Strumigenys synkara

Identification
Bolton (1983) - Within the weberi-complex four species, Strumigenys fenkara, Strumigenys placora, Strumigenys tolomyla and synkara form a close association by their mutual lack of postpetiolar sculpture, lack of a metanotal impression and possession of long specialized hairs on the cephalic dorsum which are similar to those on the clypeal dorsum. In fenkara, tolomyla and synkara these specialized cephalic hairs tend to be about equal in size and shape and equal to the longest hairs on the clypeal dorsum, whereas in placara the size and shape of the specialized hairs are very variable, and those on the cephalic dorsum tend to be very much longer than any found on the clypeus. S. fenkara is a smaller more lightly coloured species than synkara and has the long cephalic hairs conspicuously clavate (simple in synkara). Finally talamyla, a smaller species, has a deep median indentation in the spongiform strip bordering the posterior margin of the postpetiole and has the anterior clypeal margin shallowly but evenly concave.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Gabon.

Nomenclature

 *  synkara. Smithistruma synkara Bolton, 1983: 309 (w.) GABON. Combination in Pyramica: Bolton, 1999: 1673; in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 128. See also: Bolton, 2000: 340.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.7, HL 0.76, HW 0.50, CI 66, ML 0.07, MI 9, SL 0.34, SI 68, PW 0.34, AL 0.74.

Dentition of mandible not clearly visible but apparently as described for malaplax. Anterior clypeal margin transverse to feebly sinuate. Sides of clypeus irregular, slightly convergent anteriorly and with rounded anterolateral angles. In full-face view the posterior halves of the sides of the clypeus with a few simple projecting anteriorly curved fine hairs which are acute apically. Above and forward of these fine hairs are a number of much longer stouter cylindrical hairs which are blunt apically and which project anterolaterally, being sharply upcurved in the apical half to one-third of their length. Anterior clypeal margin with a few much shorter straight hairs which project forward over the mandibles. Sides of head behind clypeus irregular and with numerous projecting fine hairs, the posteriormost of which are weakly flagellate. In profile the clypeal and cephalic dorsa with short fine ground-pilosity which is curved anteriorly and closely applied to the surface, and with long specialized hairs which are stout and simple and pointed to blunt apically, but not clavate. On the anterior portion of the clypeus the specialized hairs are relatively short and curve forwards and upwards. Behind them is a shallowly concave area of the clypeus which lacks hairs and behind this is a transverse row of long erect feebly sinuate hairs which are two or more times longer than those on the anterior part of the clypeal dorsum. From this level to the vertex all the specialized long hairs are stout and simple, acute apically and slightly curved forward, all about the same length, roughly equal to the longest hairs on the clypeal dorsum except for those which are adjacent to the frontal lobes, which are slightly shorter. Behind the vertex the hairs shorter and more strongly curved, those closest to the occipital margin finer and weakly flagellate. Entire dorsum of head strongly reticulate-rugulose. Scapes weakly bent at about the basal third, broadest distal to this and the leading edge and dorsal surface with long projecting cylindrical curved hairs. Maximum diameter of eye 0.16 X HW. Pronotum not marginate laterally, lacking a median longitudinal ridge or carina dorsally. In profile the alitrunk lacking a metanotal groove or impression, with narrow sharply triangular propodeal teeth subtended by a slender infradental lamella whose free posterior margin is concave. Sides of pronotum and propodeum irregularly rugose, the pleurae punctate. Pronotal dorsum longitudinally rugose with a few cross-meshes; mesonotal dorsum strongly reticulate-rugose. Propodeal dorsum predominantly punctate, with faint rugular vestiges. Dorsum of petiole node strongly rugose, the postpetiolar disc smooth and shining. First gastral tergite smooth and shining except for the dense sharply defined basal costulae. Dorsal surfaces of pronotum, mesonotum, petiole, postpetiole and gaster with fine dense hairs which are arched, looped or flagellate. Spongiform appendages of pedicel segments strongly developed in profile. In dorsal view the petiole node with a thick posterior spongiform strip which is narrowest medially. Disc of postpetiole completely surrounded by thick spongiform material, the posterior band deeply indented medially. Base of first gastral tergite with a thick ruff-like transverse spongiform band. Colour dark brown, the gaster blackish brown.

Paratype. TL 2.8, HL 0.76, HW 0.50, CI 66, ML 0.07, MI 9, SL 0.34, SI 68, PW 0.34, AL 0.72

As holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Gabon: Makokou, x.1972, rain forest (I. Lieberburg).

Paratype. 1 worker with same data as holotype.