Strumigenys wardi

Known from a range of wet forest types, with most specimens taken from litter samples. One collection was made from a rotten log.

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the sylvaini complex in the Strumigenys dexis-group. Distinguished from other members of the sylvaini-complex by having: 1 Erect short simple hairs present on dorsal surfaces of head, alitrunk, waist segments and first gastral tergite. 2 The postpetiole disc finely longitudinally costulate. 3 The first gastral tergite without standing hairs between the apical and basal rows.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  wardi. Strumigenys wardi Fisher, in Bolton, 2000: 645 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.2, HL 0.58, HW 0.48, CI 83, ML 0.15, MI 26, SL 0.26, SI 54, PW 0.29, AL 0.60. Characters of sylvaini-complex. Entirety of head blanketed with fine, dense reticulate-punctate sculpture, opaque everywhere. Dorsum of head without scale-like hairs that are similar in size to those on the fringing rows. Instead the head dorsally with sparse, minute and inconspicuous decumbent to appressed spatulate hairs, and with a row of 4 short erect hairs close to the occipital margin. Eye with 4-5 ommatidia in the longest row. Dorsal alitrunk and petiole node finely reticulate-punctate, the postpetiole disc finely longitudinally costulate. Pleurae smooth and shining. Mesonotum with a single pair of short standing hairs, standing hairs also present as follows: 1 pair posterodorsally on the petiole node, 2 pairs posterodorsally on the postpetiole, a basal and an apical transverse row on the first gastral tergite. Lamella of propodeum narrow below the triangular propodeal spines, leaving most of the spine length free. Petiole node in dorsal view distinctly broader than long. Disc of postpetiole in dorsal view not completely surrounded by spongiform tissue, the anterolateral angles and anterior halves of the sides free. Basigastral costulae short but well developed and conspicuous.

Measurements of this material extends the range shown by the holotype: HL 0.59-0.63, HW 0.49-0.52, CI 81-83, ML 0.15-0.16, MI 26.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: 5 km. SW Antalaha, 50 m., 6.xii.1993, 14°56'17"S, 50°15'42"E, secondary forest, Winkler app. 280.13485w (G. D. Alpert).