Technomyrmex parviflavus

A small but widely distributed species that inhabits the leaf litter layer but also ascends low vegetation.

Identification
Bolton (2007) - T. parviflavus is superficially similar to the Malagasy Technomyrmex docens but the latter has a much longer propodeum where the straight-line length of the dorsum is distinctly greater than the depth of the declivity to the spiracle; docens  also has smaller eyes (OI 23 - 25) and shorter scapes (SI 104 - 109). Most closely related to Technomyrmex sycorax. Differences that separate the two are noted in the key and under the latter species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Cameroun, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Uganda.

Nomenclature

 *  parviflavus. Technomyrmex parviflavus Bolton, 2007a: 31, fig. 15 (w.q.) GHANA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.3, HL 0.55, HW 0.46, SL 0.54, PW 0.34, WL 0.70. Indices: CI 84, SI 117,0135, EPI 70, DTI 135.

Dorsum of head behind clypeus entirely lacks setae. Anterior clypeal margin with a shallow but distinct median impression that is broader than long; less than semicircular. Posterior margin of head in full-face view shallowly emarginate, the indentation deepest medially. Eyes relatively large and located in front of the midlength; in full-face view their outer margins almost touch the outline of the sides. Dorsum of head with weak, and in places superficial, microreticulate sculpture. Dorsal surfaces of mesosoma, and declivity of propodeum, entirely lack setae. In profile the mesonotal dorsal outline with a horizontally flat, or nearly flat, anterior section and a much shorter, much more steeply sloped declivitous surface posteriorly, the two separated by a distinct angle or step in the outline. Propodeal dorsum extremely shallowly convex in profile and meeting the straight declivity through a blunted angle; straight-fine length of dorsum distinctly less than depth of declivity to the spiracle. Gastral tergites 1 - 3 without setae, gastral tergite 4 with 2 - 3 pairs of setae present. Head, mesosoma, petiole and legs dull yellow, the head slightly darker than the mesosoma. Gaster slightly darker, a light yellowish brown.

Other workers. TL 1.9 - 2.9, HL 0.49 - 0.62, HW 0.41 - 0.52, SL 0.48 - 0.66, PW 0.29 - 0.40, WL 0.66 - 0.88 (20 measured). Indices: CI 81 - 89, SI 110 - 126, 0] 33 37, EPI 64 - 77, DT] 130 - 145.

Frequently as holotype but some workers a uniformly dull yellow, the gaster exactly the same colour as the mesosoma. The eyes may break the outline of the sides in full-face view; variation in eye position relative to sides may be seen in single series. Sculpture of the dorsal head may appear smeared, or in places structure less or almost effaced. The propodeal dorsum may be flat in profile; very rarely the straight-line length of the dorsum is only slightly less than the depth of the declivity to the spiracle. There is considerable variation In relative length of the scape but no taxonomic significance can currently be attached to this character.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Ghana: Bunso, ii.1992, leaf litter (R. Belshaw). Paratypes. 7 workers and I queen, with the same data as the holotype (BMNH, ).