Tanipone scelesta

Specimens have been discovered as ground foragers, under stones, and in pitfall traps in savannah shrubland and woodland, in spiny forest and tropical dry forest; some series are specifically labelled as originating in Uapaca woodland and Bismarckia woodland. A single specimen is recorded as having been captured in an urban garden.

Identification
Key to Tanipone Species

T. scelesta is perhaps the most easily recognisable species of the maculata species group because it has considerably more numerous mesosomal and abdominal setae than any of its relatives. In terms of setal density behind the head it falls between the other species of the maculata group, which are quite uniform, and the much more extensively setose species of the hirsuta group. (Bolton and Fisher 2012)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  scelesta. Tanipone scelesta Bolton & Fisher, 2012: 93, figs 104-106 (w. ergatoid q.) MADAGASCAR.

On a single specimen of the 108 scelesta examined, CASENT0212591 (CASC), from Ambositra, Antapia, the cuticle of the dorsal mesosoma, between the usual punctures, is filled with fine, superficial punctulate ground sculpture rather than being smooth. In places the punctulae are arranged in rough lines and appear minutely striolate. This specimen is tentatively identified as an ergatoid gyne. Its size falls well within the range of the workers, with HL 0.72, HW 0.58, EL 0.25, AIIW 0.37, AIIIW 0.54.

Worker
(holotype in parentheses). HL 0.65–0.79 (0.69), HW 0.49–0.61 (0.54), SL 0.30–0.38 (0.30), EL 0.23–0.27 (0.23), PW 0.38–0.48 (0.41), AIIW 0.32–0.42 (0.34), AIIL 0.27–0.34 (0.29), AIIIW 0.46–0.61 (0.50), AIIIL 0.36–0.50 (0.39), WL 0.80–1.00 (0.86), MFL 0.44–0.58 (0.49), CI 75–80 (78), SI 56–64 (56), EL/HW 0.43–0.48 (0.43), AIIW/AIIL 1.06–1.26 (1.17), AIIIW/AIIIL 1.20–1.32 (1.28) (20 measured).

Cephalic pilosity and structure of AIII glandular patches as described in definition of maculata group, above. With head in full-face view the side in front of the eye with a single laterally projecting seta present, behind the level of the posterior clypeal margin. Posterior margin of head with 4 setae. Dorsum of pronotum, mesonotum and propodeum each usually with 2 pairs of setae; less commonly the mesonotum, propodeum, or both, with 3 pairs. Mesofemur in dorsal view with a single, curved seta present on the anterior surface, close to the apex; ventral surface with a single projecting seta, just distal of the trochanter. Metafemur usually without a preapical seta on its anterior surface but sometimes one present; ventral surface with a single projecting seta, just distal of the trochanter. Dorsal surfaces of AII, AIII and AIV each with a sparse transverse row of setae anteriorly, and a second sparse transverse row posteriorly; occasionally extra setae occur on the dorsum of one or more of these segments between the anterior and posterior rows. Sternites of AIII and AIV with several setae present. Cephalic dorsum with scattered punctures, the spaces between them smooth or with fine, weak ground sculpture that is variable in density; when present, ground sculpture usually fades out posteriorly. Katepisternum with very fine, dense longitudinal striolae, at least on its upper half. Dorsum of mesosoma with scattered punctures that are about as dense as on the head, or slightly less. AII (petiole) in dorsal view appears broader than long; in profile its tergite appears at least as high as long. Tergite of AIII, between the glandular patches, variably sculptured. At minimum this area has scattered, shallow but relatively large punctures. The cuticle between punctures may be more or less smooth, but most often some weak, superficial microsculpture is present. However, in most specimens there is distinct sculpture of very fine, dense, longitudinal striolae and minute punctulae that encroaches on the larger punctures; in many specimens this sculpture is very dense and extensive, almost obliterating the punctate component and extending from the posterior margin almost to the anterior margin of the tergite. The pale band at the apex of AIII tergite is usually distinct, but in relatively few specimens (10 out of 108) the band is very faint or even absent so that the tergite is more or less uniformly coloured throughout. Tergite of AIV is predominantly punctate, sometimes with spaces between punctures smooth, but commonly with fine ground sculpture between them. On occasion there may be weak superficial sculpture within the punctures themselves. Full adult colour uniform brown to blackish brown, except for pale band on AIII; AIV to apex often black; appendages usually somewhat lighter than mesosoma.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Prov. Toliara, P.N. Tsimanampetsotsa, Mitoho, 6.4 km 77° ENE Efoetse, 24°03’S, 43°46’E, 40 m, 18-22.iii.2002, ground forager(s), spiny forest/thicket, BLF6183, CASENT0430032 (B.L. Fisher). Paratype. 1 worker with same data as holotype but coded CASENT0430033 (CASC).