Proformica longipilosa

Identification
Galkowski et al. (2017) - Workers varying greatly in size, the smallest having a strongly elongated head. Body black. Pubescence sparse and sculpture of tegument weak, giving a shiny aspect. Hairs on mesosoma and gaster very long.

We made direct comparisons between specimens of P. longipilosa and Proformica longiseta (A. Tinaut leg.) from Sierra Nevada, Spain, and Proformica ferreri (IRSNB-BC, 2 workers, 1 male (type specimen) from Spain). The latter two species, in addition to Proformica nasuta, were formally described from western Europe. Specimens of P. longipilosa are unambiguously distinguished from those of these two species by the combination of the following characters: erect hairs on the body are longer (GHL/CW > 0.12) and the pubescence on the dorsal surface of the first gaster tergite is sparser. This last character is especially discriminant in media and major workers (PDG 24‒68, mean = 43.7). In addition, the cuticle is smoother, giving a shinier appearance, in particular on the head.

Distribution
Southern France

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: France.

Biology
Galkowski et al. (2017) - Proformica longipilosa shows two subgroups. One is composed of populations from localities on plateaus and mountains (Plateau de Calern, Plateau de Caussols, Gréolières and Mont Ventoux) and the other is composed of lower elevation localities (Orange, Sisteron and Vinsobre). Individuals of the lowland localities tend to have shorter hairs and denser pubescence on the gaster than those from high-elevation localities, and thus are morphologically closer to P. nasuta than the high-elevation individuals. Although lowland P. longipilosa and mountain Proformica nasuta tend to converge morphologically, they can still be easily distinguished, leaving no doubt regarding their assignment to species.

Nomenclature

 *  longipilosa. Proformica longipilosa Galkowski et al., 2017: 17, figs. 9-10 (w.q.) FRANCE.

Worker
Minor (n = 72) CW 540–900 μm; nCH 0–10 (4.5); nCU 0–8 (3.4); nTx 3–23 (12.9); nSc 0–7 (3.4); nG 1–27 (10.1); PDG 34–48 (40.3); GHL 70–170 μm (123.7); GHL/CW 0.124–0.263 (0.171).

Media and major (n = 53) CW 900–1530 μm; nCH 2–15 (8.4); nCU 2–17 (7.1); nTx 20–75 (38.9); nSc 3–22 (7.6); nG 12–43 (24.8); PDG 24–68 (43.7); GHL 140–240 μm (178.9); GHL/CW 0.117–0.186 (0.145).

Body black; only tibiae, scape and mandible brown. All parts of body with long erect hairs (GHL/CW > 0.12). Pubescence on dorsal surface of first gaster tergite sparse in all worker categories (PDG > 24), revealing smooth and shining cuticle. Profile of mesosoma sinuous. Petiolar scale erect, thick, slightly notched at summit in large workers. Head of minor workers clearly elongate, but less than in Proformica nasuta (CL/CW 1.16‒1.28). Head of media and major workers even less elongate (CL/CW 1.046‒1.19). Clypeus finely striate longitudinally, with faint trace of median carina. Frontal triangle and space between frontal carina also finely striate. Sculpture disappears toward occiput, cuticle becoming smooth and shining, or faintly punctuated in large workers. Scape long, surpassing occipital border.

Queen
(n = 6) CW 1530–1770 μm (1690); CL 1550–1750 μm (1660); SL 1220–1390 μm (1300); nCH 4–13 (8.20); nCU 5–7 (6.20); nTX 62–92 (79); nSc 8–13 (11.2); nG 26–36 (31.5); PDG 12–17 (14.5); GHL 210–240 μm (227); MW 1280–1410 μm (1330); ML 2240–2510 μm (2390); ScW 760–850 μm (820); GHL/CW 0.124–0.141 (0.135). Color as in worker. Many long and erect hairs on all body parts (nG > 26, GHL > 200 μm). Some erect hairs also on femora and tibiae. Dense pubescence on entire body, masking surface of cuticle. Mesosoma less wide than head. Wing remains indicate winged queens, although wings possibly small given reduced development of scutum and scutellum. Petiolar scale high and wide, deeply notched at summit. Gaster rather small. Head almost as large as long, entirely and finely sculptured, faint riddles of anterior part replaced by puncture on posterior part, giving head an almost dull aspect. Clypeus finely striate longitudinally. Scape surpassing occipital border.

Type Material
Holotype FRANCE: minor worker from colony Mont Ventoux 10 of this study, 44.15261° N, 5.32081° E, alt. 1442 m, 14 Jul. 2011, coll. R. Blatrix ( 1598). Paratypes FRANCE: Same collection data (including nest) as holotype: 10 workers, (MNHN 1598); other workers in AT (15556), LBC, SMNH, XEC and collections of the authors; queen (MNHN 1598).

Etymology
The epithet of this species refers to the long erect hairs on the mesosoma and gaster of workers.