Strumigenys coveri

A rainforest species that has been found in rotten logs and litter samples.

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the dexis complex in the Strumigenys dexis-group. Within the dexis-complex coven is immediately separated from all other members (Strumigenys dexis, Strumigenys gorgon, Strumigenys peyrierasi, Strumigenys rabesoni) by the condition of the petiole node. In dorsal view the cuticular area of the node (discounting the lateral lobes and posterior collar) is at least as long as broad, and usually distinctly longer than broad in coven, while in the other species it is very obviously broader than long. The basigastral costulae are very short with a few feeble longer costulae in coveri, while in the other species, costulae well developed and numerous. Further differentiating characters are noted under the other species of the complex.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  coveri. Strumigenys coveri Fisher, in Bolton, 2000: 640 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.4, H L 0.63, HW 0.51, CI 81, ML 0.14, MI 22, SL 0.28, SI 55, PW 0.31, AL 0.68. Characters of dexis-complex. With head in full-face view the dorsal surfaces of the occipital lobes with broad spoon-shaped hairs similar in shape and size to those projecting from the upper scrobe margins; these hairs occupy a longitudinal strip on each side from the apices of the upper scrobe margins to the apices of the occipital lobes, but absent from the vertex proper. Eye with 12-13 ommatidia in total. Punctures on vertex small and faint, widely spaced, the distance between punctures greater than the diameter of the punctures. Punctate sculpture sparse and faint on dorsal promesonotum, almost effaced. Pronotum in dorsal view relatively narrow, about as broad as long, decidedly not conspicuously broader than long. Dorsum of petiole node (discounting spongiform tissue) longer than broad. Disc of postpetiole smooth. Basigastral costulae weakly developed and inconspicuous, sparse, faint and short. Standing hairs completely absent from dorsal surfaces of body.

Paratypes. TL 2.4, HL 0.63-0.64, HW 0.51-0.52, CI 80-83, ML 0.14, MI 22, SL 0.28-0.29, SI 55-56, PW 0.30-0.31, AL 0.66-0.68 (2 measured). As holotype but number of ommatidia in eye varies from 11 to 13.

Measurements of this material extends the range shown by the type-series: HL 0.62-0.68, HW 0.51-0.55, CI 80-85, ML 0.14-0.17, MI 22-26.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: 1 km. W Andampibe, Cap Masoala, 125 m., 2.xii.1993, 15°51'37"S, 50°10'53.4"E, lowland rainforest, Winkler app. 259.3308w (Alpert et al.).

Paratypes. 1 worker with same data as holotype; 2 workers (one with head missing) 2 km. W Andampibe, Cap Masoala, 125 m., l.xii.1993, 15°41'25"S, 50°10'10"E, lowland rainforest, Winkler app. 238.3325w (Alpert et al.).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bolton, B. 2000. The Ant Tribe Dacetini. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 65
 * Fisher B. L. 2003. Formicidae, ants. Pp. 811-819 in: Goodman, S. M.; Benstead, J. P. (eds.) 2003. The natural history of Madagascar. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, xxi + 1709 pp.