Cataulacus flagitiosus

Nothing is know about the biology of this species.

Identification
A member of the taprobanae group. The species is characterized by the presence of prominent pronotal lobes or flanges.

Regional Cataulacus Key

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Indonesia, Sulawesi.

Nomenclature

 *  flagitiosus. Cataulacus flagitiosus Smith, F. 1862a: 49 (w.) INDONESIA (Sulawesi). See also: Bolton, 1974a: 76.

Holotype worker in. Labelled “SAR. 5.”

Worker
Bolton (1974) - TL 4.6 – 4.8, HL 1.10 – 1.12, HW 1.30 – 1.34, CI 116 – 122, EL 0.40 – 0.42, OI 29 – 32, IOD 0.98, SL 0.62, SI 46 – 47, PW 1.12 – 1.20, AL 1.28 – 1.33, MTL 0.65 – 0.68 (2 measured.)

Sides of head behind eyes denticulate, the occipital corner with a subtriangular tooth. Occipital crest complete, with a relatively large first (outer) denticle, mesad of which is a small gap followed by a row of minute denticles which are situated upon a long and very low median projection of the margin, similar to that seen in reticulatus but much reduced. Pronotum on each side with the lateral margination extended as a broad flange, denticulate on its outer edges and notably broader than the part of the pronotum in front of it or the mesonotum behind. Sides of mesonotum and propodeum not marginate, without denticles. In profile the promesonotum forming an even convexity which meets the dorsal surface of the propodeum in a short but distinct step, the propodeal dorsum being on a lower level than that of the promesonotum. Propodeal spines long, strong and divergent, each as long as the complete distance separating it from its twin; the outer margins of the spines not denticulate. Base of gaster marginate, the margination continued onto the sides but fading out posteriorly.

Dorsum of head with a coarse but somewhat effaced rugoreticulum which shows a longitudinal direction, particularly on the median portion; the whole overlaid by a fine and dense reticulate-puncturation. Alitrunk similarly sculptured dorsally, the rugoreticulum distinct only upon the pronotum, grading out posteriorly to a series of faint, regular longitudinal rugae which traverse the mesonotum. Propodeal dorsum with a faint rugoreticulum; the whole alitrunk covered with a fine dense reticulate-puncturation. Propodeal declivity with a few transverse rugae. First gastral tergite with irregular and often broken longitudinal rugulae and a dense reticulate-puncturation. Dorsa of head, alitrunk and gaster with a few scattered, very short, thick hairs; the margins of these regions with small hairs which project laterally.

Type Material
Bolton (1974) - Holotype worker, SULAWESI: Tondano (A. R. Wallace) (UM, Oxford) [examined].