Terataner luteus

Identification
Bolton (1981) - The four known species of the luteus-complex are confined to the forests of West and Central Africa. The complex is diagnosed by the short straight frontal carinae which fade out on the head behind the level of the eyes, fine sculpture, and sparse pilosity on the body; the tibiae lack standing hairs. Of the species thus defined two, Terataner elegans and Terataner luteus, have a broad flattened postpetiole, the posterior dorsal margin of which is broad and very broadly, evenly rounded. The other two species, Terataner piceus and Terataner velatus, have the posterior arch of the postpetiole narrow and narrowly rounded in dorsal view. T. elegans and luteus are very closely related, being separated mainly on colour (luteus is uniformly yellow), and on the dimensions of the pronotum. Apart from this the pronotum of luteus in dorsal view usually has the lateral margins more strongly convex than in elegans, though in smaller individuals this difference is often unapparent.

luteus - Colour uniform dull yellow. Pronotum broader than long, the pronotal width about equalling or distinctly exceeding the combined lengths of the pro- and mesonotum in dorsal view. At least in larger specimens the sides of the pronotum in dorsal view distinctly convex. Ground-sculpture on dorsum of head very feeble, sometimes almost effaced.

elegans - Colour blackish brown to black on head and gaster, alitrunk reddish or lighter brown. Pronotum about as long as broad, the pronotal width less than the combined lengths of the pro- and mesonotum in dorsal view. In all specimens the sides of the pronotum in dorsal view only very feebly convex. Ground-sculpture on dorsum of head superficial but dense and distinct.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Cameroun, Central African Republic, Congo, Ghana, Uganda.

Nomenclature

 * . Atopomyrmex luteus Emery, 1899e: 477 (w.) CAMEROON.
 * Type-material: holotype worker.
 * Type-locality: Cameroon: (no further data) (Conradt).
 * Type-depository: MSNG.
 * [Note: a specimen labelled “type” in MCZC is not mentioned in the original description.]
 * Combination in Terataner: Emery, 1912b: 103.
 * Status as species: Stitz, 1910: 145; Emery, 1912b: 103; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 885; Emery, 1924d: 242; Bolton, 1981b: 293 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 403.
 * Distribution: Cameroon, Ghana.

Worker
Bolton (1981) - TL 5.0-5.8, HL 1.22-1.40, HW 1.16-1.32, CI 94-98, SL 0.74-0.80, SI 59-66, PW 0.86-1.04, AL 1.52-1.78 (15 measured).

Type Material
Syntype workers, Cameroun (Conradt) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bolton B. 1981. A revision of six minor genera of Myrmicinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Ethiopian zoogeographical region. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). Entomology 43: 245-307.