Ponera taiyangshen

Identification
In Taiwan, separated from Ponera tamon by the rectangular petiolar node (in profile) of Ponera taiyangshen. Appears more closely related Ponera japonica, a species distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu in Japan. However, it is separated from japonica by the longer head with concave dorsal margin.

Distribution
This taxon was described from Taiwan.

Nomenclature

 *  taiyangshen. Ponera taiyangshen Terayama, 2009: 112, figs. 59-61 (w.) TAIWAN.

Worker
Holotype. Head microreticulate, 1.21 times as long as wide, with concave posterior margin and parallel sides. Antennal scape short, not reaching the posterior margin of head; SI = 73; club consist of 5 segments. Eye small.

Alitrunk with straight dorsal margin; posterodorsal corner of propodeum dully angulate. Petiolar node rectangular, with parallel anterior and posterior margins and weakly convex dorsal margin; posterodorsal corner forming an angle; in dorsal view, dorsal disc with convex anterior margin and straight posterior margin. Subpetiolar process with dorsoventral teeth.

Measurements (mm). HL 0.50, HW 0.41, SL 0.30, WL 0.69, PL 0.16, PH 0.30, DPW 0.24, TL 2.1.

Color. Brown; head darker than alitrunk; mandible, antenna and legs yellow.

Type Material
Holotype. Worker, Taipingshan, Yilan Pref., 28. vii. -2. viii. 1988. 11 workers, same data as the holotype.

Etymology
The specific epithet is the Chinese noun Taiyangshen, which is the name of a Taiwanese god.