Hypoponera obtunsa

Identification
Bolton and Fisher (2011) - Of all the species placed in section 1 of the abeillei group only two are known, Hypoponera lepida and Hypoponera obtunsa, that lack cross-ribs at the base of the cinctus of the second gastral (Abd. IV) tergite; the base of the cinctus is smooth and polished in both. The two species should not be confused, as lepida, apart from its distribution in West and Central Africa, has a larger petiole (PeS 0.220–0.270) that is distinctly higher and shorter, LPeI 38–47, PeH 0.32–0.39.

Also, the sternite of the petiole in lepida has a well-developed ventral process or lobe that has an obliquely descending anterior surface, an angulate to dentiform ventral angle and an ascending posterior surface immediately after the angle that is straight to concave; this structure is absent from obtunsa, where there is no ventral angle and no ascending posterior surface. Finally, lepida is a larger species with longer scapes, HL 0.53–0.58, SL 0.34–0.40, SI 81–91 and is brown to reddish brown in colour.

Distribution
This taxon was described from Zimbabwe.

Nomenclature

 *  obtunsa. Hypoponera obtunsa Bolton & Fisher, 2011: 77 (w.q.) ZIMBABWE.