Strumigenys transversa

Identification
Bolton (1983) - This species is peripheral to the emarginata-group but is isolated by its uniquely shaped mandibular basal lamella and broad infradentallamellae on the propodeum.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: South Africa.

Nomenclature

 *  transversa. Strumigenys (Trichoscapa) transversa Santschi, 1913b: 258 (diagnosis in key) (w.) SOUTH AFRICA. Santschi, 1914e: 31 (w.). Combination in S. (Cephaloxys): Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 920; Emery, 1924d: 324; in Smithistruma: Brown, 1948e: 105; in Pyramica: Bolton, 1999: 1673; in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 129. See also: Brown, 1953g: 127; Bolton, 1983: 297; Bolton, 2000: 334.

Worker
Bolton (1983) - TL 2.2-2.4, HL 0.62-0.66, HW 0.42-0.46, CI 68-71, ML 0.12-0.13, MI 19-20, SL 0.27-0.28, SI 60-64, PW 0.26-0.28, AL 0.58-0.62 (5 measured).

Basal lamella of mandible an elongate high broadly rounded lobe whose length along the base is approximately the same as the length of the masticatory margin occupied by the principal row of 5 teeth, and which is clearly visible even when the mandibles are closed. Height of the basal lamella equal to that of the longest of the teeth. Principal row of 5 teeth followed distally by 2 slightly smaller teeth and 4 minute denticles before the small apical tooth. Anterior clypeal margin transverse to very shallowly evenly convex, equipped with 8 scale-like hairs which project forwards over the mandibles and which are usually slightly curved medially. Lateral margins of clypeus very slightly convergent anteriorly and with an unbroken series of long broad spatulate to spoon-shaped hairs which project freely and are curved anteriorly. Dorsum of clypeus and cephalic dorsum with numerous scale-like to spoon-shaped anteriorly curved short hairs; those on the clypeus smaller than those on the cephalic dorsum. Upper scrobe margins and sides of the occipital lobes with an unbroken sequence of sharply anteriorly curved spoon-shaped hairs which are closely applied to the surface. Flagellate hairs absent. Antennal scape narrow basally, bent at about the basal third and broadest just beyond the bend. Leading edge of scape with a projecting row of strong spatulate to spoon-shaped hairs, the dorsum of the scape also with spatulate hairs present. Eyes relatively large, maximum diameter 0.18 X HW, greater than the maximum width of the scape. Entire dorsum of head finely and densely reticulate-punctate. Pronotum not marginate laterally and without a median longitudinal ridge or carina dorsally. Flagellate hairs absent. Metanotal groove not impressed and propodeal teeth subtended by a broad and conspicuous infradental lamella. Dorsal alitrunk with narrowly spatulate short hairs, most of which are reclinate but a few of which may be subdecumbent. Petiole and postpetiole with similar pilosity and also with elongate quite stout simple hairs which are directed posteriorly. First gastral tergite with a transverse row of 4 erect hairs basally, grouped in pairs on each side of a central broad gap. Remainder of first tergite hairless except for a widely separated pair close to the apical margin. Pleurae of alitrunk mostly smooth, usually with some punctures basally and on upper anterior portion of the mesopleuron. Pronotal and mesonotal dorsa finely and densely reticulate-punctate but dorsum of propodeum mostly or entirely smooth; usually with some laterally situated punctures and with punctures on the declivity between the propodeal teeth. Dorsum of petiole node distinctly broader than long, sometimes indented medially; un sculptured or at most with superficial vestiges of punctate sculpture. Post petiole smooth and shining. First gastral tergite unsculptured except for the basigastral costulae, which radiate from each side of a smooth median area. Spongiform appendages of pedicel segments strongly developed in profile. In dorsal view the petiole node with a broad posterior strip; the anterior margin of the postpetiole with a narrow strip, the posterior margin bordered by a spongiform strip which is broad posterolaterally but rapidly narrowing medially, very narrow or interrupted centrally where the postpetiole itself is indented. Base of first gastral tergite with a transverse strip which has its anterior free margin concave medially and convex at the sides where the costulae arise. Colour dark brown to blackish brown.

Type Material
(diagnosis in key) Holotype worker, SOUTH AFRICA: Natal (not in ; presumed lost). As the holotype of this species has not been found it is necessary to rely on the inadequate descriptions presented by Santschi (1913a; 1914c). Accordingly I attach the name transversa to four short series from Natal and Cape Province in South Africa which match the available descriptions tolerably well.