Strumigenys brontes

Identification
Bolton (2000) - This very distinctive member of the sauteri-complex is quickly identified by its angulate scape margin and complete lack of basigastral costulae. For further discussion see under Strumigenys sauteri.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Thailand.

Nomenclature

 *  brontes. Pyramica brontes Bolton, 2000: 463, figs. 268, 294 (w.) THAILAND. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 116

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.1, HL 0.64, HW 0.44, CI 69, ML 0.04, MI 6, SL 0.26, SI 59, PW 0.28, AL 0.60. Anterior clypeal margin evenly deeply concave between distinctly projecting narrowly rounded anterolateral clypeal angles. Lateral margins of clypeus convex in full-face view, especially anteriorly where the sides converge toward the anterolateral angles. Leading edge of scape passing through a prominent angle at about the basal third of its length, the scape broadest at the apex of the angle. Leading edge of scape shallowly concave between the apex of the projecting angle and the base. Dorsum of head superficially punctate, the punctures mostly separated by narrow strips of shining cuticle rather than reticulate. Eye with 4 ommatidia in the longest row. Standing hairs extremely sparse: a single pair on the postpetiole disc and a few around the gastral apex, otherwise absent from head and body, and also absent from the legs and scapes. Dorsal alitrunk finely punctulate; petiole, postpetiole and gaster unsculptured. First gastral tergite without basigastral costulae. Pleurae and side of propodeum smooth. Propodeum armed with a pair of broad-based triangular teeth subtended by conspicuous lamellae that engage about half the length of each tooth’s ventral surface. With petiole in profile the lateral spongiform lobe extends forward almost to the level of the anterior face of the node. Petiole node in dorsal view slightly b roader than long (discounting posterior collar). Postpetiole transversely subovate, surrounded on all sides by spongiform tissue.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Thailand: Kaeng Krachan N.P., 13.xi.1985, no. 26 (Lobl & Burckhardt).

Paratype. 1 worker with same data as holotype.