Tetramorium latinode

T. latinode was originally collected from the Amadan Forest, part of Al Bahah Province (Al Mandaq governorate) about 50 km from Al Bahah to the north. The area is characterized by a substantial degree of endemicity and relatively dense vegetation which differs seasonally depending on rain fall. This vegetation is mainly composed of wild Olive trees, Acacia, juniper, and other plants. Our specimens were taken from a nest under a stone on hard-packed soil and close to a large Juniperus tree. The nest contained tens of workers and the single alate gyne. The nest was found in relatively elevated area of a valley which is high enough to avoid direct impacts of flooding. No additional nests were found despite extensive surveys. In addition, we were not able to collect foraging workers near the nest. (Sharaf, Aldawood and Taylor 2012)

Identification
Sharaf, Aldawood and Taylor (2012) - T. latinode is a member of the T. squaminode group and Collingwood & Agosti suggested close affinities with Tetramorium squaminode, described from Tanzania. We consider T. latinode is more closely related to Tetramorium akermani from South Africa. T. latinode is yellowish with a brownish yellow gaster, whereas T. akermani is dark brown to blackish brown. In addition, the mandibles are faintly longitudinally striated in T. latinode, whereas they are smooth and shining in T. akermani. T. latinode consistently has a smaller head length HL 0.67–0.80 versus 0.88–0.94; smaller head width HW 0.60–0.72 versus 0.82–0.88, smaller mesosomal length ML 0.70–1.00 versus 0.98–1.08 and smaller eye length EL 0.12–0.17 versus 0.20–0.21. Like the worker it has a longer and more rectangular head.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen.

Nomenclature

 *  latinode. Tetramorium latinode Collingwood & Agosti, 1996: 335, fig. 12 (w.) YEMEN. Sharaf, Aldawood & Taylor, 2012: 5 (q.).

Worker
Sharaf, Aldawood and Taylor (2012) - TL 2.62–4.12, HL 0.67–0.80, HW 0.60–0.72, SL 0.42–0.52, ML 0.70–1.00, PW 0.50–0.82, EL 0.12–0.17, PL 0.27–0.40, PTW 0.25–0.35, PPL 0.17–0.22, PPW 0.30–0.42, SI 60–83, CI 87–100 (15 measured).

Head longer than broad with convex sides. Anterior clypeal margin with a median notch or impression. Mandibles faintly longitudinally striated. Frontal carinae long and sinuate, reaching back almost to the posterior margin of head where they merge with the remaining cephalic dorsum. Antennal scrobes distinct. Eyes large (EL 0.12–0.17) consisting of ten ommatidia in the longest row. Antennae 12-segmented. Posterior margin of head straight. Dorsum of mesosoma in profile a continuous curve. Metanotal groove very feebly impressed. Propodeal spines elongate and strong, metapleural lobes low and triangular. Petiole squamiform, much higher than long in profile and with acute pointed node, in dorsal view much broader than long but slightly narrower than the postpetiole which is also clearly broader than long. Postpetiole in profile lower than petiole and broadly rounded. Dorsum of head and mesosoma irregularly but quite densely longitudinally rugulose with a reticulum pattern. Petiole dorsum smooth and shining, postpetiole dorsum more or less smooth and shining with vestiges of patchy pattern. Gaster smooth and shining. All dorsal surfaces of head and body densely clothed with long, fine, soft finely barbulate hairs which are relatively less dense on mesosoma and waist. Antennae and tibiae with dense decumbent pubescence. Colour yellow, the gaster brownish yellow.

Queen
Sharaf, Aldawood and Taylor (2012) - TL 3.62, HL 0.77, HW 0.72, SL 0.52, ML 1.10, EL 0.20, PL 0.35, PTW 0.37, PPL 0.25, PPW 0.45, SI 72, CI 94.

Alate gyne (not previously described). Head little longer than broad with sides nearly straight or feebly convex. Posterior margin of head weakly concave. Eyes large and consist of 14 ommatidia in the longest row, EL 0.27 x HW. Antennae 12-segmented. Frontal carinae long and sinuate, reaching back almost to the posterior margin of head where they merge with the remaining sculpture of the cephalic dorsum. Antennal scrobes distinct. Propodeal spines long and acute. Petiole, postpetiole, pilosity and head sculpture are as in worker. Bicoloured, body yellowish, gaster brown.

Type Material
Sharaf, Aldawood and Taylor (2012) - Holotype worker, YEMEN: Mabar, pitfall trap, 11.v.1992 (M. Mahyoub & A. Drews) (World Museum, Liverpool, England).