Technomyrmex pilipes

Known from the syntype queens.

Identification
Bolton (2007) - A member of the Technomyrmex schoutedeni group. As this species is known only from the queen its position in the key is somewhat conjectural. However, it is probably safe to assume that the extremely dense pilosity shown by the queen will be reflected in the worker caste as an equivalence of pilosity applies to almost all other Technomyrmex species where both castes are known. It is suspected that the worker of Technomyrmex pilipes will look like an extremely densely hairy version of Technomyrmex schoutedeni, perhaps without the marked bicoloured pattern of the latter.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Cameroun.

Nomenclature

 *  pilipes. Technomyrmex pilipes Emery, 1899e: 490 (q.) CAMEROUN. See also: Bolton, 2007a: 32.

Queen
Bolton (2007) - Alate. TL 5.4, HL 1.16, HW 1.11, SL 1.02, PW 0.96, WL 1.80. Indices: CI 96, S1 92, 01 30, EPI 66.

Closely related to Technomyrmex schoutedeni, with same head shape and general appearance, but with setae very dense. Prominent fine setae project from all surfaces of the scapes and the dorsal (outer) surfaces of the middle and hind tibiae. Those on the scape are about equal to its maximum width while those on the tibiae are shorter than the maximum width of the segment from which they arise. With head in full-face view the anterior clypeal margin is almost transverse, with only the slightest hint of a median impression; posterior margin of head evenly shallowly concave. Dense fine projecting setae present all across posterior margin of head and along entire length of sides of head. Similar setae abundant all over the dorsum of the head and on its ventral surface, longest on the dorsum close to the posterior margin. All dorsal surfaces of mesosoma with numerous fine setae and setae present on propodeal declivity. Gastral segments 1 - 4 densely clothed with setae of variable length, the longest on the first tergite shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye. Head, mesosoma and gaster all about the same shade of dappled reddish to blackish brown.

Type Material
Bolton (2007) - Syntype queens, Cameroun: no loc., 1895 (Conradt) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Emery C. 1899. Fourmis d'Afrique. Annales de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 43: 459-504.
 * Forel A. 1901. Formiciden des Naturhistorischen Museums zu Hamburg. Neue Calyptomyrmex-, Dacryon-, Podomyrma- und Echinopla-Arten. Mitt. Naturhist. Mus. Hambg. 18: 43-82.