Leptogenys loarelae

This species, only known from a single queen, was collected on the soil at an elevation of 897 m, which corresponds to a humid forest harbouring plenty of trees of the likewise endemic Austrotaxus spicata Compton (Taxaceae).

Identification
Leptogenys loarelae can be distinguished from other New Caledonia species of Leptogenys by the unique combination of the following features: integument smooth and shining, mostly black colored with blueish reﬂection; third antennal segment markedly elongate, more than twice the length of pedicel; mandible elongate, triangular; petiole elongate, nearly three times longer than broad in dorsal view.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: New Caledonia.

Nomenclature

 *  loarelae. Leptogenys loarelae Ramage, in Ramage et al., 2019: 4, fig. 1 (q.) NEW CALEDONIA.