Holcoponera major

Nothing is known about the biology of this species.

Identification
Lattke (2004) - This is the only known species of Gnamptogenys with elongate propodeal spiracles, instead of the rounded spiracles typical for all other species. The nearest relative with elongate to slit-shaped propodeal spiracles is the Neotropical genus Ectatomma F. Smith, but the spiracles in Ectatomma have a vertical longitudinal axis versus a horizontal axis for Gnamptogenys atrata. Gnamptogenys major bears some resemblance to G. atrata, having similar coloration and dimensions. Both are the largest-bodied species of the epinotalis group, but the clypeal lamella of G. atrata has a medially angular anterior margin, and its petiolar node is rectangular shaped in lateral view.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Papua New Guinea.

Castes
The Queen and male are unknown.

Nomenclature

 *  major. Rhopalopone major Emery, 1901h: 154 (w.) NEW GUINEA. Combination in Gnamptogenys: Brown, 1958g: 228. See also: Lattke, 2004: 173.

Lattke (2004) - Clypeus longitudinally costulate; metanotal sulcus present; petiolar node slightly triangular with bluntly rounded apex in lateral view; opening of propodeal spiracle elongate, almost slitlike. Body black; antennae, legs, and mandibles brown.

Worker
Lattke (2004) - Syntype (n = 1): HL 0.95, HW 0.83, ML 0.42, SL 0.70, ED 0.08, WL 1.27 mm. CI 0.87, SI 0.85, MI 0.50, OI 0.09. Anterior clypeal margin evenly convex in dorsal view; clypeus longitudinally costulate; eyes 3 ommatidia in width and 4-5 in length. Mesosomal dorsum with longitudinal strigulae mixed with sparse piligerous punctae, strigulae denser posterad; pronotum longitudinally costulate dorsad and ventrally mostly smooth in lateral view; promesonotal suture weakly impressed; metanotal sulcus present; katepisternum densely strigose; metapleuron fairly smooth and shining, longitudinal costulae present over bulla; dorsal propodeal margin meets declivitous margin through blunt angle in lateral view, declivity with slight convexity caused by spiracle; propodeal spiracle elongate in lateral view, almost slitlike with horizontal longitudinal axis. Petiolar node slightly triangular with bluntly rounded apex in lateral view; dorsum of postpetiole longitudinally rugulose-punctate; postpetiolar sternite weakly strigulose, anterior process with anterior triangular cleft in ventral view; tergite of fourth abdominal segment similar to postpetiolar dorsum but with smaller punctures. Dorsum of thorax and abdominal segments 1-4 with scattered erect to subdecumbent hairs. Body black; antennae, legs, and mandibles brown.

Type Material
Lattke (2004) - Syntype workers: New Guinea, Sattelberg (Biró) [Examined].