Technomyrmex mandibularis

The types were collected in a fogging sample from a forest reserve.

Identification
Bolton (2007) - The most easily defined species of the Technomyrmex strenuus complex because of its mandibular groove and the presence of erect setae on the scapes; see notes under Technomyrmex strenuus. The mandibular groove is known in only one other Technomyrmex species, Technomyrmex brunneus, which is mainly distributed in the Oriental region but has also been recorded from Brunei. The two should not be confused as brunneus lacks setae on the scapes, has no setae on the dorsum of the head behind the level of the posterior margin of the eye, and has the head finely and very densely microreticulate-shagreenate everywhere.

Distribution
Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Bornea.

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

Nomenclature

 *  mandibularis. Technomyrmex mandibularis Bolton, 2007a: 90, figs. 52, 74 (w.) WEST MALAYSIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.2, HL 0.56, HW 0.54, SL 0.44, PW 0.36, WL 0,68. Indices: CI 96 SI 81, OI 22, EPI 100, DTI 117.

Mandible with a conspicuous longitudinal groove on its dorsal surface, Dorsum of head in profile with numerous pairs of short setae, the longest are the 2 on each frontal carina; all others are distinctly shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye. Posterior margin of head with 3 - 4 pairs of setae across its width. Scapes with short setae present on the leading edge and dorsal surface that are shorter than the maxim urn width of the scape. Dorsum of head unsculptured but the surface partially masked by short dense pubescence. In full-face view the anterior clypeal margin almost transverse, Eyes small, located at or just behind the mid length and breaking the outline of the side of the head. Pronotal dorsum mostly smooth, with only vestiges of sculpture; dorsal mesonotum microreticulate to very finely reticulate-punctate; propodeal dorsum finely and very densely reticulate-punctulate. All dorsal surfaces of mesosoma, including propodeum, with numerous setae; propodeal declivity with 1 - 2 marginal pairs. With propodeum in profile the dorsum rounds into the declivity. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of middle and hind tibiae each with 1 - 2 very short elevated setae present, which appear to be easily lost by abrasion. Gastral tergites 1 - 4 each with numerous setae, most of them shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye but a few are about subequal. Gastral tergites 1 – 2 unsculptured, smooth and polished; pubescence on these sclerites sparse, Head and gaster black; mesosoma dark brown to black, the pronotum slightly lighter than the remainder and the propodeum about the same colour as the gaster.

Paratype. TL 2.2, HL 0.56, HW 0.51, SL 0.42, PW 0.34, WL 0.64. Indices: CI 91, SI 82, OI 21, EPI 100, DTI 115, As holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker (upper specimen of two on pin), Malaysia: Neg, Sembilan, Pasoh Forest Reserve, xi.l994, fog sample (Brendell, Jackson & Lewis). Paratype (lower specimen on same pin), 1 worker with same data as holotype (BMNH).