Odontomachus scifictus

Collected in shaded, humid places mostly in degraded, dipterocarp forests. The type locality was near a stream.

Identification
Sorger & Zettel (2011) - Odontomachus scifictus is very similar to Odontomachus philippinus, but differs in the extension of the smooth area on the mesopleuron reaching the meso-metapleural suture, and by the distinct tubercles of the petiole (petiole in anterodorsal aspect widest at tubercles). The distribution of O. scifictusand O. philippinus are separated by another vicariant form, Odontomachus alius.

Distribution
Endemic to the Philippines and only known from the island of Camiguin.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Philippines.

Nomenclature

 *  scifictus. Odontomachus scifictus Sorger & Zettel, 2011: 154, figs. 7, 13, 19, 46 (w.) PHILIPPINES (Camiguin I.).

Worker
Measurements: holotype worker: CI 70, HL 3.32, HW 2.33, MdI 60, MdL 2.00, MsL 4.47, PnW 1.38, PtH 1.36, PtL 1.48, PtW 0.50, SI 141, SL 3.28, TL 14.50; paratype worker with smallest HW: CI 67, HL 2.93, HW 1.97, MdI 54, MdL 1.58, MsL 3.80, PnW 1.18, PtH 1.15, PtL 1.28, PtW 0.42, SI 151, SL 2.97, TL 12.63; paratype worker with largest HW: CI 71, HL 3.42, HW 2.42, MdI 59, MdL 2.00, MsL 4.80, SI 139, SL 3.37, PnW 1.43, PtH 1.38, PtL 1.60, PtW 0.52, TL 15.25.

Structures: Striation on head extending from frontal lobes to ocular ridge, rest of head smooth and shiny. Pronotum with fine, roughly round striation, closed circles or loops clearly visible in dorsal view; posterolateral parts without striation, smooth and shiny. Mesopleuron smooth and shiny, some fine transverse striation may occur to varying extent but always at least the central region smooth and shiny. S-shaped, long and acute petiolar spine, slightly bent backwards. Entire ant appearing very shiny / glossy.

Pilosity: Pubescence sparse, short.

Colour: Uniformly reddish brown.

Type Material
Camiguin Island, municipality of Mambajao, W of Mambajao, near spring of Katibawasan, ca. 350-400 m a.s.l. Holotype worker : Camiguin: W Mambajao, Katibawasan spring area, 350-400 m, 13. and 15.III.2010, leg. H. Zettel & C. V. Pangantihon (515). Paratypes (70 workers; CSW,, , , USC): same locality data as holotype, 65 workers. W Mambajao, Benon, Saran – Kampanan, 500-800 m, 16. and 18.III. 2010, leg. H. Zettel & C. V. Pangantihon (516), 1 worker. Mambajao, Yumbing, 28.X.2008, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P306), 1 worker. Catarman, Mainit, Tuasan Falls, 23.X.2008, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P302), 3 workers.

Etymology
This name serves as an homage to early science fiction movies incorporating ants – the first author came across a poster of the movie “Empire of the Ants” (1977) directed by Bert I. Gordon that clearly depicts a giant, dangerously looking Odontomachus species and decided that such prominent display should be memorialized.