Tetramorium jejunum

Identification
A discussion of the affinities and the separation of T. jejunum from its closest ally Tetramorium flaviceps is given under the last-named species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Zimbabwe.

Nomenclature

 *  jejunum. Tetramorium jejunum Arnold, 1926: 267, fig. 74 (w.) ZIMBABWE. See also: Bolton, 1980: 256.

Worker
Bolton (1980) - TL 2.7-3.2, HL 0.65-0.74, HW 0.58--0.66, CI 86-92, SL 0.47-0.54, SI 79-84, PW 0.44-0.52, AL 0.78-0.88 (12 measured).

Mandibles unsculptured or at most with the faintest traces of extremely fine striation. Anterior clypeal margin usually entire and with a very narrow projecting apron or flange, but in some this anterior apron is shallowly indented medially. Frontal carinae long and gently sinuate, extending back almost to the occipital margin, broadest at the level of the midlength of the eyes where the distance separating them is 0.55—0.60 x HW. Antennal scrobes shallow but broad and conspicuous. Eyes with maximum diameter 0.16-0.18, about 0.27-0.28 x HW. Metanotal groove feebly impressed in profile. Propodeal spines long and acute, the metapleural lobes low and triangular. Petiole thickly squamate, in profile much higher than long, the anterior and posterior faces converging dorsally but the latter slightly convex and rounding into a short, sloping dorsal face. Postpetiole in profile low, broadly and quite evenly rounded. In dorsal view both pedicel segments broader than long, the postpetiole broader than the petiole. Subpostpetiolar process produced into a short, freely projecting anteroventral lobe on each side. Dorsum of head with irregular, widely spaced longitudinal rugulae, without cross-meshes except occipitally where a few are present. At the level of the eyes only 5-7 longitudinal rugulae present between the frontal carinae which are not nearly so strongly developed as the carinae. Spaces between rugulae with inconspicuous and feeble ground-sculpture. Dorsal alitrunk irregularly but predominantly longitudinally rugulose, with a number of cross-meshes. Petiole, postpetiole and gaster unsculptured. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with short, stout, usually blunted hairs. Scapes and tibiae only with short decumbent to appressed pubescence. Colour a uniform clear pale yellow.

Type Material
Bolton (1980) - Syntype workers, RHODESIA: Sawmills, Umgusa Riv., 1.v.1917 (G. Arnold) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * IZIKO South Africa Museum Collection