Strumigenys japonica

Strumigenys japonica is a rare species. In addition to the type-locality (Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan), confirmed distribution records are from the Kansai and Chugoku districts of Honshu, and Okinawa Island (Japanese Ant Image Database). Many former records are doubtful in their identification and are likely Strumigenys benten (Ogata & Onoyama 1998).

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the Strumigenys leptothrix-group. Mandibles, clypeus and cephalic dorsum densely clothed with longitudinal rows of appressed small spatulate hairs. Dorsolateral margin of head only with appressed spatulate hairs; entire head lacks standing hairs of any description. Scapes and tibiae without standing hairs, with appressed fine spatulate pilosity only. Mesonotum usually with 3-4 pairs of short simple erect hairs (anteriormost pair may be at posteriormost point of pronotum) but very rarely mesonotum without hairs. Similar hairs occur on the first gastral tergite and on the waist segments, but on the latter they are curved posteriorly. Dorsal alitrunk and sides of pronotum reticulate-punctate, the former usually also with a few weak longitudinal rugulae. Most of katepistemum and part of metapleuron smooth and shining. Propodeum with acute teeth, narrow lamellae and low rounded propodeal lobes. Lateral spongiform lobe of petiole in profile small and restricted to extreme posterolateral angle.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Taiwan, Vietnam. Palaearctic Region: China, Japan, Republic of Korea.

Nomenclature

 *  japonica. Strumigenys japonica Ito, 1914: 40 (w.) JAPAN. Wheeler, W.M. 1928d: 116 (q.). Combination in S. (Cephaloxys): Emery, 1924d: 325; in Smithistruma: Brown, 1948e: 105; in Weberistruma: Brown, 1953g: 27; in Pyramica: Bolton, 1999: 1673; in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 122. See also: Brown, 1949d: 10; Bolton, 2000: 435.

Type Material
Bolton (2000) - Syntype workers, JAPAN: Hondo I., Nagato Provo (Y. Nawa) (no types known to exist).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

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