Tetheamyrma subspongia

The type specimens, making up 2/3 of all the known samples of this species (and the genus), consists of two workers that were collected from a single Winkler Bag sample of forest leaf litter.

Identification
The only species in the genus, Tetheamyrma belongs in the Rogeria-Stenamma-group of genera, based on the structure of the mandibles and clypeus, and the form of the alitrunk. It is isolated among these, however, by its combination of 11-segmented antennae with a 2-segmented club, and the presence of spongiform material on the waist and gaster. (Bolton 1991)

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

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  subspongia. Tetheamyrma subspongia Bolton, 1991: 10, figs. 16, 17 (w.) BORNEO.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.3, HL 0.55, HW 0.51, CI 92, SL 0.32, SI 63, PW 0.36, AL 0.66. Maximum diameter of eye 0.08 (0.16 x HW), the eye with only about 10 ommatidia in total. Mandibles smooth. Head capsule everywhere extremely finely and densely sharply reticulate-rugose and with dense short soft curved pilosity. Promesonotum sculptured as head. Sloping propodeal dorsum sculptured to level of spines but declivity thereafter smooth and shining. Petiole and postpetiole both much broader than long in dorsal view and more finely sculptured than the promesonotum. Gaster smooth and shining between conspicuous pits from which hairs arise. All dorsal surfaces of alitrunk, waist and gaster with dense soft curved pilosity except for the propodeum behind its highest point, which lacks hairs. Colour medium brown, the appendages lighter.

Paratype. TL 2.2, HL 0.54, HW 0.49, CI 91, SL 0.30, SI 61, PW 0.35, AL 0.62. Maximum diameter of eye 0.07 (0.14 x HW). As holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker, East Malaysia: Sabah, Poring Hot Springs, Langanan River, 850 m, 14.v.87, no. 25a (Lobl & Burckhardt). Paratype, one worker with same data as holotype.