Strumigenys hoplites

Identification
Bolton (2000) – See Strumigenys akhtoi.

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

Nomenclature

 *  hoplites. Strumigenys hoplites Brown, 1973c: 266, fig. 2 (w.) NEW GUINEA. See also: Bolton, 2000: 885.

Worker
Holotype. TL 3.4, HL 0.77, HW 0.56, CI 73, ML 0.14, MI 18, SL 0.38, SI 68, PW 0.36, AL 0.90. Characters of hoplites-complex. Anterior clypeal margin very broadly and evenly convex, the dorsum with minute appressed hairs that are difficult to see, the hairs arranged in longitudinal rows and directed anteriorly or anterolaterally; clypeus without any other form of pilosity. With head in profile the dorsal outline rising posteriorly to a very high, remarkably convex dome that bears a cluster of 4 short stout erect hairs arranged at the corners of a small square. The anterior pair of hairs is just in front of the highest point, the posterior pair just behind it. These are the only standing hairs anywhere on the cephalic dorsum or its lateral margins, which otherwise have only minute appressed hairs similar to those on the clypeus. Side of head with some fine punctate sculpture around the eye, but antennal scrobe above the level of the eye mostly smooth and shining. Eye relatively large, with 5 - 6 ommatidia in the longest row. Pilosity extremely sparse on dorsal surfaces of body: one pair of short erect hairs each on mesonotum, petiole and postpetiole; first gastral tergite without standing hairs (see under paratypes for variation). Middle and hind tibiae and basitarsi with sparse appressed spatulate hairs only. Dorsum of pronotum high, narrowly transversely rounded, the sides so steeply convergent dorsally that they almost form a longitudinal ridge. Mesonotal dorsum sloping steeply posteriorly, the propodeal dorsum on a much lower level than the pronotal dorsum in profile; posterior half of mesonotum and entirety of propodeal dorsum marginate laterally. Propodeal declivity with a broad lamella, only the extreme tips of the propodeal teeth free. With petiole in profile the dorsal surface of the node long and shallowly convex, much longer than the short anterior face. Lateral spongiform lobe of petiole extends forward almost the entire length of the node but terminates before the level of the anterior face. In dorsal view the lateral spongiform lobes of the petiole reach almost to the anterior margin of the node. Ventral spongiform lobes of petiole and postpetiole massively developed. Petiole node in dorsal view longer than broad, but shorter than the postpetiole disc. Disc of postpetiole in dorsal view with its anterolateral angles and sides surrounded by spongiform tissue; along the anterior margin the tissue is more lamellate than spongiform. Dorsum of head weakly superficially shagreenate, the remainder of the body almost or entirely lacking sculpture. Disc of postpetiole smooth and shining, with a few weak longitudinal costulae toward the lateral margins. First gastral tergite with short basigastral costulae.

Paratypes. TL 3.2-3.7, HL 0.74-0.86, HW 0.55-0.62, CI 72-75, ML 0.12-0.15, MI 15-18, SL 0.33-0.40, SI 61-68, PW 0.34-0.40, AL 0.86-0.96 (5 measured). As holotype but sculpture of postpetiole may be almost effaced. Pairs of short erect hairs on body varying as follows: mesonotum 0-1, petiole 0-1, postpetiole 1, first gastral tergite 0-2 (at extreme base); mere loss by abrasion may account for these differences.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: 43 km. S Ambalavao, Res. Andringitra, 22°14' S, 47°00'E, 825 m., 9.x.1993, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), rainforest, #760 (1)-8 (B.L. Fisher).

Paratypes. Madagascar: 1 worker with same data as holotype but #760 (4)-5; 1 worker with same data but #760 (2)-6; 1 worker with same data but 10.x.1993, ex rotten log, rainforest, #767-1; 2 workers 13 km. NW Enakara, Res. Andohahela, 24°33'S, 46°48'E, 1250 m., 30.xi.1992, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), montane rainforest, #561 (40)-3 (B. L. Fisher); 1 queen (dealate) with same data as last but #561 (26)-3; 1 queen (dealate) 45 km. S Ambalavao, 22°13'S, 47°01'E, 758 m., 25.ix.1993, #696 (34)-5 (B.L. Fisher).