Leptomyrmex nigriceps

L. nigriceps has been recorded in rainforest, Agathis woodland, cloud forest and low, closed riparian forest. Nests have been found in rotting stumps.

Identification
L. nigriceps resembles the other two New Caledonian Leptomyrmex (Leptomyrmex pallens and Leptomyrmex geniculatus) but can be recognized by its distinctive color pattern: dark head and gaster on an otherwise orange body. This species appears to be restricted to the ultramafic southern tip of the island, where it occurs in sympatry or parapatry with L. pallens. (Lucky and Ward 2010)

Key to New Caledonian Leptomyrmex Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: New Caledonia.

Castes
Queens have yet to be collected.

Nomenclature

 *  nigriceps. Leptomyrmex pallens var. nigriceps Emery, 1914f: 418 (w.) NEW CALEDONIA. Lucky & Ward, 2010: 42 (m.). Subspecies of pallens: Wheeler, W.M. 1934c: 109. Raised to species: Lucky & Ward, 2010: 42.

Worker
Lucky and Ward (2010) – measurements (n = 9) HL 1.68–1.90, HW 0.92–1.01, MFC 0.20–0.25, IOD 0.54–0.60, SL 3.17–3.47, EL 0.29–0.36, WL 3.03–3.41, PW 0.75–0.86, DPW 0.27–0.33, HTL 3.57–4.11, HTWmin 0.10–0.14, HTWmax 0.14–0.18, CI 0.52–0.56, SI 3.27–3.56, OI 0.08–0.10, HTC 0.65–0.95.

As in Leptomyrmex geniculatus, but with femora unicolorous pale and head black. Gaster and head, excluding mandi¬bles and antennae, black, with remainder of body pale orange.

Male
Lucky and Ward (2010) – measurements (n = 1) HL 1.24, HW 0.97, SL 0.36, EL 0.53, HTL 3.90, CI 0.78, SI 0.37, SI2 0.81.

Type Material
Lucky and Ward (2010) – type material examined, Syntype, 1 worker, New Caledonia: La Madeleine (Sarasin & Roux)