Tetramorium gladstonei

Identification
Bolton (1980) - Along with Tetramorium quadrispinosum and Tetramorium sericeiventre this species forms a triad of closely related forms within the sericeiventre-complex. The three together are characterized by their reduced pilosity, hairs being absent from the scapes, tibiae, sides of head behind eyes and propodeal dorsum. Tetramorium gladstonei is separated from its allies by its very strong rugose sculpture and suppressed groundsculpture. In the two related species either the ground-sculpture is a very conspicuous reticulatepunctate mat or the rugosity is vestigial or absent.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Benin, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe.

Nomenclature

 *  gladstonei. Tetramorium gladstonei Forel, 1913j: 219 (w.) ZIMBABWE. Subspecies of sericeiventre: Santschi, 1918b: 125. Revived status as species: Santschi, 1918b: 131; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 895. See also: Arnold, 1917: 284; Bolton, 1980: 326.

Worker
Bolton (1980) - TL 3.8-4.5, HL 0.94-1.08, HW 0.82-0.90, CI 83-88, SL 0.82-0.96, SI 100-109, PW 0.58-0.66, AL 1.18-1.34 (20 measured).

Mandibles coarsely longitudinally striate. Anterior clypeal margin entire, without trace of a median impression. Median clypeal carina distinct. Frontal carinae short and no more strongly developed than the remaining cephalic rugae, usually ending at about the level of the midlengths of the eyes but fairly frequently extending back to the level of their posterior margins. Antennal scrobes absent. Scapes relatively long, SI usually > 100, only rarely as low as 100. Maximum diameter of eye 0.19-0.22, about 0.22-0.25 x HW. Propodeum armed with a pair of short acute spines which are about as long as or slightly longer than the metapleural lobes; the latter elongate-triangular and running parallel to the propodeal spines. Petiole node low and rectangular in profile, the dorsal length greater than the height of the tergum. In dorsal view the petiole node is usually longer than broad, but in a few it is roughly as broad as long. Dorsum of head strongly and quite densely longitudinally rugose, the ground-sculpture almost entirely effaced so that the spaces between the rugae are quite smooth and very shiny. Promesonotum similarly coarsely longitudinally rugose with virtually smooth interspaces but propodeal dorsum with variable sculpture, the rugae either irregular or strongly transverse (oblique in one worker). Petiole and postpetiole strongly rugose. Basal quarter to one-third of first gastral tergite finely costulate, the spaces punctulate or shagreened; more apical portion of sclerite unsculptured. All dorsal surfaces of head and body except the propodeum with scattered standing hairs. Propodeum without hairs dorsally, the closest pair situated at or just in front of the site of the metanotal groove. Scapes and tibiae with fine decumbent to appressed pubescence only. Colour dark red, with the gaster blackish, glossy.

Type Material
Bolton (1980) - Syntype workers, RHODESIA: Shiloh (G. Arnold) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * IZIKO South Africa Museum Collection
 * Prins A. J. 1964. Revised list of the ants collected in the Kruger National Park. Koedoe 7: 77-93.