Tetramorium lucayanum

Described from two workers found running on the ground in the Queen's Staircase at Nassau, N. P. (Wheeler 1905). It is most likely native to Africa (Brown 1964).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Sierra Leone. Neotropical Region: Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico. Palaearctic Region: Ireland.

Nomenclature

 *  lucayanum. Tetramorium lucayanum Wheeler, W.M. 1905b: 100, fig. L (w.) BAHAMAS. Mann, 1920: 406 (q.). Senior synonym of rectinodis: Brown, 1964b: 131; Bolton, 1979: 172; of sexdens, waelbroeki: Brown, 1964b: 131. See also: Bolton, 1980: 340.
 * waelbroeki. Tetramorium camerunense var. waelbroeki Forel, 1909b: 53 (w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. Junior synonym of lucayanum: Brown, 1964b: 131.
 * sexdens. Tetramorium lucayanum var. sexdens Forel, 1915c: 357 (w.) IRELAND. Junior synonym of lucayanum: Brown, 1964b: 131; Bolton, 1979: 172.
 * rectinodis. Tetramorium rectinodis Menozzi, 1942: 176, fig. 2 (w.) EQUATORIAL GUINEA (Bioko I.). [Also given as new in Eidmann, 1944: 454.] Junior synonym of lucayanum: Brown, 1964b: 131; Bolton, 1979: 172.

Worker
Length 2.25-2.5 mm.

Head quadrangular, excluding the mandibles somewhat longer than broad. Mandibles broad, s-toothed. Anterior border of clypeus transverse, without teeth. Each frontal carina is continued back as a prominent ruga which, especially behind, bounds a distinct elongate elliptical scrobe for the reception of the antennal scape. Antennae 12-jointed, scape not reaching the posterior corner of the head. Thorax seen from above with prominent humeral angles, in profile with faint but distinct mesoepinotal depression, especially in the pleural region. Epinotal spines rather slender, straight, directed outward, upward, and backward, somewhat longer than the distance between their bases. Episterna produced into prominent spines, fully half as long as those on the epinotum, pointed and curved upward at the tips. Petiole distinctly pedunculate, the node in profile quadrangular, rising abruptly in front, with a horizontal-dorsal surface and steep posterior declivity; seen from above it is oval, somewhat narrower in front than behind, and about 1 1/2 times as long as broad. Postpetiole subglobular, about as long as broad, distinctly broader than the petiole. Gaster rather small. Legs robust, with thickened, fusiform femora.

Body shining throughout. Mandibles rather delicately striato-punctate. Clypeus with several longitudinal rugae. Head and thorax traversed by sharp longitudinal rugae which are not very close together and have a tendency to become reticulate, especially on the thorax; interrugal spaces with shallow punctures which are much finer and denser on the antennal scrobes. Node of petiole with very coarse reticulate rugae, several of which are conspicuously transverse. Postpetiole smooth except for a few longitudinal wrinkles on the sides. Gaster glabrous.

Hairs. pale yellowish, sparse, long, and erect on the body, much shorter, more numerous, and appressed on the antennae and legs.

Black; mandibles, antennae, legs, and tip of gaster reddish yellow; neck, peduncle of petiole, scapes, and femora dark brown.