Strumigenys rabesoni

Known from more than 20 collections, most from mesic habitats, with all taken from litter-samples.

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the dexis complex in the Strumigenys dexis-group. S. rabesoni forms a close species pair with gorgon within the dexis-complex of this group. Characters isolating rabesoni are discussed under Strumigenys gorgon, with further comments under dexis.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  rabesoni. Strumigenys rabesoni Fisher, in Bolton, 2000: 643 (w.q.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.3, HL 0.61, HW 0.53, CI 87, ML 0.14, MI 23, SL 0.26, SI 49, PW 0.33, AL 0.64. Characters of dexis-complex. With head in full-face view the dorsal surfaces of the occipital lobes without broad spoon-shaped hairs similar in shape and size to those projecting from the upper scrobe margins. Punctures on vertex broad, numerous and crowded, the diameter of each puncture greater than the distance separating one puncture from another. Eye with 8 om matidia in total. Pronotum distinctly broader than long in dorsal view, with scattered punctures on an otherwise smooth surface. Petiole node in dorsal view broader than long (discounting spongiform tissue). Disc of postpetiole smooth. Basigastral costulae fine and faint, but extending back over at least the basal quarter of the tergite.

Paratypes. TL 2.3-2.5, HL 0.60-0. 66, HW 0.52-0.58, CI 84-89, ML 0.13-0.16, MI 22-24, SL 0.26-0.29, SI 48-52, PW 0.32-0.38, AL 0.64-0.70 (10 measured). As holotype but eye with 7-10 ommatidia in total.

Measurements of this material extends the range shown by the type-series: HL 0.60-0.65, HW 0.54-0.59, CI 88-99, ML 0.12-0.15, MI 20-23, SL 0.28-0.31, SI 48-55 (3 measured).

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: 9.2 km. WSW Befingotra, Res. Anjanaharibe-Sud, 14°45'S, 49°28'E, 1200 m., 9.xi.1994, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood) montane rainforest, #1192 (33)-1 (B. L. Fisher).

Paratypes. 11 workers and 3 queens (dealate) with same data as holotype but coded (2)-1, (3)-1, (9)-1, (11)-1, (39)-1, (40)-1, (46)-1, (47)-1, (49)-2; 1 worker and 1 queen (dealate) with same data as holotype but 1280 m., 5.xi.1994, #1158 (17)-1 and #1158 (22)-1 (B. L. Fisher).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bolton, B. 2000. The Ant Tribe Dacetini. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 65
 * Fisher B. L. 2003. Formicidae, ants. Pp. 811-819 in: Goodman, S. M.; Benstead, J. P. (eds.) 2003. The natural history of Madagascar. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, xxi + 1709 pp.
 * Fisher, B. 2002. Ant diversity patterns along an elevational gradient in the Reserve Speciale de Manongarivo, Madagascar. in Gautier, L. and S.M. Goodman, editors, Inventaire Florestique et Faunistique de la Reserve Speciale de Manongarivo (NW Madagascar)