Tetramorium capitale

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Bolton (1977) - In the original description McAreavey points out that the colour of the type-series is variable. Most specimens are coloured as the holotype but in some individuals he states that the alitrunk and nodes are darker, almost as dark as the head.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  capitale. Xiphomyrmex capitalis McAreavey, 1949: 6, figs. 20-25 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA. Combination in Tetramorium: Bolton, 1977: 136.

Worker
Bolton (1977) - Holotype. TL 3.8, HL 0.86, HW 0.82, CI 95, SL 0.60, SI 73, PW 0.72, AL 1.18 (measurements of HW and AL are approximate as specimen is obscured by glue).

Mandibles finely longitudinally striate, the anterior clypeal margin without a median notch. Frontal carinae extending back to level of posterior margin of eye but behind this merging into the other rugulose sculpture of the head. Eyes of moderate size, the maximum diameter c. 0.21. Occipital margin of head somewhat concave medially, not 'almost straight' as in the original description. Promesonotum broad and broadly convex both longitudinally and transversely. In profile the promesonotum forming a single convexity and with the propodeum considerably depressed below the level of the promesonotum (Fig. 72) and sloping downwards posteriorly. Propodeal spines acute, metapleural lobes triangular, very narrow apically and somewhat upcurved. Node of petiole in profile with the tergal portion distinctly higher than its dorsal length. In dorsal view the petiole node transverse, distinctly broader than long, with parallel anterior and posterior faces, and the sides slightly divergent posteriorly. Head and dorsal alitrunk predominantly longitudinally rugulose with scattered cross-meshes, the spaces between the rugulae very finely punctulate. Petiole and postpetiole rugulose dorsally and finely, densely punctate; the basal one-third of the first gastral tergite superficially finely punctate. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with numerous erect or suberect hairs. Colour a light orange-brown, with the gaster slightly lighter in shade than the alitrunk and the head considerably darker.

Type Material
Bolton (1977) - Holotype worker and paratype workers and females, Australia: New South Wales, Bogan R., Nyngan (J. W. T. Armstrong) [holotype examined].



References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Steiner F. M., B. Seifert, K. Moder, and B. C. Schlick-Steiner. 2010. A multisource solution for a complex problem in biodiversity research: description of the cryptic ant species Tetramorium alpestre sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zoologischer Anzeiger 249: 223-254.