Ponera petila

The types were collected in soil under a rotting log, in primary lowland forest.

Identification
Taylor (1967) - The species group characters (4-segmented antennal club, absence of an incised mesmetanotal suture), and the small size, allow preliminary diagnosis. Petila may be separated from Ponera szaboi and Ponera szentivanyi by the following characters: From the probably sympatric szaboi, by slightly larger size (HW 0.32 mm, DPW 0.18 mm, opposed to 0.30-0.31 mm, and 0.15 mm respectively in szaboi). Proportionately longer scapes (SI 88; in szaboi 78-83), and broader petiolar node (PNI 72 against 65 in szaboi). Sculpturation of petila is considerably less intense than that of szaboi (compare the description below and for szaboi).

2. From szentivanyi, by smaller size (HW 0.34 mm in szentivanyi), broader head (CI 78, opposed to 75 in szentivanyi), and other dimensional differences (e.g., SI 88 in petila, 94 in szentivanyi, etc.). Sculpturation of the head and mesosoma of szentivanyi is about intermediate between that described for petila and that of szaboi discussed below.

Distribution
This taxon was described, and is only known, from New Guinea.

Nomenclature

 *  petila. Ponera petila Wilson, 1957b: 368, fig. 2 (w.) NEW GUINEA. See also: Taylor, 1967a: 102.

Worker
Taylor (1967) - Wilson’s description did not mention lack of an incised mesometanotal suture in the workers, or that the palpal formula appears to be Maxillary 2: Labial 2 (the mouthparts are only partially exposed; so a positive count is impossible).

Sculptural details required for diagnosis are: head moderately shining, with small point punctures separated by distances about equal to their maximum diameter. Pronotal dorsum fairly strongly shining, with scattered minute punctures; mesonotum almost imperceptibly more closely punctate. Lateral surfaces of mesosoma feebly shagreened to smooth and shining.

Wilson’s dimensions of the holotype are: HW 0.32 mm; HL 0.41 mm; SL 0.28 mm; CI 78; SI 88; PW 0.25 mm; PNL 0.13 mm; PH 0.25 mm; DPW 0.18 mm; PNU 72.

Type Material
Taylor (1967) - Lower Busu River, Huon Peninsula, NE New Guinea (Holotype examined, ).