Ecphorella

A monotypic genus (Ecphorella wellmani) that is only known from the single worker holotype. Nothing is known about the biology of this species.

Identification
Shattuck (1992) - Worker: Vertex concave; anterolateral clypeal margin with the corners expanded slightly anterior of the mediolateral region; palp formula reduced; metanotal groove a narrow, distinct notch in the relatively flat dorsal mesosomal surface; propodeal spiracle dorsal and posterior, near the propodeal angle; petiolar scale strongly inclined anteriorly and with the anterior face much shorter than the posterior face.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality, Benguela, Angola.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  ECPHORELLA [Dolichoderinae: Tapinomini]
 * Ecphorella Forel, 1909b: 65 [as subgenus of Tapinoma]. Type-species: Tapinoma (Ecphorella) wellmani, by monotypy.
 * Ecphorella raised to genus: Shattuck, 1992c: 85.

Description
n. snbg. Differe de Tapinoma par son epistome entier, sa tete deprimee, ses antennes epaisses, et surtout par le pedicule qui a une ecaille tres inclinee en avant, mais distincte et fort epaisse, arrondie au sommet. Comme il n'y a qu'un individu, je n'ai pu dissequer le gesier. Ce sous-genre se rapproche du S. G. Doleromyrma Forel, par l'existence d'une ecaille, mais celle-ci est tres mince chez Doleromyrma.

Worker
Shattuck (1992) -HEAD. Vertex concave. Compound eyes present, approximately round; relatively anterior on head. Ocelli absent. Antennae 12 segmented. Scape short, surpassing the vertex by less than one-third its length. Anterolateral clypeal margin with the corners expanded slightly anterior of the mediolateral region. Anteromedial clypeal margin entire, without a central notch or concavity of any type. Anterior c1ypeal setae about 10; very short, only slightly surpassing the anterior c1ypeal margin; straight. Posterior c1ypeal margin between the anterior and posterior surfaces of the antennal socket cavities. Anterior tentorial pit nearerthe antennal socket than the mandibular insertion. Frontal carina present. Anterolateral hypostoma reduced to a thin sclerite. Medial hypostoma entire. Psammophore absent. MOUTHPARTS. Palp formula reduced, but exact count not possible with existing material. Third maxillary palp segment subequal in length to segment 4. Fifth maxillary palp segment at the apical extreme of segment 4. Mandible with about 7 teeth and no denticles (although basal regions of mandible obscured). Apical tooth slightly longer than the subapical tooth. Basal angle obscured in existing material. Basal margin obscured in existing material. MESOSOMA. Posteroventral pronotum lateral, rounded. Mesopleural process absent. Oeclivitous face of propodeum flat; dorsal face weakly convex, subequal in length tothe declivitous face. Propodeal angle distinct. Mesosomal spines and tooth absent. Erect pronotal hairs about 25; elongate, slightly longer than the maximum scape width. Dorsal pro-meso notal junction with the pronotum and mesonotum even. Metanotal groove a narrow, distinct notch in the relatively flat dorsal mesosomal surface. Metanotal spiracle lateral and ventral of the dorsal surface when viewed in lateral profile. Propodeal spiracle dorsal and posterior, near the propodeal angle. Hind tibial spur with well developed barbules along entire inner surface (except extreme base). PETIOLE. Scale reduced; ridged and with a distinct angle dorsally; strongly inclined anteriorly and with the anterior face much shorter than the posterior face. Venter with a well developed lobe. GASTER. First tergite vertical and not concealing the petiole in dorsal view and with a groove or indentation for the reception of the basal portion of the petiole. Anterior tergosternal suture of the first segment apparently extending laterally from the helcium in a distinct arch which extends dorsal ofthe dorsal helcial surface (available material damaged). Fifth tergite ventral, gaster with 4 apparent tergites. Gastral compression absent (gaster circular in cross section). GENERAL CHARACTERS. Chromosome number unknown. Integument thin and flexible, weakly sculptured. PROVENTRICULUS. Not examined.