Tetraponera hirsuta

Occurs sympatrically with T. grandidieri, T. hespera and Tetraponera merita. The only nest series is incomplete: one worker and one dealate queen from a rotting tree stump (BLF2008). Habits are assumed to be similar those of other species in the T. grandidieri group, but almost nothing is known about the biology of T. hirsuta. (Ward 2009)

Identification
Ward (2009) - T. hirsuta can be distinguished from related species by the more conspicuous pilosity on the scapes and the tricolored body. The differences are slight but consistent, and they are maintained in sympatry with the otherwise similar species Tetraponera grandidieri and Tetraponera hespera.

Distribution
This species appears to be endemic to the Manongarivo Massif. (Ward 2009)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  hirsuta. Tetraponera hirsuta Ward, 2009: 296, figs. 13, 14, 25 (w.q.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
n = 2. HW 1.19-1.34, HL 1.35-1.51, LHT 1.32-1.45, CI 0.88-0.89, FCl 0.15, REL 0.34, REL2 0.39, SI 0.73-0.76, FI 0.33-0.34, PLI 0.57, PWI 0.51-0.53.

Similar to T. grandidieri (q.v.). Basal margin of mandible lacking tooth; anterior clypeal margin broadly convex and crenulate, directed forward; metanotal spiracle visible in lateral view of mesosoma; dorsal face of propodeum broadly convex in posterior view; scape with conspicuous suberect and subdecumbent hairs; standing pilosity and appressed pubescence generally sparse elsewhere, although tending to be better developed than in other species in the grandidieri group; integument mostly sublucid, with fine coriarious/puncticulate sculpture; body tricolored: metasoma, appendages, and ventral margin of mesosoma orange, most of mesosoma reddish-brown, and head dark brownish black.

Type Material
Holotype worker. MADAGASCAR Antsiranana: R. S. Manongarivo, 10.8 km 229° SW Antanambao, 400 m, 13°57.7'S 48°26.0'E, 8.xi.1998, ex sifted litter, rainforest, B. L. Fisher#1996 (CASENT0170370).

Paratypes. 1 worker, 1 dealate queen, same locality and date as holotype, ex rotting tree stump, rainforest (B. L. Fisher#2008; CASENT0170371); 1 worker, MADAGASCAR Antsiranana: R.S. Manongarivo, 12.8 km 228° SW Antanambao, 780 m, 11.xi.1998, ex sifted litter, rainforest (B. L. Fisher#1862; CASENT0170368) (CASC); 2 workers, MADAGASCAR Antsiranana: R.S. Manongarivo, 12.8 km 228° SW Antanambao, 780 m, 12.xi.1998, beating low vegetation, rainforest (B. L. Fisher#1888; CASENT0170369) (CASC).