Tetramorium rinatum

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Bolton (1977) - T. rinatum is a quite ordinary member of the tortuosum-group and the characters given in the key should separate it from its known allies without difficulty; it is the only member of its group known to occur in the Philippines.

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

Nomenclature

 *  rinatum. Tetramorium rinatum Bolton, 1977: 82, fig. 11 (w.) PHILIPPINES.

A number of other specimens of this species are in the Chapman collection housed at MCZ, Cambridge, but are in poor condition. Also there is a single specimen from Taiwan (= Formosa) collected by L. Gressitt which may belong to this species or be a closely related new species. As only one specimen is available I am unable to say at the present time.

Worker
Holotype. TL 3.2, HL 0.76, HW 0.66, CI 87, SL 0.68, SI 103, PW 0.50, AL 0.90.

Mandibles striate. Frontal carinae well developed anteriorly but behind the level of the eyes becoming weaker until indistinguishable from the reticulate-rugulose sculpture on the posterior portion of the head. Antennal scapes relatively long, SI 100 or more. Propodeal spines of moderate length, narrow and acute, the metapleural lobes triangular, acute and somewhat upcurved. Petiole node in profile low and long, the ventral surface of the peduncle and node convex through most of its length (Fig. 11). In dorsal view the petiole node slightly longer than broad, narrowest in front and broadening posteriorly. Dorsal surfaces of head and alitrunk everywhere finely reticulate-rugulose, dorsal surfaces of petiole and postpetiole with only the faintest traces of sculpture, almost completely smooth. Sides of petiole with some rugulose sculpture. Gaster unsculptured. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with numerous elongate, fine hairs. Colour uniform yellowish brown.

Paratype. TL 3.0-3.3, HL 0.76-0.80, HW 0.64-0.70, CI 84-87, SL 0.66-0.70, SI 100-103, PW 0.46-0.52, AL 0.86-0.92 (7 measured).

As holotype but some specimens slightly darker in colour.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Philippines (PI on label): Dumaguete, 6.iv.27 (J. W. Chapman). Paratypes. Philippines: 3 workers with same data as holotype; 4 workers, Dumaguete, Camp 4, 2.iv.31 (J. W. Chapman) (MCZC; ).