Technomyrmex schoutedeni

An arboreal species.

Identification
Bolton (2007) - A member of the Technomyrmex schoutedeni group. This large and conspicuous arboreal species is very closely related to Technomyrmex zimmeri. The two are currently separated only on colour pattern, as noted in the key and notes to the latter species. Technomyrmex pilipes is also closely related but has very much denser pilosity, including the presence of setae on the tibiae and all dorsal sclerites of the mesosoma.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Cameroun, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nomenclature

 *  schoutedeni. Technomyrmex schoutedeni Forel, 1910e: 447 (w.q.m.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. Senior synonym of okiavoensis: Bolton, 2007a: 35.
 * okiavoensis. Engramma zimmeri r. okiavoensis Forel, 1916: 431 (w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. Combination in Technomyrmex: Shattuck, 1992c: 161. Junior synonym of schoutedeni: Bolton, 2007a: 35.

Worker
Bolton (2007) - TL 3.9 - 4.7, HL 0.84 - 0.99. HW 0.77 - 0.93. SL 0.78 - 0.90, PW 0.54 - 0.66, WL 1.16 – 1.40 (10 measured). Indices: CI 91 - 97, SI 92 - 108, OI 25 - 28, EPI 58 - 71, DTI 142 - 141.

Dorsum of head behind clypeus with numerous setae; in profile the dorsum from clypeal suture to level of posterior margin of eye with 2 - 3 longer pairs and several shorter pairs. Behind level of posterior margin of eye there is 1 long pair about midway to the posterior margin and another long pair very close to the posterior margin. Ventral surface of head with short setae present. Leading edge of scape with a few standing short setae present, especially in the distal half; these setae shorter than the maximum width of the scape. Anterior clypeal margin transverse or very nearly so, without a median indentation or notch. In full-face view the posterior margin is shallowly emarginate; sides of head convex, strongly convergent in front of eves so that maximum width across the clypeus is only 0.65 - 0.75 x HW. Eyes of moderate size (OI 25 - 28), located in front of mid length (EPI < 80), their outer margins just break the outline of the sides. Dorsum of mesosoma without setae but propodeal declivity with 2 curved pairs, the first of them very close to the dorsum. Mesonotum in profile with an almost vertical declivitous face posteriorly, this declivity separated from the anterior portion of the mesonotum by a marked angle or step. Metathoracic spiracles borne on conspicuous, prominent tubercles. Propodeum in profile with a short, almost vertical anterior face that rises from the metanotal groove; dorsum posterior to this is long and shallowly convex, and rounds broadly into the declivity. Propodeal spiracle high on the side; in profile the straight-line dorsal length of the propodeum is much greater than the depth of the declivity to the spiracle. Gastral tergites 1 - 4 each with sparse setae. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of middle and hind tibiae without setae. Head and mesosoma brown to blackish brown, sometimes with a reddish tint. Gaster dull yellow to orange-brown, much lighter than head and mesosoma.

Type Material
Bolton (2007) - Syntype workers, queen, male, Democratic Republic of Congo: Bena Dibule (Luja) (NHMG(?),, ) [examined]. All worker syntypes of schoutedeni  show varying degrees of abrasion, which in most is extreme, and some are partially obscured by glue.