Rotastruma epispina

This species is known only from the type locality within Cambodia. The nest series was collected from a dead twig on lower vegetation. As Bolton (1991) suggested that Rotastruma recava appeared to be polygynous, the colony of R. epispina found inside the dead twig also involved two dealate queens. (Hosoishi & Yamane, 2021)

Identification
Posterior margin of head almost straight. Lateral margin of head slightly convex. Propodeal spine curving upwards. Petiole pedunculate, peduncle longer than high. Two suberect hairs present around posterolateral corner of head.

This species is similar to Rotastruma stenoceps, but can be distinguished by the propodeal spine directed upwards and the long peduncle of the petiole (Hosoishi & Yamane, 2021).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Cambodia.

Nomenclature

 *  Rotastruma epispina Hosoishi & Yamane, in Hosoishi et al., 2021: 227, figs. 1-17 (w.q.) CAMBODIA.

Type Material

 * Holotype: Cambodia • worker; Kampong Thom Province, regrowth forest; 12°38'N, 105°16'E; 24 Dec 2010; S. Hosoishi leg.; colony SH10-Cam-172; KUEC.
 * Paratypes: Cambodia • 3 workers; Kampong Thom Province, regrowth forest; 12°38'N, 105°16'E; 24 Dec 2010; S. Hosoishi leg.; colony SH10-Cam-172; KUEC; 2 dealate queens; Kampong Thom Province, regrowth forest; 12°38'N, 105°16'E; 24 Dec 2010; S. Hosoishi leg.; colony SH10-Cam-172; KUEC.