Tetramorium kelleri species group


 * Tetramorium ankarana
 * Tetramorium kelleri

As defined by Hita Garcia and Fisher (2012).

Malagasy. Mainly distributed in the north and west of Madagascar, as well as on Nosy Be and Mayotte. Both species prefer forested habitats.

Diagnosis

Eleven-segmented antennae; anterior clypeal margin medially impressed; frontal carinae well-developed and usually running to posterior head margin; anterior face of mesosoma weakly developed; margination between lateral and dorsal mesosoma very weakly developed, sides round smoothly onto dorsum; propodeal spines always long to extremely long, and spinose; propodeal lobes short, triangular, and blunted or acute; petiolar node clublike, anterodorsal margin situated lower and much less pronounced than posterodorsal margin, in profile approximately as long as high, in dorsal view distinctly longer than wide; postpetiole globular to subglobular; mandibles strongly sculptured; sculpture on head, mesosoma, and waist segments distinct and predominantly reticulate-rugose; gaster unsculptured, smooth, and shiny; whole body covered with numerous, very long, fine, standing hairs; sting appendage spatulate.

Identification

Other Tetramorium species from a different species group are unlikely to be confused with T. ankarana or T. kelleri. The possession of 11-segmented antennae and the very conspicuous petiolar node shape clearly distinguish them from all other Malagasy species groups.


 * Species with smaller eyes (OI 20); relatively longer antennal scapes (SI 101–104); and long propodeal spines (PSLI 35–38) (Figs. 1, 2) . . . . . Tetramorium ankarana
 * Species with larger eyes (OI 24–26); relatively shorter antennal scapes (SI 89–99); and extremely long propodeal spines (PSLI 49–68) (Figs. 3, 4) . . . . . Tetramorium kelleri