Nylanderia impolita

The types were collected in a malaise trap placed in coastal lowland rainforest that was part of a forest margin along a river.

Identification
LaPolla et al. (2011) - Overall dark brown with rugulose head and mesosoma; SL ≥ 0.9 mm.

Compare with: Nylanderia lepida

This species has one of the longest scapes of any African Nylanderia. It is most likely to be confused with N. lepida, but N. lepida is generally smaller in overall size and its cuticle is typically very smooth and shining.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Angola, Central African Republic, Gabon, Ghana.

This species is widespread throughout West Africa.

Castes
The queen and male castes are currently unknown for this species.

Nomenclature

 *  impolita. Nylanderia impolita LaPolla & Fisher, in LaPolla, Hawkes & Fisher, 2011: 16, figs. 10-12, 76 (w.) GABON.

Worker
Measurements (n = 6): TL: 2.6–3.1; HW: 0.59–0.74; HL: 0.7–0.8; EL: 0.17–0.18; SL: 0.91–0.98; PW: 0.4–0.48; WL: 1.0–1.05; GL: 0.9–1.4

Indices: CI: 83–93; REL: 21–24; SI: 131–161

Overall the worker of N. impolita matches the description of Nylanderia lepida with the following differences: 1) larger overall size (TL: 2.6–3.1); 2) scape length ? 0.9 mm; 3) head and mesosoma rugulose; 4) mesopleuron with distinct rugulae; 5) mesosoma more elongated with lower pronotum than in N. lepida (WL ≥ 1.0 mm); 6) generally with more erect macrosetae present on the scapes (SMC > 20, often exceeding 30).

Type Material
Holotype worker, GABON: Prov. Ogoové-Maritime: Réserve des Monts Doudou, 24.3 km 307° NW Doussala, 2°13.35’ S, 10°24.35’ E, elev. 350 m; malaise trap, coastal lowland rainforest, forest margin along river; 9–10.iii.2000 (S. van Noort) (CASENT0179589); 1 paratype worker, same label data as holotype; 1 paratype worker with same label data as holotype except date: 8.iii.2000; 1 paratype worker with same label data as holotype except date: 6–7.iii.2000 (CASC, )

Etymology
The specific epithet impolita (L. = unpolished) is in reference to the fact this species possesses a rugulose cuticle on the head and mesosoma.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * LaPolla J. S.; P.G. Hawkes, and B.L. Fisher. 2011. Monograph of Nylanderia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the World, Part I: Nylanderia in the Afrotropics. Zootaxa 3110: 10-36.