Plectroctena thaui

The only known specimens are the workers that make up the type series. These were collected in litter samples from montane rainforest at 1400m.

Identification
Fisher (2006) - This species is easily placed within the P. mandibularis species group as defined by Bolton and Brown (2002), but slightly extends the CI for the group to 86 - 97. Within this group, Plectroctena thaui is most similar to Plectroctena ugandensis but P. thaui is notably larger, with the HW 2.33 - 2.54 (P. ugandensis HW < 1.75), and black in color (dark red in P. ugandensis).

Distribution
This taxon was described from Cameroon.

Castes
Only known from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  thaui. Plectroctena thaui Fisher, 2006: 116, figs. 9  12 (w.) CAMEROUN.

Worker
With the following characters of the P. mandibularis species group (Bolton and Brown 2002). Propodeal lamella restricted to side of propodeal declivity. Mandible with basal tooth, distal tooth slightly raised and at an angle. Dorsum of A3 tergite without anteriorly situated transverse groove or impression. Petiole node in profile slightly higher than long. Head relatively broad (CI 95 - 97).

In addition, with the following specific characters: Maximum diameter of eye 0.13 mm. Basal tooth of mandible with a defined vertical anterior surface, and without a defined posterior surface; apex of tooth extends to mandible base as oblique high ridge. Dorsum of head finely sculptured, with small punctures of diameters smaller than the distances between each puncture. Ventral surface of head without striation between punctures, a few longitudinal rugae present posteriorly. Dorsal surfaces of head and mesosoma without erect hairs. Foveolate punctures on dorsum of head with short, mostly erect hairs arising from their centers. Mesonotum and propodeum without polished, unsculptured, median, longitudinal strip. Propodeal lamina narrow, confined to both sides of the declivity, not extending across dorsum, without stout tooth near base.

Measurements. Holotype: TL 9.9, HL 2.45, HW 2.33, CI 95, SL 1.68, SI 72, ML 3.14. Paratypes (three measured): TL 9.9 - 11.0, HL 2.37 - 2.54, HW 2.30 - 2.41, CI 95 - 97, SL 1.56 - 7.76, SI 68 - 73, ML 3.13 - 3.20.

Type Material
Holotype worker. Cameroon: Sud-Ouest, Mount Cameroon, Etinde Forest Reserve, 3.8 km 330° NNW Mapanja (04° 06' 28" N, 009° 09' 07" E), 1440 m, 16.IV.2000, leg. B.L. Fisher, montane rainforest, sifted litter, B.L. Fisher collection code: BLF02326, specimen code: CASENT000 3074, 1 worker.

Paratype workers. Four workers with same data as holotype but with specimen codes: CASENT0003075, CASENT0003076 , CASENT0003077 (CASC), CASENT0003078 (CASC).