Citation: LaPolla JS, Fisher BL (2014) Two new Paraparatrechina (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) species from the Seychelles, with notes on the hypogaeic weissi species-group. ZooKeys 414: 139–155. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.414.7542
Recent survey work in the Seychelles has revealed two new species of Paraparatrechina that are here described: P. illusio sp. n. and P. luminella sp. n. A revised key to the workers of Paraparatrechina for the Afrotropical and Malagasy regions is provided. The taxonomy of the hypogaeic weissi species-group is also reviewed in light of recent field collections. The species P. sordida is revived from synonymy and given new status (as a full species) and a discussion of the morphologically peculiar species-group is provided. With the description of the two species and the removal of another species from weissi synonomy there are now 16 Paraparatrechina species known from the Afrotropical and Malagasy regions.
Ants, Formicinae, Prenolepis genus-group , Seychelles, new species
The biology of the ant genus Paraparatrechina remains poorly known, but what is becoming clearer is that species diversity within the genus is certainly much higher than is currently recognized.
We also provide notes on a rather unusual group of Paraparatrechina, the Afrotropical weissi species-group (
Specimens examined for this study are deposited in the following institutions:
CASC California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
MCZC Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, MA, USA
USNM National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
All measurements were taken at 80× power with a Leica M125 microscope using an orthogonal pair of micrometers, recorded to the nearest 0.001 mm, and rounded to two decimal places for presentation. When more than one specimen was measured, minimum and maximum measurements and indices are presented. All measurements are given in millimeters. Digital color images were created using a Leica DFC425 digital camera. Leica Application Suite software (ver. 3.8) was used for images. Each imaged specimen is uniquely identified with a specimen-level unique identifier (e.g. CASENT0003099).
Morphological terminology for measurements and indices employed throughout are defined (following
EL (Eye Length): maximum length of compound eye in full-face view.
GL (Gaster Length): the length of the gaster in lateral view from the anteriormost point of the first gastral segment (third abdominal segment) to the posteriormost point.
HL (Head Length): the length of the head proper, excluding the mandibles; measured in full-face view from the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin to a line drawn across the posterior margin from its highest points.
HW (Head Width): the maximum width of the head in full-face view.
PW (Pronotal Width): the maximum width of the pronotum in dorsal view.
SL (Scape Length): the maximum length of the antennal scape excluding the condylar bulb.
TL (Total Length): HL+WL+GL
WL (Weber’s Length): in lateral view, the distance from the posteriormost border of the metapleural lobe to the anteriormost border of the pronotum, excluding the neck.
CI (Cephalic Index): (HW/HL) × 100
REL (Relative Eye Length Index): (EL/HL) × 100
SI (Scape Index): (SL/HW) × 100
| 1 | Eyes small relative to head length (REL ≤ 16) | 2 |
| – | Eyes medium to large relative to head length (REL ≥ 17) | 6 |
| 2 | Eyes consisting of less than 10 facets; polymorphic, with clearly expressed major caste; Equatorial Africa; weissi species-group | 3 |
| – | Eyes consisting of more than 10 facets; monomorphic; Madagascar | 5 |
| 3 | Scapes with numerous erect macrosetae; mesosoma with numerous erect macrosetae scattered across each segment (especially abundant on pronotum and mesonotum) | Paraparatrechina bufona |
| – | Scapes without erect macrosetae; few macrosetae on mesosoma (typically 2 on prontoum; 1 on mesonotum and 1 on propodeum) | 4 |
| 4 | Metanotal groove strongly impressed; head without paired macrosetae medially from posterior margin towards clypeus; no macrosetae on posterior margin | Paraparatrechina sordida stat. n. & rev. |
| – | Metanotal groove not strongly impressed; head with paired macrosetae medially from posterior margin towards clypeus; at least four macrosetae on posterior margin | Paraparatrechina weissi |
| 5 | Scape with decumbent pubescence; scapes surpass posterior margin by approximately length of the first 3–4 funicular segments | Paraparatrechina myops |
| – | Scape with appressed pubescence; scapes surpass posterior margin by approximately length of the first 2–3 funicular segments | Paraparatrechina ocellatula |
| 6 | Mesosoma elongate in lateral view, with pronotum gently rising towards mesonotum | 7 |
| – | Mesosoma compact in lateral view, with pronotum steeply rising towards mesonotum | 9 |
| 7 | Propodeum with a short, angular dorsal face, and a long declivitous face; scape length <0.6 mm; Madagascar | Paraparatrechina glabra |
| – | Propodeum with rounded dorsal face, not conspicuously longer than declivitous face; scape length >0.6 mm; Equatorial Africa | 8 |
| 8 | Scape length > 0.72 mm; tibiae same brown color as mesosoma; protrochanter brown as in mesosoma, but meso/metatrochanters may be lighter brown; mandibles and antennae typically same brown color as head | Paraparatrechina splendida |
| – | Scape length < 0.72 mm; tibiae whitish to brownish-yellow; all trochanters white; mandibles and antennae yellowish-brown, contrasting with brown head | Paraparatrechina concinnata |
| 9 | Mesosomal dorsum (primarily pronotum and mesonotum) much lighter (typically yellow against brown or white against dark brown) than remainder of mesosoma | 10 |
| – | Mesosomal dorsum not much lighter than remainder of mesosoma | 11 |
| 10 | Dorsum of gaster with a distinctly yellow to white patch of color contrasting with remainder of gaster; Seychelles | Paraparatrechina luminella sp. n. |
| – | Dorsum of gaster solid dark brown in color; West Africa | Paraparatrechina albipes |
| 11 | Gaster brown, conspicuously contrasting with yellow head and mesosoma | Paraparatrechina umbranatis |
| – | Gaster brownish-yellow to yellow, not conspicuously contrasting with head and mesosoma | 11 |
| 12 | Dark brown species, with conspicuously lighter colored, contrasting antennae and legs | Paraparatrechina brunnella |
| – | Yellow species, with antennae and legs same color as remainder of body | 13 |
| 13 | Smaller species (HL & SL < 0.4 mm) | Paraparatrechina gnoma |
| – | Larger species (HL & SL > 0.4 mm) | 14 |
| 14 | Scapes with appressed pubescence | Paraparatrechina oreias |
| – | Scapes with decumbent pubescence | 15 |
| 15 | Short, decumbent pubescence covers head, especially lateroposteriorly, where it is longer than remainder of head; pubescence on gaster longer, slightly decumbent, giving an “unkempt” appearance; West Africa | Paraparatrechina subtilis |
| – | Short, decumbent pubescence present lateroanteriorly around eyes; pubescence on gaster shorter, tightly appressed to gaster, with pubescence appearing in neat rows with a silky appearance; Seychelles | Paraparatrechina illusio sp. n. |
http://zoobank.org/94A7F5B0-FAF1-477D-B697-71148BD9F5D4
http://species-id.net/wiki/Paraparatrechina_illusio
Figs 1–9SEYCHELLES: Praslin Island, 280m, 4.34725°S, 55.74743°E, 6.ii.2010, mixed palm forest, on low vegetation, B.L. Fisher et al. CASENT0159099 (CASC); 5 paratype workers, SEYCHELLES: Conception Island, 65 m, 4.66311°S, 55.36821°E, 12.ii.2010, mixed forest, B.L. Fisher et al. CASENT0160297 (CASC), CASENT0160331 (CASC), CASENT0160622 (USNM), CASENT0160625 (CASC), CASENT0160650 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Curieuse Island, 5 m, 4.28364°S, 55.7269°E, 4.ii.2010, coastal scrub, B.L. Fisher et al. CASENT0160122 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Praslin Island, Newcome, 130m, 4.390°S, 55.6926°E, 6.ii.2010, palm forest, B.L. Fisher et al. CASENT0158991 (USNM); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Sillhouette Island, 20 m, 4.49076°S, 55.25341°E, 21.i.2010, coastal scrub, B.L. Fisher et al., CASENT0159838 (CASC).
Short, decumbent pubescence present lateroanteriorly around eyes; pubescence on gaster shorter, tightly appressed to gaster, with pubescence appearing in neat rows with a silky appearance.
Compare with: Paraparatrechina gnoma, Paraparatrechina oreias, and Paraparatrechina subtilis.
Measurements (n=8) TL: 1.20–1.67; HW: 0.35–0.38; HL: 0.39–0.42; EL: 0.10–0.11; SL: 0.37–0.40; PW: 0.23–0.26; WL: 0.41–0.44; GL: 0.39–0.81
Indices: CI: 86-95; REL: 25-27; SI: 101-112.
Yellow to brownish-yellow; legs and antennae lighter; short, decumbent pubescence present lateroanteriorly around eyes; pubescence on gaster short, tightly appressed to gaster, with pubescence appearing in neat rows with a silky appearance. Head subquadrate with nearly straight posterior margin; scapes surpass posterior margin by first 2-3 funicular segments; three ocelli apparent. Mesosoma compact with steeply rising pronotum in lateral view; metanotal area indistinct, only slightly impressed; propodeum with short, flat dorsal face and much longer, steep declivitous face.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina illusio holotype worker CASENT0159099.
Measurements (n=3) TL: 2.92–3.23; HL: 0.54–0.55; HW: 0.58–0.61; EL: 0.20–0.21; SL: 0.53–0.53; PW: 0.62–0.66; WL: 0.97–1.03; GL: 1.34–1.70
Indices: CI: 110-111; REL: 36-38; SI: 86-88
As in worker, with modifications expected for queen caste and the following differences:
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Pubescence distinctly across head and mesosoma.
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Gaster darker (yellowish-brown) than remainder of body.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina illusio queen CASENT0160097.
Measurements (n=1) TL: 1.55; HL: 0.33; HW: 0.38; EL: 0.18; SL: 0.31; PW: 0.29; WL: 0.54; GL: 0.68
Indices: CI: 113; REL: 53; SI: 81
Head brown, with bulging large eyes that occupy most of the lateral region of the head; head slightly broader than long. Palps distinctly lighter than head in color. A dense layer of pubescence covers head, with scattered erect setae along mid-region, posterior margin and clypeus. Scapes surpass posterior margin by about length of the first 2 funicular segments; antennae 13-segmented. Mandible with apical tooth and an indistinct basal angle. Mesosoma same color as head; pronotum short and collar-like; mesonotum large, rounded anteriorly, overarching pronotum; mesosoma dorsum flat, with erect setae. Gaster slightly ligher brown than head and mesosoma, covered with pubescence and erect setae. Parameres relatively broad then with a steep angle towards last third of paramere length; last third of paramere thinner and elongated with rounded apex; paramere with scattered erect setae.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina illusio male CASENT0914145.
This species falls into the small, yellow Paraparatrechina worker phenotype range (typically workers of these species vary by only slight difference in setation and color tones of yellow and brownish-yellow) and therefore identification of the species can be difficult. It is morphological similar to three Aftrotropical species: Paraparatrechina gnoma, Paraparatrechina oreias, and Paraparatrechina subtilis. In practice, a relatively straight forward, non-morphological way, to separate Paraparatrechina illusio is it is only known from the Seychelles, while the remaining three species are from West and Central Africa. Morphologically, it differs from Paraparatrechina gnoma in being slightly larger overall and in coloration (Paraparatrechina gnoma is brownish-yellow with lighter yellow patches). From Paraparatrechina oreias the main difference also lies in color. The gaster of Paraparatrechina oreias is brownish-yellow, contrasting slightly with the remainder of the body. The metanotal area of Paraparatrechina oreias is also more distinctly defined than is seen in Paraparatrechina illusio. From Paraparatrechina subtilis, the difference is in the pubescence. Whereas the pubescence on the head of Paraparatrechina subtilis is decumbent throughout, on Paraparatrechina illusio it is only decumbent lateroanteriorly around eyes. Additionally the gastral pubescence is different between the two: in Paraparatrechina subtilis it is longer and slightly decumbent, contrasting with the shorter, tightly appressed pubescence observed in Paraparatrechina illusio.
http://zoobank.org/4A4A4FCF-DFDD-462E-AB98-C707B61F7A31
http://species-id.net/wiki/Paraparatrechina_luminella
Figs 10–15SEYCHELLES: Silhouette Island, above Jardin Marron on crest to Mont Plaisir and Pot à Eau, 520m, 4.4867°S, 55.2341°E, 20.i.2010, forest, rotten log, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0159693 (CASC); paratype worker, same locality as holotype (USNM); 2 paratype workers, SEYCHELLES: Mahé Island, Mont Copolia, 520m, 4.65121°S, 55.45835°E, 8.ii.2010, forest, sifted litter, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0159361 (CASC), CASENT0159373 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Mahé Island, Le Niol, 345m, 4.63067°S, 55.43159°E, 11.ii.2010, tree plantation, rotten log, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0159051 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Mahé Island, Casse Dent, Morne Seychellois National Park, 465 m, 4.65284°S, 55.43735°E, 11.ii.2010, mixed forest, under rootmat, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0145383 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Silhouette Island, below Mont Cocos Marrons, 320m, 4.50248°S, 55.24395°E, 21.i.2010, forest, under rootmat, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0158936 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Silhouette Island, on ridge toward Pot à Eau, 600m, 4.48213°S, 55.23408°E, 22.i.2010, moist rainforest, rotten log, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0158939 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Silhouette Island, Jardin Marron, 395m, 4.48636°S, 55.23627°E, 27.i.2010, non-native forest, on low vegetation, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0159308 (CASC); paratype worker, SEYCHELLES: Silhouette Island, on ridge toward Mont Corgat, 445m, 4.49537°S, 55.23946°E, 25.i.2010, forest, ground nest, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0159944 (CASC); paratype worker & queen, SEYCHELLES: Silhouette Island, ridge from Mont Corgat to Mont Cocos Marron, 455m, 4.50126°S, 55.23985°E, 24.i.2010, forest, rotten log, B.L.Fisher et al. CASENT0159905 (USMN).
Very distinct patches of lighter areas (ranging from yellow to white) on pronotum (that can extend onto mesonotum) and gastral tergites (typically from posterior of T1 through anterior portion of T4.)
Compare with: Paraparatrechina albipes.
Measurements (n=8) TL: 1.37–1.58; HW: 0.38–0.46; HL: 0.44–0.47; EL: 0.11–0.13; SL: 0.45–0.50; PW: 0.20–0.29; WL: 0.46–0.52; GL: 0.46–0.67
Indices: CI: 85–98; REL: 25–28; SI: 108–124;
Overall brown with patches of yellow to white; lighter area medially between eyes and above torulae; distinct patches of lighter areas (ranging from yellow to white) on pronotum (that typically extends onto mesonotum and occasionally onto dorsal face of propodeum) and gastral tergites (typically from posterior of T1 through anterior portion of T4; scapes proximally more brown becoming yellow to whitish midlength, lightening to white through apex of funiculus; procoxae golden yellow, meso/metacoxae and trochanters white; femur golden yellow then remainder of leg light yellow to white; body covered in dense, appressed pubescence; macrosetae placement as is typical in Paraparatrechina. Head ovate with nearly straight posterior margin; scapes surpass posterior margin by first 2-3 funicular segments; three ocelli apparent. Mesosoma compact with steeply rising pronotum in lateral view; mesonotum and metanotal area short; metanotal area indistinct, only slightly impressed; propodeum with short, flat dorsal face and much longer, steep declivitous face.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina luminella worker CASENT0160868.
Measurements (n=3) TL: 3.34–3.75; HL: 0.61–0.63; HW: 0.66–0.69; EL: 0.25–0.26; SL: 0.61–0.62; PW: 0.66–0.74; WL: 1.13–1.22; GL: 1.52–2.02
Indices: CI: 104–111; REL: 39–41; SI: 91–92
As in worker, with modifications expected for queen caste and the following differences:
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Coloration overall more brown than in worker, with no distinct yellow to white patches on mesosoma or gaster; lighter antennae and legs.
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Head subcordate.
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Legs generally as in worker, except coxae brown.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina luminella queen CASENT0159313.
The coloration pattern seen in the worker of Paraparatrechina luminella is very distinct and is unlike any pattern seen in other species from either the Afrotropical or Malagasy regions. The most similar coloration pattern among Paraparatrechina is seen in Paraparatrechina albipes, in which workers typically have a light patch of whitish coloration on the posterior pronotum and mesonotum that contrasts with the generally overall dark brown color of the body. Whether this is indicative of a close relationship between these two species or is simply convergence is unclear.
Paraparatrechina bufona (Wheeler, 1922)
Paraparatrechina sordida (Santschi, 1914), stat. n. & rev.
= Paraparatrechina gowdeyi (Wheeler, 1922)
= Paraparatrechina bucculentus (Wheeler, 1922)
Paraparatrechina weissi (Santschi, 1910)
= Paraparatrechina bayonii (Menozzi, 1924)
= Paraparatrechina myersi (Weber, 1943)
= Paraparatrechina myersi occipitalis (Weber & Anderson, 1950)
The now called weissi species-group was last reviewed by
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina bufona worker CASENT0906212.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina sordida worker CASENT0914143.
Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Paraparatrechina weissi worker CASENT0906210.
We would like to thank Michele Esposito from CASC, for her meticulous support with databasing, imaging processing, proofreading, and her overall support in the lab. Bob Zuparko for performing the HMDS treatments. Two anonymous reviewers provided helpful and clarifying comments on the manuscript. Moreover, the fieldwork on which this study is based could not have been completed without the gracious support of the Malagasy people and the Arthropod Inventory Team (Balsama Rajemison, Jean-Claude Rakotonirina, Jean-Jacques Rafanomezantsoa, Chrislain Ranaivo, Hanitriniana Rasoazanamavo, Nicole Rasoamanana, Clavier Randrianandrasana, Njaka Ravelomanana, and Manoa Ramamonjisoa). Research, Collecting and export permits were obtained through collaboration with Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Environment, and National Park Authority. During field work in the Seychelles, we benefited from the generous help of Pat Matyot, Gérard Rocamora, and Gaëtan Galman of Island Conservation Society, Seychelles; Justin Gerlach from the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, Silhouette; Lindsay Chong-Seng and Nancy Bunbury of the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) in Vallée de Mai and many locals who offered their expertise, guidance, and companionship on our visit to each of the islands. We thank Jack Longino for first noting that there was very likely a third species in the weissi species-group. This study was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grants DEB-0743542 (awarded to JSL) and DEB-0842395 (awarded to BLF) and National Geographic grant no. 8429-08 (awarded to BLF).