Crematogaster pfeifferi

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Hosoishi & Ogata (2017) - Crematogaster pfeifferi belongs to the subgenus Crematogaster sensu stricto (Blaimer 2012b). This particular small-sized species of Crematogaster (HW 0.65–0.68; WL 0.69–0.7) is similar to Crematogaster khmerensis. These two species are readily distinguished from other Asian Crematogaster by the vertically directed propodeal spines and large propodeal spiracles. Crematogaster pfeifferi is separated from C. khmerensis by the propodeal spiracles apart from metapleural gland bulla, long propodeal spines (PSL 0.11–0.12), elliptical petiole and acutely developed subpetiolar process.


 * Propodeal spiracles large and touching metapleural gland bulla. Petiole scoop shaped, broader anteriorly. Subpetiolar process undeveloped (Cambodia) . . . . . Crematogaster khmerensis


 * Propodeal spiracles large and apart from metapleural gland bulla. Petiole elliptical with convex sides. Subpetiolar process developed acutely (Borneo) . . . . . Crematogaster pfeifferi

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Malaysia.

Nomenclature

 *  pfeifferi. Crematogaster pfeifferi Hosoishi & Ogata, 2017: 11, figs. 4E-H (w.) MALAYSIA.

Worker
HW 0.65–0.68; HL 0.62–0.64; CI 105–106; SL 0.49–0.51; SI 75–76; EL 0.13–0.14; PW 0.37–0.39; WL 0.69–0.70; PSL 0.11–0.12; PtL 0.24–0.25; PtW 0.22–0.24; PtH 0.13–0.15; PpL 0.14–0.15; PpW 0.22–0.24; PtHI 52–63; PtWI 92–96; PpWI 157–164; WI 92–100 (holotype and three paratype workers measured).

Workers presumably monomorphic. Head subquadrate in full-face view, with rounded posterior corners and subparallel sides. Occipital carinae developed. Mandible with four teeth, apical tooth large. Anterior margin of clypeus convex; anterolateral margins of clypeus protruded anteriorly; posterior margin of clypeus rounded between frontal lobes. Frontal carinae almost parallel. Antennae 11-segmented; antennal club 3-segmented.

Scape reaching posterior corner of head. Basal flagellar segment (antennal segment III) slightly longer than broad. Compound eyes slightly projecting beyond lateral margins of head in full-face view. Pronotal shoulders angulate, but without distinct rugulae laterally. Mesonotal dorsum convex in lateral view. Pronotum and mesonotum not forming same dorsal outline in lateral view. Mesothoracic spiracle forms large pit concealed by posterior pronotal lobe. Metapleural gland opening slit-shaped. Propodeal spiracle large and circular, situated at posterolateral corners, apart from metapleural gland bulla. Metanotal groove straight in dorsal view, deep and forming concave region between mesonotum and propodeum. In dorsal view, feeble longitudinal rugulae connecting between mesonotum and propodeum; the boundary distinct. Propodeal spines developed and directed vertically in lateral view. Petiole elliptical with convex sides, longer than broad; spiracle situated anteriorly midway between dorsal and ventral margin of petiole in lateral view, directed laterally. Subpetiolar process developed acutely. Postpetiole without longitudinal median sulcus, but bilobed behind; spiracle situated anteriorly on lateral surface. Dorsal surface of head mostly smooth or weakly shagreened. Clypeus mostly smooth and shining. Pronotal collar areolately sculptured. Promesonotum weakly punctate. Lateral surface of pronotum smooth and shining. Mesopleuron mostly smooth and shining, but sculptured on surrounding area. Anterodorsal surface of propodeum weakly punctate; posterior half smooth and shining. Lateral surface of propodeum smooth and shining. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of petiole smooth and shining. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of postpetiole smooth and shining. Standing pilosity sparse. Dorsal face of head with decumbent setae; one pair of erect setae on frontal lobes. Clypeus with one pair of erect setae. Anterior clypeal margin with two to three pairs of long setae mixed with short setae laterally. Scape with appressed setae. Mesonotum with appressed setae sparsely. Petiole with one pair of suberect setae posteriorly. Postpetiole with one pair of suberect setae posteriorly. Fourth abdominal tergite with short appressed setae sparsely. Body color brown.

Type Material
Holotype Malaysia: worker, Borneo, Golden Hope Table, 4°23 N, 117°51 E, xa178 611, 8 Oct. 2004, M. Pfeiffer leg., (KUMANT044: deposited at ). Paratypes Malaysia: 3 workers, same data as for holotype, xa160 610 (KUMANT045: deposited at ; KUMANT046: deposited at ; KUMANT047: deposited at ).

Etymology
The specific name is dedicated to Dr. Martin Pfeiffer, who collected the type material.