaly, and C. nosindambo, were recorded at the same area, but can be separated from the others by the characters mentioned above.

C. hainteny does not have intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa: Parc National de Ranomafana, Vatoharanana River, 4.1 km 231° SW Ranomafana, -21.29, 47.43333, 1100 m, montane rainforest, 27–31.iii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, Vohiparara Kidonavo 2, -21.22603, 47.36963, 1100 m, stomach contents of Mantella madagascariensis, 13.iii.2003, (V.C.Clark); Fianarantsoa, 2 km W Andrambovato, along river Tatamaly, -21.51167, 47.41, 1075 m, montane rainforest, 3–5.vi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Fianarantsoa, 43 km S Ambalavao, Réserve Andringitra, -22.23333, 47, 825 m, rainforest, 5.x.1993, (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, 28 km. SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady, -20.775, 47.16833, 1670 m, grassland, 11.i.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, 45 km S. Ambalavao, -22.21667, 47.01667, 785 m, rainforest, 25.ix.1993, (B.L. Fisher); Toamasina: Parc National Mantadia, -18.79167, 48.42667, 895 m, rainforest, 25–28.xi.1998, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Parc National Mantadia, -18.79167, 48.42667, 895 m, rainforest, 28.xi.-1.xii.1998, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Forêt classée Didy, -18.19833, 48.57833, 960 m, rainforest, 16.xii.-23.xii.1998, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Analamay, -18.80623, 48.33707, 1068 m, montane rainforest, 21.iii.2004, (Malagasy ant team).

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Toliara, Forêt Classée d’Analavelona, 29.2 km 343° NNW Mahaboboka, -22.675, 44.19, 1100 m, montane rainforest, 18–22.ii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF07838, (CASC: CASENT0906501). Paratypes: (2 major workers and 6 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 2 major workers (CASC: CASSENT0906495, CASENT0906496), and 1 minor worker (CASC: CASENT0496888). 5 minor workers with same data as holotype but with different collection codes. BLF07820. (BMNH: CASENT0498240), BLF07827, (CASC: CASENT0498241, CASENT0498242), BLF07848, (MCZ: CASENT0498224, MHNG: CASENT0498223).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head nearly subrectangular, posterior margin of head concave and posterolateral corners rounded; head with longitudinal rugae, not reaching posterolateral lobes, smooth and shiny frons, imbricate close to posterior margin of head; propodeum with posterodorsal corner nearly convex, dorsum flat; ventral face of petiole flat and petiolar node thick, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node medially concave and posterior face vertical and convex. Minor: Head nearly subquadrate; propodeum with posterodorsal corner nearly convex, and dorsum flat; petiolar node thick, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node slightly concave.

Figure 42. 

Carebara hiragasy–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0496886: A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0496888: D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=3): HL 0.74–1.03 (0.87); HW 0.58–0.79 (0.66); SL 0.31–0.39 (0.35); ML 0.20–0.27 (0.22); EL 0.02–0.05 (0.02); EM 0.21–0.34 (0.30); HD 0.42–0.61 (0.50); WL 0.67–0.88 (0.80); PSL 0.04–0.07 (0.06); PW 0.39–0.53 (0.46); MFL 0.36–0.50 (0.43); MFW 0.08–0.12 (0.11); MTL 0.29–0.39 (0.34); PTL 0.22–0.30 (0.26); PNL 0.12–0.15 (0.13); PTH 0.16–0.21 (0.18); PTW 0.16–0.21 (0.18); PPL 0.16–0.20 (0.17); PPNL 0.12–0.18 (0.15); PPH 0.14–0.21 (0.17); PPW 0.18–0.24 (0.21); GL 0.52–0.75 (0.61); GW 0.47–0.75 (0.61); CI 76–78 (76); MI 25–27 (25); SI 38–42 (40), MLI 62–65 (65); PPLI 65–73 (65); PPI 113–117 (117); PSI 7–9 (9).

Head longer than wide (CI 76–78), in full-face view roughly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head medially concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins straight. Mandibles with six teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus slightly concave, and laterally convex. Antennae with ten segments. Scapes short (HL 0.74–1.03, SL 0.31–0.39, SI 38–42), barely surpassing cephalic midlength. Ocelli present or absent. Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.02–0.05). Supraclypeal area well defined, acutely triangular with a short longitudinal strip posteriorly, not reaching cephalic midlength.

In profile view, promesonotum high and strongly convex, metanotal groove deeply impressed, propodeum lower than promesonotum. Propodeum about as high as long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat and declining posteriorly, propodeum unarmed, posterodorsal corner bluntly angled, declivity of propodeum vertical and slightly concave. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about two times the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodrosal corner of propodeum about 1.8 times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.04–0.07), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides of promesonotum rounded, deeply narrowed posteriorly; sides of propodeum straight.

Petiole longer than high (PTL 0.22–0.30, PTH 0.16–0.21) and with relatively short peduncle, ventral face slightly convex. Petiolar node thick. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node slightly concave in the middle, posterior face of node vertical and weakly convex, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as denticle, about as long as the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node not as wide as postpetiolar node (PTW 0.16–0.21, PPW 0.18–0.24), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.16–0.21, PNL 0.12–0.15), anterior and posterior margins of petiole slightly convex, and nearly straight in postpetiole, sides rounded in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of mandibles and head with scattered piligerous punctae. Frontoclypeal area, frons, and posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny. Head with longitudinal and parallel carinulae, extending from gena and frontal lobes to posterolateral corners, clypeus with transverse rugae. Mandibles with longitudinal striations, weakly imbricate close to posterior margin of head. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny medially. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum, metapleuron and propodeum, which are areolate. Longitudinal and fine carinulae present on lateral side of pronotum. Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, promesonotum, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny; propodeum weakly sculptured.

Lateral margins, posterolateral corners, and posterior margin of head with short and long erect to suberect hairs. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandible with a few and very short appressed hairs. Mesosoma with short and long erect hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with long suberect and subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs. Gaster with short subdecumbent hairs and long erect hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Measurements (n=8): HL 0.43–0.50; HW 0.41–0.45; SL 0.29–0.32; ML 0.12–0.15; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.14–0.18; HD 0.27–0.31; WL 0.50–0.57; PSL 0.03–0.04; PW 0.26–0.30; MFL 0.29–0.35; MFW 0.07–0.08; MTL 0.24–0.27; PTL 0.15–0.18; PNL 0.09–0.10; PTH 0.13–0.14; PTW 0.11–0.13; PPL 0.11–0.14; PPNL 0.09–0.11; PPH 0.10–0.12; PPW 0.14–0.17; GL 0.43–0.61; GW 0.36–0.42; CI 90–100; MI 27–31; SI 64–68; MLI 67–78; PPLI 69–81; PPI 119–132; PSI 7–9.

Head slightly longer than wide (CI 90–100), in full-face view nearly subquadrate, about 1.03 times longer than wide. Posterior margin of head nearly straight, posterolateral corners convex, lateral margins convex. Mandibles with five teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus weakly concave medially and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.43–0.50, SL 0.29–0.32, SI 64–68). Eyes present, consisting of two ommatidia (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area triangular but poorly defined.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, nearly flat, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about as high as long, dorsal face of propodeum flat and declining posteriorly, posterodorsal corner bluntly angled, anterodorsal corner rounded, declivity vertical and slightly concave. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated slightly above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum and to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.03–0.04). In dorsal view, promesonotum almost as long as wide (about 1.06 times longer than wide), anterior margin of promesonotum rounded, sides convex; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole slightly longer than high (PTL 0.15–0.18, PTH 0.13–0.14) and with a short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node slightly concave, nearly straight, posterior face of node vertical and nearly straight, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as a small denticle, smaller than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Petiolar node thick. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.14–0.17, PTW 0.11–0.13), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.11–0.13, PNL 0.09–0.10), anterior and posterior margin of petiole slightly convex, and nearly straight in postpetiole, sides of petiole rounded and convex in postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of head, mandibles, clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles, gena and frontal lobes longitudinally carinulate. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (areolate), and metapleuron (finely and longitudinally areolate). Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny, except for declivity of propodeum which is weakly sculptured.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with suberect hairs. Scapes with subdecumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandible with short decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with long and short erect hairs. Petiole, postpetiole and gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs, and sparse and long suberect hairs. Tibia with decumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara hiragasy is known only from the southwestern and southeastern sections of Madagascar (Figure 68). This species was found in montane rainforest and rainforest (transition to montane forest). C. hiragasy was collected at 600 m and 1100 m, in soil and under stones.

Carebara hiragasy is endemic to two localities in the southwest and southeast of Madagascar. The major workers are easily recognized by the following characters: head longer than wide, with the posterolateral corners rounded; the propodeum unarmed; and the anterodorsal corner of the petiole convex. In minor workers: the head nearly subquadrate; the propodeum unarmed; and long erect to suberect hairs on the head and body, except for those on the scape and tibia which are decumbent. Other nine species were recorded at the same localities: C. bara, C. dota, C. grandidieri, C. hainteny, C. jajoby, C. nosindambo, C. omasi, C. placida and C. sampi, but C. hiragasy can be separated from the others by the combination of characters mentioned above.

C. hiragasy does not have intermediates in the major worker subcaste.

MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa: Forêt de Vevembe, 66.6 km 293° Farafangana, -22.791, 47.18183, 600 m, rainforest, transition to montane forest, 23.iv.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.).

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Toamasina, Montagne d’Anjanaharibe, 18.0 km 21° NNE Ambinanitelo, -15.18833, 49.615, 470 m, rainforest, 8–12.iii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF08002, (CASC: CASENT0037505). Paratypes: (45 major workers and 23 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 26 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0037498, CASC: CASENT0037566, CASENT0037542, CASENT0037486, CASENT0037496, CASENT0037522, CASENT0037538, CASENT0037532, CASENT0037536, CASENT0037540, CASENT0037555, CASENT0037495, CASENT0037476, CASENT0037518, CASENT0037544, CASENT0037547, CASENT0037554, CASENT0037483, CASENT0037560, CASENT0037558, CASENT0037551, CASENT0037550, CASENT0037562, MCZ: CASENT0037533, MHNG: CASENT0037524, NHMB: CASENT0037521), and 23 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0037467, CASC: CASENT0037549, CASENT0037479, CASENT0037568, CASENT0037563, CASENT0037552, CASENT0037484, CASENT0037503, CASENT0037525, CASENT0037501, CASENT0037565, CASENT0037535, CASENT0037556, CASENT0037543, CASENT0037534, CASENT0037528, CASENT0037515, CASENT0037557, CASENT0037553, CASENT0037497, MCZ: CASENT0037499, MHNG: CASENT0037512, NHMB: CASENT0037559). With same data as holotype but with different collection codes, 4 major workers, BLF08054, (CASC: CASENT0495342, CASENT0495343), BLF08128, (CASC: CASENT0495466, CASENT0495467). 1 major worker, BLF08110, (CASC: CASENT0495483), 2 major workers, BLF08025, (CASC: CASENT0495307, CASENT0495306), and 2 major workers, BLF08070, (CASC: CASENT0495243, CASENT0495244).

Antennae ten or eleven-segmented (only larger major workers, minor workers always with ten segments). Major: Head longer than wide, slightly narrowed anteriorly and on the top, posterior margin of head deeply concave, posterolateral corners well developed and narrowed posteriorly; posterodorsal corner of propodeum with a pair of triangular teeth, dorsum flat and declining posteriorly; petiolar node thin, anterodorsal and posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum weakly convex, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node concave to nearly straight, posterior face vertical and nearly straight. Minor: Head slightly longer than wide; posterodorsal corner of propodeum with a pair of triangular teeth, dorsum flat and declining posteriorly; petiolar node thin with the top bluntly prominent, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node weakly concave, posterior face vertical and almost straight; gaster with abundant subdecumbent hairs.

Figure 43. 

Carebara jajoby–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0037505: A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker, CASENT0037501: D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Figure 44. 

Intermediates of Carebara jajoby. Major workers, CASENT0496387: A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. CASENT0068887: D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view. CASENT0037505: G head in full-face view H body in profile view I body in dorsal view. CASENT0070133: J head in full-face view K body in profile view L body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=27): HL 0.62–1.18 (0.97); HW 0.51–0.92 (0.75); SL 0.27–0.45 (0.38); ML 0.14–0.31 (0.26); EL 0.01–0.14 (0.04); EM 0.16–0.30 (0.27); HD 0.33–0.70 (0.55); WL 0.53–1.12 (0.80); PSL 0.06–0.18 (0.15); PW 0.31–0.60 (0.48); MFL 0.32–0.63 (0.47); MFW 0.07–0.15 (0.11); MTL 0.26–0.51 (0.39); PTL 0.21–0.43 (0.36); PNL 0.08–0.15 (0.12); PTH 0.16–0.27 (0.24); PTW 0.14–0.27 (0.23); PPL 0.12–0.22 (0.18); PPNL 0.11–0.21 (0.15); PPH 0.12–0.26 (0.20); PPW 0.18–0.33 (0.27); GL 0.40–1.54 (0.66); GW 0.37–0.92 (0.66); CI 72–87 (77); MI 22–29 (27); SI 34–45 (39); MLI 58–70 (63); PPLI 45–62 (50); PPI 116–134 (117); PSI 11–26 (20).

Head longer than wide (CI 72–87), in full-face view roughly subrectangular, about 1.3 times longer than wide, narrowed anteriorly and on the top. Posterior margin of head deeply concave, V-shaped, posterolateral corners well developed and narrowed posteriorly, lateral margins moderately convex. Mandibles with six or seven teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus straight to slightly concave, and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten or eleven segments. Scapes short (HL 0.62–1.18, SL 0.27–0.45, SI 34–45). Ocelli absent or present. Eyes present, consisting of one to 50 ommatidia (EL 0.01–0.14). Supraclypeal area mostly triangular, apex varies from acute on small and medium major workers, to rounded on larger major workers.

In profile view, posterolateral corner of head with a small, obtuse tooth resembling a horn. Promesonotum high and nearly rounded, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum lower than promesonotum. Propodeum about 1.75 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum nearly flat, to weakly concave, declining posteriorly; posterodorsal corners of propodeum each armed with a triangular tooth; anterodorsal corner convex, declivity vertical and concave with narrow lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle rounded and situated above mid-height of sclerite, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about four times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.06–0.18), and distance to declivity almost twice the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about as long as wide, anterior margin and sides of promesonotum rounded; sides of propodeum straight.

Petiole longer than high (PTL 0.21–0.43, PTH 0.16–0.27) and with relatively long peduncle, ventral face weakly convex in the middle. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node concave or nearly straight, posterior face of node vertical, anterodorsal corner convex, posterodorsal corner rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process produced as a very small denticle, same as or slightly shorter than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, petiolar node not as broad as postpetiolar node (PPW 0.18–0.33, PTW 0.14–0.27) and petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.14–0.27, PNL 0.08–0.15), anterior margins of petiole and postpetiole nearly straight, sides of petiole rounded, convex in postpetiole, narrowed posteriorly.

Dorsal surface of mandibles, clypeus, supraclypeal area and frons smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Head with longitudinal rugae directed to posterior margin, gena with well-developed longitudinal rugae directed to posterolateral corners of head. In profile, posterolateral portion of cephalic dorsum smooth and shiny, larger specimens with weakly marked longitudinal rugae. Sides of pronotum with transverse and longitudinal fine rugae, median area unsculptured on smaller major workers; katepisternum areolate, metapleuron finely areolate. Petiole and ventral face of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny; propodeum weakly sculptured.

Lateral margins with long suberect hairs and short appressed hairs. Scapes with appressed hairs. Outer margin of mandible with short and sparse appressed hairs. Mesosoma with short decumbent to appressed hairs, and long suberect or subdecumbent hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent or appressed hairs and long subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with appressed hairs. Gaster with short decumbent hairs and long subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Measurements (n=11): HL 0.37–0.45; HW 0.34–0.40; SL 0.24–0.28; ML 0.09–0.12; EL 0.01–0.02; EM 0.11–0.14; HD 0.21–0.28; WL 0.39–0.47; PSL 0.03–0.07; PW 0.21–0.25; MFL 0.25–0.31; MFW 0.06–0.08; MTL 0.18–0.25, PTL 0.15–0.19; PNL0.06–0.09; PTH 0.11–0.13; PTW 0.09–0.11; PPL 0.09–0.10; PPNL 0.08–0.10; PPH 0.09–0.10; PPW 0.12–0.15; GL 0.28–0.40; GW 0.26–0.34; CI 84–93; MI 22–28; SI 60–65, MLI 72–82; PPLI 50–67; PPI 127–156; PSI 9–18.

Head longer than wide (CI 84–93), in full-face view nearly subquadrate, about 1.1 times longer than wide, weakly narrowed anteriorly. Posterior margin of head slightly concave, posterolateral corners rounded, lateral margins convex. Mandibles with six teeth. Anterior margin of clypeus nearly straight, and laterally angulate. Antennae with ten segments. Scape fails to reach the posterior margin of head (HL 0.37–0.45, SL 0.24–0.28, SI 60–65). Eyes present, consisting of one ommatidium (EL 0.01–0.02). Supraclypeal area almost triangular but poorly defined.

In profile view, promesonotum weakly convex, nearly flat, metanotal groove deeply impressed. Propodeum about 1.58 times higher than long, dorsal face of propodeum flat, declining posteriorly, anterodorsal corner rounded, posterodorsal corners each armed with a triangular tooth, declivity vertical and nearly flat, with thin lateral laminae. Propodeal lobes short and convex. Propodeal spiracle nearly oval and situated above mid-height of sclerite by about half the diameter of the spiracle, and beyond mid-length of sclerite by about 1.5 times the diameter of the spiracle, distance from propodeal spiracle to posterodorsal corner of propodeum about 2.5 times the diameter of the spiracle (PSL 0.03–0.07), and distance to declivity same as the diameter of the spiracle. In dorsal view, promesonotum about 1.16 times longer than wide, anterior margin rounded, sides convex and narrowed posteriorly; sides of propodeum weakly convex.

Petiole longer than high (PTL 0.15–0.19, PTH 0.11–0.13) and with relatively short peduncle, ventral face medially convex. Combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node weakly concave, posterior face of node vertical and slightly concave, anterodorsal and posterodorsal corners rounded, dorsum convex. Subpetiolar process weakly present as denticle, shorter than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. Postpetiolar node nearly rounded and lower than petiolar node. In dorsal view, postpetiolar node wider than petiolar node (PPW 0.12–0.15, PTW 0.09–0.11), petiolar node wider than long (PTW 0.09–0.11, PNL 0.06–0.09), anterior and posterior margins of petiole and postpetiole nearly straight, lateral margins rounded in petiole and postpetiole.

Dorsal surface of head, mandibles, clypeus and supraclypeal area smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctae on head and mandibles. Gena and frontal lobes with longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma smooth and shiny, except for katepisternum (mesopleuron) and metapleuron (finely areolate-rugose). Petiole and ventral margin of postpetiole areolate. In dorsal view, promesonotum, postpetiole and gaster smooth and shiny; propodeum and petiole finely areolate.

Lateral margins and posterior margin of head with short decumbent hairs, and long suberect hairs. Scapes with abundant decumbent hairs. Outer margin of mandible with decumbent hairs. Mesosoma with short decumbent hairs and long suberect or subdecumbent hairs. Petiole and postpetiole with short decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Tibia with appressed hairs. Gaster with abundant decumbent hairs and long subdecumbent hairs. Color yellowish ferruginous.

Carebara jajoby is known from the east and northwest of Madagascar (Figure 68). This species was mainly found in littoral rainforest, montane rainforest, montane shrubland, rainforest, and rainforest (transition to montane forest). C. jajoby is distributed in elevations ranging from 10 m to 2000 m. Specimens were collected using maxi-Winkler traps. Individuals and colonies were found in the following microhabitats: dead twigs above ground, rotten logs, rotten logs in root mat, ground nests, sifted litter, leaf mold, rotten wood, under rootmat, litter on rocks, and under stones.

Carebara jajoby can be confused with the following species: C. sampi, C. vazimba, and C. kabosy, but can be separated from them by the following combination of characters. In major workers, dorsum of head of C. sampi is smooth and shiny or with fine longitudinal rugae laterally. In case the dorsum of head presents well-defined longitudinal rugae like C. vazimba, C. kabosy, and C. jajoby then the propodeal tooth of C. jajoby is longer than the diameter of the propodeal spiracle. In minor workers, C. jajoby can be separated from the others species by the prescence of abundant subdecumbent hairs in the gaster, and with fewer than ten longer suberect hairs. C. jajoby is distributed from the east and northwest of Madagascar, while C. sampi is distributed from south and southwestern, C. vazimba is distributed in the north, northeastern and northwestern. Other nine species were recorded at the same localities: C. bara, C. betsi, C. grandidieri, C. hainteny, C. hiragasy, C. kabosy, C. mahafaly, C. nosindambo, and C. placida.

C. jajoby have four intermediates in the major worker subcaste (Figure 44). The posterolateral corners of head of intermediates narrow posteriorly and increase in size from intermediate 1 to 4. The posterior margin of the head in intermediates 1 and 2 is less concave than intermediates 3 and 4. The lateral margins of the head are convex in all intermediates, with intermediate 4 having lateral margins nearly straight. The eyes are small and reduced to one ommatidium in intermediates 1, 2 and 3, while between 2 and 30 ommatidia are found in intermediate 4. Ocelli are absent in intermediates 1, 2 and 3, but one ocellus is present and well developed in intermediate 4. Reduced flight sclerites are present in intermediate 4. The dorsum of the mesosoma is convex anteriorly and gradually slopes to the declivity in intermediate 4. The dorsum of the promesonotum is high and nearly rounded in intermediates 1, 2 and 3. The shape of the petiole and postpetiole do not vary much in intermediates, with the exception of intermediate 4, where the combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node is nearly straight. The propodeum is armed with a pair of triangular teeth in all intermediates. The head is smooth and shiny in the frontal area and with finely longitudinal and parallel rugae in full-face view in all intermediates. Pilosity on head and body follows the same pattern in all intermediates, except for intermediate 4, which has abundant and very short appressed hairs on the gaster. Larger major workers with eleven antennal segments, and seven teeth.

MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Parc National de Marojejy, 25.4 km 30° NNE Andapa, 10.9 km 311° NW Manantenina, -14.445, 49.735, 2000 m, montane shrubland, 23.xi.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy, Manantenina River, 27.6 km 35° NE Andapa, 9.6 km 327° NNW Manantenina, -14.435, 49.76, 775 m, rainforest, 15–18.xi.2003, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy, Manantenina River, 27.6 km 35° NE Andapa, 9.6 km 327° NNW Manantenina, -14.435, 49.76, 775 m, rainforest, 11.xii.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, 6.5 km SSW Befingotra, Réserve Anjanaharibe-Sud, -14.75, 49.5, 875 m, rainforest, 21.x.1994, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale Manongarivo, 12.8 km 228° SW Antanambao, -13.97667, 48.42333, 780 m, rainforest, 11.x.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale Manongarivo, 10.8 km 229° SW Antanambao, -13.96167, 48.43333, 400 m, rainforest, 8.xii.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale Manongarivo, 12.8 km 228° SW Antanambao, -13.97667, 48.42333, 780 m, rainforest, 11–17.x.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale Manongarivo, 14.5 km 220° SW Antanambao, -13.99833, 48.42833, 1175 m, montane rainforest, 20.x.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.17066, 49.95409, 225 m, rainforest, 4–6.v.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.16666, 49.95, 715 m, rainforest, 2.v.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.16044, 49.95216, 550 m, rainforest, 1–2.v.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.16666, 49.95, 715 m, rainforest, 1–2.v.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.16506, 49.9477, 900 m, montane rainforest, 30.iv.-1.v.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.16044, 49.95216, 550 m, rainforest, 1.v.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Makirovana forest, -14.17066, 49.95409, 415 m, rainforest, 28–29.iv.2011, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Réserve Spéciale Manongarivo, 10.8 km 229° SW Antanambao, -13.96167, 48.43333, 400 m, rainforest, 8.xi.1998, (B.L. Fisher); Antsiranana, Galoko chain, Mont Galoko, -13.58487, 48.71818, 520 m, rainforest, 19.ii.2013, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Galoko chain, Mont Galoko, -13.58487, 48.71818, 520 m, rainforest, 17.ii.2013, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Galoko chain, Mont Galoko, -13.59358, 48.73157, 1100 m, montane forest, 22.ii.2013, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy, Manantenina River, 27.6 km 35° NE Andapa, 9.6 km 327° NNW Manantenina, -14.435, 49.76, 775 m, rainforest, 16.xi.2003, (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa: Forêt de Vevembe, 66.6 km 293° Farafangana, -22.791, 47.18183, 600 m, rainforest, transition to montane forest, 24.iv.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Fianarantsoa, Forêt de Vevembe, 66.6 km 293° Farafangana, -22.791, 47.18183, 600 m, rainforest, transition to montane forest, 23.iv.2006, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina: Montagne d’Akirindro 7.6 km 341° NNW Ambinanitelo, -15.28833, 49.54833, 600 m, rainforest, 17–21.iii.2003, (Fisher, Griswold et al.); Toamasina, Forêt Ambatovy, 14.3 km 57° Moramanga, -18.85083, 48.32, 1075 m, montane rainforest, 21.iii.2004, (Malagasy ant team); Toamasina, Torotorofotsy, -18.87082, 48.34737, 1070 m, montane rainforest, marsh edge, 24.iii.2004, (Malagasy ant team); Toamasina, Forêt Ambatovy, 14.3 km 57° Moramanga, -18.85083, 48.32, 1075 m, montane rainforest, 22.iii.2004, (Malagasy ant team); Toamasina, Forêt Ambatovy, 14.3 km 57° Moramanga, -18.85083, 48.32, 1075 m, montane rainforest, 18.xii.2004, (B.L. Fisher); Toamasina, Réserve Ambodiriana, 4.8 km 306° Manompana, along Manompana river, -16.67233, 49.70117, 125 m, rainforest, 19.xi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Parc National Mananara-Nord, 7.1 km 261° Antanambe, -16.455, 49.7875, 225 m, rainforest, 14.xi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ile Sainte Marie, Forêt Ambohidena, 22.8 km 44° Ambodifotatra, -16.82433, 49.96417, 20 m, littoral rainforest, 21.xi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Réserve Ambodiriana, 4.8 km 306° Manompana, along Manompana river, -16.67233, 49.70117, 125 m, rainforest, 18.xi.2005, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Réserve Analamazaotra, Parc National, Andasibe, -18.92778, 48.41833, 947 m, 7.i.2006, (A.Ballerio); Toamasina, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga, -18.84963, 48.2947, 1010 m, montane rainforest, 3–6.iii.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga, -18.83937, 48.30842, 1080 m, montane rainforest, 4–7.iii.2007, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, 6.3 km S Ambanizana, Andranobe, -15.6813, 49.958, 25 m, rainforest, 23.xi.1993, (B.L. Fisher); Toamasina, 6.3 km S Ambanizana, Andranobe, -15.6813, 49.958, 25 m, rainforest, 14.xi.1993, (B.L. Fisher); Toamasina, 6.9 km NE Ambanizana, Ambohitsitondroina, -15.58506, 50.00952, 825 m, rainforest, 2.xii.1993, (B.L. Fisher); Toamasina, Forêt classée Andriantantely, -18.695, 48.81333, 530 m, rainforest, 4–7.xii.1998, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Forêt classée Sandranantitra, -18.04833, 49.09167, 450 m, rainforest, 18–21.i.1999, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Forêt classée Didy, -18.19833, 48.57833, 960 m, rainforest, 16–23.xii.1998, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Forêt classée Andriantantely, -18.695, 48.81333, 530 m, rainforest, 7–10.xii.1998, (H.J.Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Station forestière Analamazaotra, Analamazaotra 1.3km S Andasibe, -18.38466, 48.41271, 980 m, montane rainforest, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambohibolakely, -18.77898, 48.36375, 918 m, rainforest, 23–28.xi.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ankerana, -18.4104, 48.8189, 855 m, rainforest, 22–27.i.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambatoharanana, -18.80388, 48.40506, 1013 m, rainforest, 12–19.xii.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambohibolakely, -18.76087, 48.37128, 1044 m, rainforest, 29.xi.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambohibolakely, -18.76131, 48.36437, 983 m, rainforest, 23.xi.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambohibolakely, -18.76131, 48.36437, 983 m, rainforest, 26.xi.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Tsaravoniana, -18.76465, 48.41938, 1039 m, rainforest, 4–5.xii.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Tsaravoniana, -18.76369, 48.4203, 984 m, rainforest, 2–7.xii.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambatoharanana, -18.80398, 48.40358, 1064 m, rainforest, 12–19.xii.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Tsaravoniana, -18.76465, 48.41938, 1039 m, rainforest, 2–7.xii.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Ambohibolakely, -18.76131, 48.36437, 983 m, rainforest, 23–28.xi.2012, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara: Forêt de Petriky, 12.5 km W 272° Tolagnaro, -25.06167, 46.87, 10 m, littoral rainforest, 22.xi.1998, (B.L. Fisher).

(major worker), MADAGASCAR, Antsiranana, Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 3.6 km 235° SW Joffreville, -12.53444, 49.1795, 925 m, montane rainforest, 20–26.i.2001, (Fisher, Griswold et al.). Collection code BLF02564, (CASC: CASENT0438062). Paratypes: (35 major workers and 17 minor workers), with same data as holotype, 34 major workers (BMNH: CASENT0438053, CASC: CASENT0437873, CASENT0437718, CASENT0437914, CASENT0437996, CASENT0438102, CASENT0437701, CASENT0437890, CASENT0437950, CASENT0438160, CASENT0437677, CASENT0437753, CASENT0437723, CASENT0437772, CASENT0437702, CASENT0437694, CASENT0437692, CASENT0437948, CASENT0437989, CASENT0437956, CASENT0437793, CASENT0438100, CASENT0437999, CASENT0437787, CASENT0437997, CASENT0438015, CASENT0437988, CASENT0437676, CASENT0437955, CASENT0437691, CASENT0437933, MCZ: CASENT0437910, MHNG: CASENT0437953, NHMB: CASENT0437958), and 17 minor workers (BMNH: CASENT0437746, CASC: CASENT0437751, CASENT0437877, CASENT0437886, CASENT0437888, CASENT0437887, CASENT0437739, CASENT0437747, CASENT0437889, CASENT0437891, CASENT0437884, CASENT0437904, CASENT0437895, CASENT0437728, MCZ: CASENT0437880, MHNG: CASENT0437731, NHMB: CASENT0437892), 1 major worker with same data as holotype but with collection code BLF02565, (CASC: CASENT0439968).

Antennae ten-segmented. Major: Head longer than wide, lateral margins convex to nearly straight, posterolateral corners well developed and narrowed posteriorly, posterior margin of head deeply concave in the middle; dorsum of propodeum flat, combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node concave to nearly straight in larger major workers, posterior face vertical and nearly straight; gaster with short decumbent hairs and longer subdecumbent hairs. Minor: Head longer than wide, posterior margin of head concave; dorsum of propodeum nearly flat, anterodorsal corner slightly convex, posterodorsal corner with a pair of small triangular teeth; combined outline of dorsal surface of peduncle and anterior face of node concave, posterior face weakly convex.

Figure 45. 

Carebara kabosy–holotype. Major worker, CASENT0438062: A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. Minor worker: CASENT0437739D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view.

Figure 46. 

Intermediates of Carebara kabosy. Major workers, CASENT0043272: A head in full-face view B body in profile view C body in dorsal view. CASENT0134199: D head in full-face view E body in profile view F body in dorsal view. CASENT0162282: G head in full-face view H body in profile view I body in dorsal view.

Measurements (n=31): HL 0.63–1.16 (0.97); HW 0.49–0.91 (0.74); SL 0.25–0.41 (0.34); ML 0.14–0.27 (0.21); EL 0.01–0.09 (0.03); EM 0.17–0.29 (0.27); HD 0.35–0.69 (0.58); WL 0.52–0.96 (0.73); PSL 0.06–0.14 (0.09); PW 0.29–0.58 (0.46); MFL 0.28–0.58 (0.44); MFW 0.07–0.14 (0.10); MTL 0.21–0.46 (0.34); PTL 0.19–0.36 (0.30); PNL 0.09–0.15 (0.12); PTH 0.15–0.28 (0.21); PTW 0.13–0.25 (0.20); PPL 0.12–0.23 (0.18); PPNL 0.11–0.21 (0.16); PPH 0.12–0.24 (0.18); PPW 0.17–0.32 (0.24); GL 0.45–1.36 (0.70); GW 0.37–0.87 (0.63); CI 75–84 (76); MI 22–26 (22); SI 29–43 (35); MLI 57–67 (59); PPLI 53–71 (60); PPI 117–143 (120); PSI 11–16 (12).