Temnothorax shannxiensis

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Zhou et al. (2010) - Resembles Temnothorax striatus but differs from the latter by propodeal spines longer, petiole higher, petiolar node with narrowly rounded dorsum; mesosoma dorsum with coarse reticulations.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  shannxiensis. Temnothorax shannxiensis Zhou, et al. 2010: 20, figs. 16-18 (w.) CHINA.

Worker
Holotype. HL 0.66, HW 0.58, 5L 0.52, PW 0.40, ML 1.90. PL 0.32, PH 0.22. ESL 0.14. Paratypes. HL 0.64, HW 0.54, SL 0.48, PW 0.38, ML l.84, PL 0.30, PH 0.20, ESL 0.13.

Head longer than broad (CI = 1.13-1.18), with weakly convex sides, almost straight occipital margin and rounded occipital corners. Anterior clypeal border slightly rounded. Antennae 12-segmented, antennal scape relatively long, almost reaching occipital corner (SI1 = 0.75-0.78, SI2 = 0.89-0.90).

Mesosoma with slightly convex dorsum, metanotal groove shallow but distinct. Propodeum in profile with short, basally wide, sharp spines (ESLI = 0.24). Humeri in dorsal view broadly rounded. Petiole longer than high (PI = 1.45-1.50), with short anterior peduncle; periolar node in profile with straight anterior face and widely rounded dorsum. Postpetiole as high as petiole, subglobular.

Dorsum of head with dense, but not course, sinuous longitudinal striations on frons, sides and occiput densely reticulate. Sides of pronotum with longitudinal striations and punctures. Mesosoma dorsum coarsely reticulate. Petiole punctuate, postpctiole finely punctuate. Gaster smooth and shining.

Occipital margin and dorsum of mesosoma with long, thin, slightly curved standing hairs. Whole body concolorous ochreous-yellow, antennae, legs and gaster paler.

Type Material
Holotype worker. China; Qinling Nature Reserve, Shannxi Province. 20 July, 2005 (Chao Wang). Paratype 1 worker, data as holotype.

Etymology
This species is named after its type locality, Shannxi.