Terataner

Introduction
Terataner is a rare genus of myrmicine ant known only from the Ethiopian and Malagasy zoogeographical regions. There are a total of six species described from the Malagasy region. Another six species of Terataner are found in the Ethiopian region. Many more new species of Terataner are certain to be discovered when these diverse regions are more thoroughly explored.

According to Bolton (1981), Terataner nests from Africa are arboreal, constructed in rotten parts of standing timber, and are often located a considerable distance above the ground. In Madagascar, Terataner nests are found inside dead twigs or branches located close to or lying on the forest floor. Bolton (1981) reported that " females (queens) are known for a few species and in general show the same characters as the workers, except for the usual modifications associated with this caste". In Madagascar, several species have been studied in detail, their queens are ergatoid, and they do not show any of the usual modifications associated with this caste.

Bolton (1981) revised the genus Terataner in the Ethiopian region. He provided descriptions of the six African species, constructed a key to workers, and described a new species, velatus from West Africa. In the same paper, Bolton described a new species from Madagascar, xaltus, and constructed a key to the six species known from the Malagasy region.





Identification
DIAGNOSIS OF WORKER. Bolton (1981) redescribed the genus based on twelve known species. This description is modified slightly to incorporate additional forms. Monomorphic arboreal and terrestrial myrmicine ants. Mandibles armed with 5 teeth and a basal angle. Postpetiole simple, armed with a transverse crest, crest bearing a short projection, or postpetiole armed with a single long or short spine.

Nomenclature

 * TRANETERA [junior synonym of Terataner]
 * Tranetera Arnold, 1952b: 130 [as subgenus of Terataner]. Type-species: Atopomyrmex bottegoi, by original designation.
 * Tranetera junior synonym of Terataner: Bolton, 1981b: 288.

Additional References

 * Alpert, G.D. 1992. Observations on the genus Terataner in Madagascar. Psyche 99: 117-127.