Strumigenys sardonica

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the Strumigenys oxysma-group. The clypeal pilosity of sardonica is distinctive, being denser, longer and finer than in any other member of the group except Strumigenys mira. The latter is easily differentiated as it has erect hairs on the leading edges of the scapes, minute eyes of only 1-2 ommatidia and long flagellate hairs on the tibiae and basitarsi, all of which are absent in sardonica. Conversely, in sardonica the clypeus is almost unsculptured and has a highly polished anteromedian tumulus, whereas in mira the clypeus is finely sculptured and dull. In sardonica the long posteriorly curved hairs of the anterior clypeal margin that project beyond the lateral margins of the mandibles are almost filiform, being at most only fractionally broadened apically. In Strumigenys anarta, Strumigenys ogyga and Strumigenys oxysma these hairs are conspicuously remiform, clavate or spoon-shaped.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: South Africa.

Nomenclature

 *  sardonica. Pyramica sardonica Bolton, 2000: 326 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 127

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.0, HL 0.52, HW 0.36, CI 69, ML 0.08, MI 15, SL 0.27, SI 75, PW 0.22, AL 0.50. Anterior clypeal margin with two pairs of elongate, almost filiform hairs that are blunted or extremely feebly clavate apically and that curve upward and posteriorly; in full-face view both pairs also project outward across the base of the mandible, the second of them clearly visible, projecting well beyond the outer mandibular margin before curving posteriorly. Lateral margins of clypeus behind this pair with a few fine anteriorly arched hairs. Standing hairs on disc of clypeus elongate and numerous, slightly thickened apically and all curving posteriorly or posteromedially. Disc of clypeus mostly smooth, with vestigial remnants of punctulate sculpture; anteromedian tumulus highly polished. With head in profile hairs on the dorsum relatively long, filiform to slightly thickened apically. Between clypeus and highest point of vertex hairs curve medially or posteromedially, behind this they curve anteriorly and just in front of the occipital margin there is a transverse row of 4 freely projecting, much longer, finer erect hairs that curve anteriorly. Dorsolateral margins of head with 3-4 freely laterally projecting long flagellate hairs on each side. Leading edge of scape with short hairs, simple to very narrowly spatulate, all decumbent to appressed and directed apically. Pronotal dorsum mostly smooth and shining, with faint scattered vestiges of longitudinal sculpture on each side of the median carina.

Type Material
Holotype worker, South Africa: Ciskei, Pirie For. Sta. , 8.xii.1987, E-Y 2560, forest litter (S. Endrody-Younga).

Paratype. 1 worker with same data as holotype.