Tetraponera connectens

Only known from the type locality, the types were collected from canopy fogging of semi-primary dipterocarp hilltop forest.

Identification
A member of the Tetraponera allaborans species-group.

Ward (2001) - This species bears some similarity to Tetraponera bita, especially with respect to the short scapes, elongate head, laterally rounded pronotum, broad profemur, and small size, but it lacks the distinct metanotal plate and broadly convex median clypeal lobe of that species. T. connectens workers differ from those of both T. bita and other small black species (Tetraponera extenuata, Tetraponera microcarpa) by their smaller eyes (REL 0.32-0.34, v. 0.35-0.41 in the other three species). In addition, workers of T. microcarpa have much sharper lateral pronotal margins and those of T. extenuata have longer scapes (SI2 0.4 7-0.54), a more slender profemur (FI 0.38--0.43), and more elevated propodeum (PDI 1.12-1.24) compared with those of T. connectens. The smallest workers of Tetraponera allaborans approach the known size range of T. connectens (for T. allaborans HW 0.62-0.93 and LHT 0.54-0.80) but have larger eyes (EL 0.30-0.42 compared with 0.26-0.27 in T. connectens), longer scapes (SI2 0.46-0.57 v. 0.42-0.45) and a more slender profemur (FI 0.36-0.45 v. 0.47-0.48; FLIHL 0.58-0.67 v. 0.52-0.56 in T. connectens), in addition to better developed pronotal margins.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Thailand.

Nomenclature

 *  connectens. Tetraponera connectens Ward, 2001: 611, figs. 13, 24, 49 (w.) THAILAND.

Worker
HW 0.58--0.63, HL 0.77-0.84, LHT 0.50-0.52, CI 0.73-0.78, FCI 0.12-0.13, REL 0.32-0.34, REL2 0.44-0.45, SI 0.57--0.58, SI3 1.29-1.33, FI 0.47-0.48, PLI 0.56-0.61, PWI 0.43--0.46, PDI 0.97-1.04, LHT/HW 0.83-0.87, CSC 2, MSC4.

Median clypeal lobe narrow, protruding beyond the reach of the anterolateral clypeal margins, and furnished with three blunt teeth; eyes rather small (REL <0.35); profemur short and broad (FI >0.46); pronotal dorsum rounding into the sides, sharp lateral margins lacking; mesopropodeal impression with a very weak transverse ridge (obsolete in three of the workers) which interrupts the longitudinally rugulate sculpture but does not form a distinct metanotal plate; propodeum low and broad, as wide as high (see PDI values), in profile its dorsal face convex and rounding rather gradually into the declivitous face; petiole relatively short and broad (see indices). Integument smooth and shining, with scattered fine punctures (<0.01 mm diameter) and faint irregular lineations; lower malar area longitudinally carinate, only immediately above the mandibular insertions. Standing pilosity (>0.06 mm in length) sparse, scattered on gaster and apex of head, and as follows: one supraocular pair, two pairs on the pronotum, and one pair each on the petiole and postpetiole; sparse, inconspicuous appressed hairs scattered over the body, becoming suberect to erect on venter of the petiole and postpetiole. Black to dark brownish-black; antennae, mandibles, tarsi and (to a lesser extent) tibiae lighter brown.

Type Material
Holotype. Worker, Khao Lak Natl Pk, Thone Chong Fa Fall, Thailand, 300m, 8°40'N 98°18'E, 15-16.i.1998 (A. Schulz & K. Vock). Paratypes. 5 workers, same data as ho1otype (KUBC,, ).