Lepisiota satpuraensis

Identification
Lepisiota satpuraensis is a unique species of Indian Lepisiota fauna with the following combination of characters:
 * body with comparatively long semi-erect pubescent hairs
 * numerous setae on the body
 * body size bigger than any other species reported from India having antennal scape surpassing posterior margin of head about 1/3rd of its length

Lepisiota satpuraensis differs from the closest species Lepisiota fergusoni in the structure of petiole, body size, and body colour. Lepisiota satpuraensis is characterised by distinct bispinose petiole while L. fergusoni does not possess the distinct teeth or spines on the petiole. Lepisiota satpuraensis is larger (HL 0.80–0.83, HW 0.78–0.82) than L. fergusoni (HL 0.69–0.72, HW 0.65–0.66). In L. satpuraensis head, mesosoma, and petiole are dark brown to reddish-brown while the gaster is completely black whereas in L. fergusoni head is reddish-brown, mesosoma and petiole are reddish-yellow, and the gaster is reddish-brown with a light reddish-yellow patch anteriorly on first gastral tergite (Wachkoo et al. 2021).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India.

Nomenclature

 * . Lepisiota satpuraensis Harshana & Dey, 2022: 13, fig. 3 (w.) INDIA (Madhya Pradesh).

Type Material

 * Holotype worker. INDIA: Madhya Pradesh: Pachmarhi, 22°28ʹ20”N 78° 25ʹ00”E, 1004 m, 06.IX.2020, Coll. A. Harshana.
 * Paratype workers. 1 worker with same data as holotype; Pachmarhi, 22°26ʹ56”N 78°22ʹ15”E, 1300 m, 2 workers, 09.IX.2020, Coll. A. Harshana. (type specimens deposited in NPC, New Delhi).