Lordomyrma levifrons

Collected from the mountains of Viti Levu, little is known about the biology of L. levifrons. This large, robust, long-spined ant is known only from Mann’s collections and is the only species of Lordomyrma he described that has not been rediscoverd since. (Sarnat 2016)

Identification
Sarnat (2016) - Although the promesonotum is strongly produced in this species, and the petiole has a steep anterior face, it can be differentiated from Lordomyrma desupra, Lordomyrma stoneri, Lordomyrma tortuosa, and Lordomyrma vuda by the transverse carina posterior to the metanotal groove. Lordomyrma levifrons is distinguished from the other species with long propodeal spines, Lordomyrma polita, by the long, fine-tipped hairs present on its face, mesosoma, petiole, and gaster.

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

Nomenclature

 *  levifrons. Rogeria (Irogera) tortuosa subsp. levifrons Mann, 1921: 453 (w.) FIJI IS. Combination in Lordomyrma: Kugler, C. 1994: 26. Raised to species: Sarnat, 2006: 20.

Worker
Sarnat (2016) - TL 4.31, HL 0.99, HW 0.89, CI 0.90, SI 0.73, REL 0.21, PSLI 1.31, MFLI 1.01, DPWI 0.90 (1 measured).

A large reddish brown species with long straight spines and reduced sculpturing. In full face view, posterior margin of head evenly convex with rounded corners. Clypeus smooth and shining, only light traces of a pair of weak carinae terminating before reaching anterior border. Frontal carinae weakly carinate, terminating just after posterior level of eye. Antennal scrobe weakly impressed. Eyes of moderate size. In lateral view promesonotum large, moderately convex. Propodeal spines acute and straight, one and one third as long as width of procoxa in lateral view. Propodeal lobes strong, long and upturned. Petiole robustly built; in lateral view anterior face of node nearly vertical, posterior face more gently sloped, apex at anterior angle. Postpetiole with anterior and dorsal faces evenly convex, apex occurring at midline. Mandibles smooth and shining with sparse, setigerous foveolae. Middorsum of head smooth and shining with scattered setigerous foveolae; no carinae mesad of frontal carinae. Frontal lobes with one pair of strong carinae in addition to the frontal carinae. Arcuate carinae above and below eye, mostly smooth behind eye, longitudinal carinae between eye and mandiblular insertion; posterior corners of head smooth and shining with a few punctures margined by elevated sides; carinae absent. Promesonotum smooth and shining with a few weak carinae on sides and a few striations on dorsum. In dorsal view, propodeum smooth and shining, with a distinct transverse carina proximal to the metanotal groove; declivitous face smooth and shining. Petiole and postpetiole coarsely rugoreticulate. Gaster smooth and shining. All dorsal surfaces with an abundance of suberect to erect acuminate yellowish hairs, the longest of which equal or exceed the length of the eye. Head and mesosoma reddish brown, gaster and appendages lighter.

Type Material
Sarnat (2016) - Syntype, worker, Nadarivatu, Fiji (W.M. Mann) (examined).