Aenictus vieti

The type specimens were collected from the highland of the northernmost part of Vietnam.

Identification
Jaitrong et al. (2010) - A member of the wroughtonii group. Aenictus vieti is closely related to Aenictus camposi, but is slightly larger than the latter in body length. It is easily distinguished from A. camposi; as follows: the subpetiolar process anteroventrally is clearly acutely angulate in A. vieti (unarmed in A. camposi) and the pronotum is demacated from mesonotum by a shallow transverse groove in A. vieti (groove indistinct in A. camposi).

Key to Aenictus species groups / Key to Aenictus wroughtonii group species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Vietnam.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  vieti. Aenictus vieti Jaitrong & Yamane, in Jaitrong, et al. 2010: 44, figs. 11, 12, 15 (w.) VIETNAM.

Worker
Worker (n = 11 including the Holotype and paratypes): TL 2.85-2.95 mm; HL 0.58-0.60 mm; HW 0.45-0.48 mm; 5L 0.58 mm; ML 0.98-1.00 mm; MTL 0.58-0.60 mm; PL 0.23 mm; CI 78-79; SI 121-128.

Head in full-face view elliptical, slightly longer than broad, with convex sides and almost straight posterior margin of head. Antennal scape long, reaching posterolateral comer of head; antennal segments II-X each longer than broad; II slightly shorter than III, but as long as each of IV-VI or more; the terminal segment (X) slightly longer than VIII and IX combined. Frontal carina long, extending posteriad beyond the posterior margin of antennal torulus. Clypeus short, with its anterior margin convex, bearing 8-10 denticles. Mandible with the apical tooth large and curved, followed by 10-12 minute teeth on masticatory margin. With mesosoma in profile, pronotum weakly convex dorsally, demarcated from mesonotum by a shallow transverse groove, mesonotum convex, promesonotum sloping gradually to metanotal groove. Propodeum slightly lower than promesonotum with its dorsal outline almost straight in profile; propodeal junction angulate; declivity of propodeum widely and shallowly concave, encircled with a thin rim. Petiole in profile slightly longer than high and somewhat rounded dorsally; subpetiolar process developed, with its ventral margin convex anteriorly and bearing a thin rim below, with the anteroventral corner acutely angulate; postpetiole slightly smaller than petiole; its node rounded dorsally and scarcely longer than broad.

Head smooth and shiny; antennal scape sparsely punctate. Pronotum smooth and shiny, with its anteriormost portion punctate; mesothorax, metapleuron and propodeum with dense microrecticulae and several rugae; dorsum and sides of propodeum with short longitudinal rugae along the angle. Dorsum of petiole and entire postpetiole smooth and shiny. Gaster, femora and tibiae smooth and shiny.

Body with relatively sparse standing hairs mixed with sparse short hairs over the surface; length of the longest pronotal hair 0.10-0.13 mm. Head, waist, gaster, mandible, antenna and legs yellow or pale brown: mesosoma brown.

Type Material
Holotype worker from Sa Pa. Lao Cai, N. Vietnam. 4 V 2002, K. Eguchi leg., Eg02-VN-272. Seven paratype workers, same data as holotype.

Holotype and two paratypes arc deposited in ; some paratypes are in and.

Etymology
The specific epithet is dedicated to Dr. Tuan Viet Bui of the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam.