Vitsika disjuncta

All material of this species was retrieved from litter samples.

Identification
Bolton and Fisher (2014) - This species resembles Vitsika tenuis, but in the vast majority of that species the propodeal spines are strongly downcurved, and the propodeal dorsum lacks the distinctive peak or crest that is present in disjuncta.

Key to Vitsika workers

Distribution
Endemic to Madagascar.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Castes
Males have yet to be collected.

Nomenclature

 *  disjuncta. Vitsika disjuncta Bolton & Fisher, 2014: 79, figs. 93-95, Map 153 (w.q.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
(holotype in parentheses). TL 2.5–3.1 (2.9), HL 0.56–0.65 (0.62), HW 0.48–0.55 (0.53), CI 84–86 (85), SL 0.40–0.46 (0.46), SI 83–88 (87), PW 0.36–0.44 (0.40), WL 0.70–0.84 (0.82) (8 measured).

Eye with 6–7 rows of ommatidia, and with 8–9 ommatidia in the longest row; EL 0.15–0.16 (EL/HW 0.29–0.31). MfL 0.48–0.58 (MfL/HW 1.00–1.05). In profile, the dorsal outline of the propodeum rises to a markedly raised peak or angle posterior to the site of the metanotal groove, then descends abruptly and steeply to the dorsal base of the propodeal spine. Propodeal spines in profile slender, slightly elevated, weakly curved. Diameter of annulus of propodeal spiracle is at least equal to the thickness of the propodeal spine at its midlength. Petiole node in profile small, subcuneate, erect or slightly curved anteriorly with respect to the peduncle; very narrowly rounded dorsally, and entirely unsculptured. Anterior face of petiole node vertical or slightly concave to the anterodorsal angle; the dorsal and posterior faces form a single, even curve behind the angle. Height of petiole node in posterior view (from midpoint of the dorsal margin of the foramen to the apex) 0.90–1.00 × its maximum width. In dorsal view postpetiole 1.14–1.24 × broader than long; maximum width of postpetiole 0.92–1.00 × the length of a propodeal spine; maximum width of postpetiole 0.88–0.96 × the distance between the apices of the propodeal spines. Length of postpetiole node in profile slightly less than the height of the segment. Disc of postpetiole entirely smooth, glossy. Full adult colour yellow.

Queen
(gyne). Only a single alate known. HL 0.67, HW 0.59, CI 88, SL 0.47, SI 80, PW 0.52, WL 0.92, maximum width of mesoscutum 0.46, maximum length of mesoscutum 0.46, MfL 0.58. Propodeal spines long and slender, very slightly downcurved, almost horizontal.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Prov. Toamasina, F.C. Sandranantitra, 18°02.9’S, 49°05.5’E, 450 m., 18–21.i.1999, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), rainforest, #101(15)-5 (H.J. Ratsirarson). Paratypes. 3 workers on a single pin, with same data as holotype but #101(21); 3 workers on a single pin with same data but #101(21)-4 (CASC).