Leptogenys zohy

This species is represented by one worker specimen found in the Grotte of Andrafiabe in the Tsingy of Ankarana. It is not known if the single worker collected was nesting in the cave or simply a stray forager.

Identification
A member of the attenuata species group. Rakotonirina and Fisher (2014) - Worker. Third antennal segment noticeably long, more than twice the length of the second segment; eye small, maximum diameter less than greatest width of scape, not breaking outline of lateral margin of head; in dorsal view, mesonotum as long as broad and petiolar node remarkably elongate and strongly narrowed anteriorly; antennae and legs very long (SI: 263).

Leptogenys zohy is very similar to Leptogenys angusta but can be distinguished by its small eyes, which do not extend beyond lateral margin of head, and by its elongate appendages and light body color.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality: Antsiranana: Grotte d’Andrafiabe, RS Ankarana, -12.9423, 49.0644.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Biology
Rakotonirina and Fisher (2014) - Though we lack information on the nesting site of this species, the small eyes, elongate appendages, and light body color of this species suggests this species may have adapted to a cavernicolous life. In Madagascar, even though some species have reduced eyes and light body color, their appendages are much shorter relative to those of L. zohy. Leptogenys khammouanensis is the only reported cave species of Leptogenys and was found in Laos (Roncin & Deharveng, 2003). This species was found deep in the caves and has reduced eyes, light pigmentation, and elongate body appendages. Lattke (2011) cautioned in using these morphological characters (eye size, color, and body shape) as indicators of underground habits because there are epigaeic foraging species with equally small eyes, elongate body and reddish legs. Thus, further studies will be needed in Ankarana to investigate the biology, nesting and foraging habits of L. zohy.

Nomenclature

 *  zohy. Leptogenys zohy Rakotonirina & Fisher, 2014: 63, figs. 22A, 72, 89 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
(1 specimen). HW: 1.60, HL: 2.63, CI: 61, SL: 4.21, SI: 263, PW: 1.33, WL: 4.42, PNH: 0.85, PNL: 1.73, PNW: 0.63, DNI: 37, LNI: 49.

Head particularly elongate and weakly broadened toward base of mandible. In full-face view, eye small, maximum diameter less than twice of the maximum width of scape; not breaking outline of side of head. Antennal scape very long and thin, more than apical third portion extending beyond posterior border of head. Third antennal segment three times as long as the second. With mesosoma in dorsal view, mesonotum as long as broad, propodeal spiracle elliptical. In dorsal view, petiolar node extremely long and slender, more than twice as long as broad, its anterior half portion strongly compressed laterally. Legs markedly long compared to overall body length. Mandible and clypeus smooth, with sparse punctures. Lower half of propodeal declivity transversely striate or rugulose. Dorsum of head and rest of body generally smooth and shining. Standing hairs present on dorsum of body, longer and robust on midline of head and base of scape, and shorter and slender on mesosoma and gaster. Reddish brown in color; appendages basally light brown and with yellow apices; tip of gaster light brown.

Type Material
Holotype worker: Antsiranana: Grotte d’Andrafiabe, RS Ankarana, -12.9423, 49.0644, 53 m, 20 Sept 1981 (J.M. Wilson), collection code: ANTC5284, specimen code: CASENT0102922.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Rakotonirina J. C., and B. L. Fisher. 2014. Revision of the Malagasy ponerine ants of the genus Leptogenys Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa 3836 (1): 001163.