Cardiocondyla opistopsis

Known only from the two type workers, nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Seifert (2003) - A member of the Cardiocondyla batesii group. By the unique character combination of the extremely low postocular index, the very large eyes, the very low petiole node, and the narrow postpetiole, C. opistopsis is not to be confused with any other  Cardiocondyla species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Kuwait.

Nomenclature

 *  opistopsis. Cardiocondyla opistopsis Seifert, 2003a: 244, fig. 26 (w.) KUWAIT.

Worker
Scape rather long, SL/CS 0.825. Postocular index below range of any other species considered here, PoOc/CL 0.316. Occipital margin rather straight or weakly concave. Eyes very large, EYE 0.280. Clypeus rather smooth, with 4 - 5 weak longitudinal carinulae. Frontal laminae rather smooth, very delicately microreticulate-carinulate. Frontal carinae converging caudad. Dorsal extension of scape joint capsule in dorsal aspect clearly surpassing frontal carinae laterad. A small median stripe on vertex perfectly smooth, paramedian area of vertex only in anterior part weakly longitudinally microcarinulate. Vertex with numerous bicoronate foveolae of 17 - 19 mm diameter; foveolar interspaces about as wide as foveolar diameter, glabrous, with scattered fragments of fine cross-branched structures or microcarinulae. Despite of microsculpture, all parts of mesosoma and waist appearing in overall impression rather shining. Dorsal area of promesonotum irregularly microreticulate-carinulate, with scattered suggestions of foveolae. Propodeum and petiole microreticulate; postpetiole more shining, with very delicate microreticulum. Whole lateral area of mesosoma reticulate, but moderately shining. Region of metapleural gland bulla with 2 - 4 short and weak longitudinal carinae. Metanotal depression shallow. Spines reduced to short and sharp dents. Petiole with distinct peduncle and low node, which is in dorsal aspect as wide as long and almost circular. Postpetiolar sternite without any flat bulge. Whole body dark to blackish brown, mesosoma occasionally lighter.

Type Material
Holotype and 1 paratype worker labelled “KUWAIT: Burgan, 1 988 W. Buttiker” and 3 worker paratypes labelled “KUWAIT: 1985”, all in.