Aenictus maneerati

Little is known about the bionomics of A. maneerati. However, judging from the type series and non-types this species inhabits primary forests.

Identification
A member of the ceylonicus group. Jaitrong and Yamane (2013) - Aenictus maneerati is similar to Aenictus fuchuanensis, Aenictus pinkaewi, and Aenictus sundalandensis in having the long cylindrical petiole and short head (CI 100-112). However, it is separated from the other three by the subrectangular head (in full-face view with weakly convex posterior margin in the latter) and unique subpetiolar process (very low, with downward-directed anterior and posterior denticles in the latter).

Key to Aenictus species groups / Key to southeastern Asian Aenictus ceylonicus group species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Thailand, Vietnam.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  maneerati. Aenictus maneerati Jaitrong & Wiwatwitaya, 2013: 201, figs. 13A-D (w.) THAILAND.

Worker
(holotype and paratypes, n = 10). TL 2.80–3.05 mm; HL 0.65–0.68 mm; HW 0.65–0.68 mm; SL 0.50–0.53 mm; ML 1.00–1.03 mm; PL 0.25–0.28 mm; CI 100; SI 77–81.

Head in full-face view subrectangular, almost as long as broad, sides feebly convex and posterior margin feebly concave; occipital margin lacking collar. Antennal scape relatively long, extending beyond 2/3 of head length, but not reaching posterolateral corner of head. Frontal carina very short, not reaching the level of posterior margin of torulus. Parafrontal ridge absent. Anterior clypeal margin almost straight or feebly concave, lacking denticles. Masticatory margin of mandible with 4 teeth including a large apical tooth; basal margin feebly concave, lacking denticles. Maximum width of gap between anterior clypeal margin and mandibles about 2.4 times as broad as maximum width of mandible. Promesonotum strongly convex dorsally and sloping gradually to metanotal groove; metapleural gland bulla relatively large, its maximum diameter about 2.0 times as long as distance between propodeal spiracle and metapleural gland bulla. Propodeum in profile with almost straight dorsal outline; propodeal junction angulated; declivity of propodeum shallowly concave, and encircled with a distinct rim. Petiole subsessile, slightly longer than high, elevated posteriorly, posterior face of petiole shallowly concave, and encircled with a thin rim; subpetiolar process generally very low, with its anteroventral and posteroventral corners angulate, and margin between the corners concave. Postpetiole almost as long as petiole, with its dorsal outline convex.

Head entirely smooth and shiny. Mandible very finely punctate. Antennal scape superficially microreticulate, but shiny. Promesonotum reticulate except anteriormost portion punctate; mesopleuron, metapleuron and propodeum punctate; in addition, mesopleuron and metapleuron with approximately 10 longitudinal rugae; propodeal dorsum with several short longitudinal rugae in front of propodeal junction. Petiole and postpetiole densely punctate. Femora entirely smooth and shiny except basal portion punctate; tibiae punctate but slightly shiny.

Head and mesosoma dorsally with relatively dense standing hairs; longest pronotal hair 0.23–0.25 mm long. Head dark reddish brown; mesosoma dark brown; gaster and legs reddish brown or yellowish brown, paler than head and mesosoma.

Type Material
Holotype. THAILAND: Worker from N. Thailand, Tak Prov., Umphang Dist., 25.V.200, leg. W. Jaitrong, WJT00-TY01 (THNHM). Paratypes. Twenty-three workers, same data as holotype (AMK, BMNH, MCZC, SKYC, THNHM).

Etymology
The scientific name is dedicated to Mr. Sompoch Maneerat of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, who helped us in ant collecting in W. Thailand.