Loboponera nobiliae

Identification
Fisher (2006) - This species is placed within the L. vigilans species groups erected by Bolton and Brown (2002). It is most similar to Loboponera subatra in having a lateral blunt tooth on each site of the anteromedian process of the A3 sternite. It is separate from L. subatra by having notably longer and denser pilosity on all dorsal surfaces, and denser costate-rugose sculpture. In L. nobileae, the pilosity is distinctly longer than the maximum width of the eye, while in subatra, the hair is about the same length as the maximum width of the eye. In L. subatra, the sculpture is partially effaced on the dorsum of the propodeum and petiole, while in L. nobileae, the sculpture is distinct. Loboponera subatra is known from southeastern Cameroon to Central African Republic where it is sympatric with L. nobileae in the Dzanga-Sangha and Dzanga-Ndoki region.

Distribution
Known from southeastern Cameroon to Central African Republic.

This taxon was described from Gabon.

Castes
Only known from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  nobiliae. Loboponera nobiliae Fisher, 2006: 113, figs. 5 - 8 (w.) GABON.

Worker
Characters of the L. vigilans group (Bolton and Brown 2002), specifically: mandible with four teeth between apical tooth and basal angle. Median portion of clypeus, anterior to frontal lobes, with low, longitudinal carina. Propodeal declivity with triangular tooth near base; margin above with small tooth. Sculpture coarse, dense and foveolate on dorsum of head, mesosoma, and A2 - A4. Surfaces of head behind frontal lobes, mesosoma, petiole node, and abdominal segments 2 and 3, with numerous fine suberect hairs arising from the center of each foveolate puncture. Scape with projecting hairs on leading edge.

In addition, the following characters: Maximum eye diameter 0.10 mm. A3 sternite with an anteriorly directed blunt tooth on each side of the anteroventral median process and without a median longitudinal carina. A3 tergite in dorsal view with bluntly rounded anterolateral corner. Propodeal declivity with broad, triangular tooth near base, margin above with another, smaller tooth near apex; dorsum of mesosoma rounds into propodeal declivity. Scape and entire femur and tibia with dense suberect pilosity that is slightly shorter and denser than hairs on cephalic dorsum. Petiole in dorsal view widest posteriorly. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with a combination of longitudinally costate-rugose sculputure or foveolate punctures. Foveolate component less developed on head and propodeum.

Measurements. Holotype: TL 7.5, HL 1.64, HW 1.19, CI 73, SL 1.31, SI 110, ML 2.25. Paratype (one measured): TL 6.5, HL 1.52, HW 1.17, CI 77, SL 1.23, SI 105, ML 2.16. Apart from being smaller in size, the paratype matches the holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker. Gabon: Woleu-Ntem, 31.3 km 108° ESE Minvoul (02° 04' 48" N, 012° 24' 24" E), 600 m, 8.II. 1998, leg. B.L. Fisher, rainforest, ex rotten log, B.L. Fisher collection code: BLF01652, specimen code: CASENT 003099, 1 worker.

Paratype worker. Central African Republic: Prefecture Sangha-Mbaéré, Réserve Spéciale de Forêt Dense de Dzanga-Sangha, 12.7 km 326° NW Bayanga (03° 00' 18" N, 016° 11' 36" E), 420 m, 10.-17.V.2001, leg. B.L. Fisher, rainforest, sifted litter, B.L. Fisher collection code: BLF4 100, specimen code: CASENT0408696, 1 worker.