Strumigenys tigris

Identification
Bolton (2000) - The complex Strumigenys szalayi – Strumigenys hemichlaena – Strumigenys tigris – Strumigenys nigra represents a sequence of very closely related forms, differentiated mainly by increasing zones of black pigmentation. In szalayi there are unicolourous specimens together with others that have much darker gasters. In hemichlaena a few specimens have the pronotum only very slightly darker than the remainder of the alitrunk, whereas in most the difference is pronounced. In tigris there are forms with entirely yellow heads together with others that have the heads dark anteriorly. In nigra there are forms with yellow legs together with others in which the legs are almost as dark as the alitrunk. It may be that all four nominal forms represent only a single colour-variable species, or conversely perhaps some of the variants need to be recognised as discrete. Whichever, the complex deserves a closer analysis when enough material has been amassed to produce decent results.

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

Nomenclature

 *  tigris. Strumigenys tigris Brown, 1971c: 82, fig. 7 (w.q.) NEW GUINEA. See also: Bolton, 2000: 907.

Worker
TL 3.3-3.5, HL 0.86-0.98, HW 0.61-0.72, CI 68-73, ML 0.44-0.50, MI 50-53, SL 0.61-0.68, SI 95-102, PW 0.34-0.38, AL 0.92-1.00 (10 measured).

With head in profile the postocular concavity in the vetrolateral margin distinct. Propodeal teeth not long and spiniform, length very obviously less than twice the distance separating their bases. Side of pronotum reticulate-punctate, often with sculpture effaced on lower half. Katepisternum smooth and usually also smooth areas present on metapleuron and side of propodeum. Hairs on first gastral tergite similar to those on postpetiole. Dorsum of head unicolourous yellow or anterior portion, roughly to level of preocular impression, brown to black. Pronotum and anterior mesonotum black, remainder of alitrunk yellow but propodeal teeth usually brown. Waist segments and gaster dark brown to black.

Type Material
Holotype worker, paratype workers and queen, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Aiyura, 2000 m., vi.1962, nos. 2090, 2101, 2106 (R. W. Taylor) [examined].