Paratrechina ankarana

This species is restricted to Madagascar were it is found in dry forest habitats.

Identification
Dark brown, with cuticle giving a faint greenish-blue reflection; propodeum with fine striations across surface; SI less than 195.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  ankarana. Paratrechina ankarana LaPolla & Fisher, 2014: 41, figs 1-3 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Holotype worker. MADAGASCAR: Province Antsiranna, Rés. Spéc. Ankarana; 22.9km 224° SW Antivorano Nord; 80 m; 12°55'S, 49°7'E; 10-16.ii.2001; Fisher et al.; CASENT0454372 (CASC).

Paratypes. 6 paratype workers with the same locality information as the holotype (CASC, USNM); 9 paratype workers, Antsiranna, Rés. Spéc. Ankarana; 22.9 km 224° SW Antivorano Nord; 210 m; 12°52'S, 49°14'E; 16-21.ii.2001; Fisher et al. (BMNH, CASC, PBZT, USNM).

Worker
(n=6)'' TL: 2.60–2.84; HW: 0.60–0.63; HL: 0.66–0.72; EL: 0.18–0.20; SL: 1.10–1.17; PW: 0.42–0.46; WL: 1.01–1.07; GL: 0.90–1.14; PFL: 0.80–0.90; CI: 85–92; REL: 27–29; REL2: 31–33; SI: 184–191; SMC: 24–30; PMC: 3–6; MMC: 3–4.

Dark brown; antennae lighter with trochanters yellow to white; cuticle smooth and shiny, except on propodeum which posseses fine striations across surface; under microscrope view cuticle has a faint greenish-blue reflection; abundant macrosetae across scapes, head, pronotum, mesonotum, and gaster; scapes with short pubescence. Head ovate; posterolateral corners rounded with complete posterior margin; midpoint of eyes at approximately midline of head; eyes convex; 3 small ocelli present; mandibles with 5 teeth; apical tooth the longest, 3rd tooth from apical shortest, remainder about the same size; outer mandibular surface with slight striations across surface. In lateral view, pronotum rises in a straight margin towards mesonotum with only slight convexity towards mesonotal margin; propodeum large and bulbous, making division between dorsal and declivitous faces difficult; metanotal suture with distinct impression that extends down along the mesopleural/metapleural margin; mesopleuron with darkened ridge along impression.

Etymology
The specific epithet is derived from the name of the reserve where the species was found.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Huong N. T. T., P. V. Sang, and B. T. Viet. 2015. A preliminary study on diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at Hon Ba Nature Reserve. Environmental Scientific Conference 7: 614-620.