Tetramorium christiei

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
A member of the Tetramorium tonganum-species group.

Bolton (1977) - The propodeal spines are longer in the Bhutan specimen than in the types and the sculpture is somewhat more conspicuous, but the similarities far outweigh the differences and I have no doubt that the Bhutan specimen represents a variant within the limits of christiei. The species is related to Tetramorium tonganum and its allies but is separated by its relatively long scapes and uniformly dark colouring.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India.

Nomenclature

 *  christiei. Tetramorium christiei Forel, 1902c: 232 (w.) INDIA. See also: Bolton, 1977: 124.

Worker
Bolton (1977) - TL 3.4-3.5, HL 0.78-0.80, HW 0.70-0.72, CI 87-90, SL 0.62-0.64, SI 87-91, PW 0.50-0.52, AL 0.94-0.98 (4 measured).

Mandibles striate; anterior clypeal margin entire. Frontal carinae reaching back almost to occiput but only weakly developed, only a little stronger than the remaining cephalic sculpture. Antennal scrobes feeble but distinct, their ventral margins not at all demarcated. Eyes of moderate size, maximum diameter c. 0·16. Antennal scapes narrow and relatively long (SI above). Anterolateral pronotal angles rounded in dorsal view. Propodeal spines dentiform, acute, usually much shorter than the triangular metapleural lobes (but in the Bhutan specimen slightly longer). Petiole in profile with an elongate, feebly downcurved peduncle anteriorly, the node itself with rounded angles (Fig. 58). In dorsal view the petiole node varies from as broad as long to slightly broader than long. Rugulation of head predominantly longitudinal to region of occiput, with few or no cross-meshes, but with some feeble reticulation on the occiput itself. Dorsal alitrunk finely reticulate-rugulose, the petiole, postpetiole and gaster unsculptured. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with numerous fine hairs of varying length but the scapes and hind tibiae only with short, decumbent pubescence. Colour uniform black or blackish brown.

Type Material
Bolton (1977) - Syntype workers, India: Darjeeling (Christie) [examined].