Lophomyrmex opaciceps

Moffet (1986) studied the foraging behavior of this species. A databased specimen with ecological information noted it was collected from a moist streambed in rainforest.

Identification
A member of the Lophomymrex quadrispinosus group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Indonesia.

Nomenclature

 *  opaciceps. Lophomyrmex quadrispinosus var. opaciceps Viehmeyer, 1922: 211 (w.) INDONESIA (Java). Raised to species and senior synonym of javana: Rigato, 1994a: 58.
 * javana. Lophomyrmex quadrispinosus var. javana Karavaiev, 1933c: 270 (w.) INDONESIA (Java). Junior synonym of opaciceps: Rigato, 1994a: 58.

Rigato (1994) - I was unable to acquire the type-series of javana from IZUAS for examination. However, the original description and locality correspond well with the features and distribution of L. opaciceps; this species seems to be a Javan endemic. Therefore I propose the synonymy of javana with opaciceps. Some series formed by small specimens of opaciceps have reduced rugulae and nearly no pubescence on the gaster; but I have not found any consistent character which could suggest a separate specific status for them.

Worker
Rigato (1994) - TL 2.5-3.4, HL 0.64-0.84, HW 0.58-0.81, CI 88-96, SL 0.55-0.68, SI 80-92, PW 0.38-0.53, AL 0.71-0.99, SpL 0.18-0.25, HTL 0.51-0.64, TI 79-87 (33 measured).

With the characters given in the key and the following: Mesonotum in profile with a well-developed prominence and a posterior small step. Metanotal groove well defined in profile. Propodeal spines in profile slightly downcurved. Petiolar node rather rounded in profile.

Clypeus subopaque, except for its posteriormost median portion which is shining. Frontal triangle quite dull. Cephalic dorsum usually with longitudinal rugulae throughout, subopaque to opaque; a reticulate ground sculpture is also present and evident chiefly on the posterior half of the head. Anterior pronotal slope with transverse rugulae, quite distinct in dorsal view. Pronotal dorsum between the spines appearing irregularly sculptured with a fine reticulation and superimposed more or less developed longitudinal rugulae (evident above all near the tips of the spines); a faint longitudinal median carina may also be present. Pronotal sides longitudinally weakly costulate. Smallest specimens have reduced rugulation on the head and pronotum. Mesonotum behind the prominence, mesopleuron, propodeum, excluding the declivity, petiole and postpetiole clearly reticulate and opaque. Gaster faintly reticulate, shining.

Pilosity as usual in the genus. Pubescence quite rich on the posterior half of the first gastral tergite. Smallest specimens have very sparse gastral pubescence.

Colour brownish yellow to light brown, usually with slightly more infuscated cephalic dorsum and gaster.

Type Material
Rigato (1994) - Syntype workers. Indonesia: Java. Semarang (H. Overbeck) [examined].