Technomyrmex fornax

Specimens have been collected from rainforest, from a fallen tree and as a forager (presumably from the ground).

Identification
Bolton (2007) - This species superficially resembles the widespread Technomyrmex difficilis but differs by the presence of an extra pair of short setae on the dorsum of the head, close to the level of the posterior margin of the eye, and in the proportions of the propodeum. In difficilis the length of the propodeal dorsum in profile is always distinctly shorter than the depth of the declivity to the spiracle and the dorsum meets the declivity in an angle. In fornax the length of propodeal dorsum in profile is about equal to the depth of the declivity to the spiracle and the dorsum meets the declivity in a bluntly rounded curve.

Distribution
Sabah, Malaysia.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Nomenclature

 *  fornax. Technomyrmex fornax Bolton, 2007a: 80, fig. 45 (w.) BORNEO.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.7, HL 0.64, HW 0.60, SL 0.66, PW 0.42, WL 0.84. Indices: CI 94, SI 110,0130, EPI 77, DTI 129.

Frontal carina with 2 setae that are shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye: in profile the first above the torulus, the second at the level of the anterior margin of the eye. A much shorter pair of setae, about half the length of those on the frontal carina, is present close to the level of the posterior margin of the eye. Dorsum of head posterior to this with a single pair of short setae, in profile located just over half way between level of posterior margin of eye and posterior margin of head, this pair of setae only about 0.45 x the maximum diameter of the eye. Anterior clypeal margin with an extremely shallow median concavity. With head in full-face view the Sides convex and the posterior margin with a shallow median concavity. Eyes located well in front of mid length, EPI 77; outer margin of eye conspicuously breaks the outline of the side in full-face view. Number of setal pairs on mesosoma: pronotum 1; mesonotum 2, very short, one anterior the other posterior; propodeal dorsum 0; lateral margins of propodeal declivity 2, above the level of the spiracle. With mesosoma in profile the mesonotal outline is evenly curved, without a distinct step or angle in the outline that defines conspicuous dorsal and declivitous faces. Dorsum of propodeum in profile meets the declivity in a bluntly rounded curve; length of dorsum is about equal to depth of declivity to spiracle. In dorsal view the metathoracic spiracles are very close to the metanotal groove. Gastral tergites 1 - 4 each with numerous short, stubbly setae, distributed everywhere on the sclerites; all setae on first gastral tergite are distinctly shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye at maximum only about 0.50 x the maximum eye diameter. Head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster blackish brown to black. Coxae, femora and tibiae the same colour as the mesosoma or slightly lighter. Tarsi of middle and hind legs yellowish white to yellow, distinctly paler than the tibiae.

Paratype. TL 2.6, HL 0.62, HW 0.58, SL 0.64, PW 0.38, WL 0.84. Indices: CI 94, SI 110, OI 29, EPI 80, DTI 135. As holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker (upper of 2 specimens on pin), Malaysia: Sabah, Crocker Ra., 17.v.1987, 1350 m., 28d (Burckhardt & Lobi). Paratype, 1 worker (lower of 2 on pin), with same data (BMNH).