Strumigenys bellatrix

Identification
Bolton (2000) - S. bellatrix is related to Strumigenys malaplax and Strumigenys piliversa. The three species together are recognized by their possession of a smooth postpetiole disc, vestigial to absent metanotal groove and lack of stiff hairs on the cephalic dorsum that resemble those on the clypeal dorsum. The form of clypeal pilosity quickly separates the three as in bellatrix and piliversa there is a transverse row of 4 or 6 long erect hairs, the stoutest and longest of any dorsal surface, across the posterior margin of the clypeus. This row of setae effectively separates the stouter pilosity of the clypeus from the softer and more flexuous pilosity of the cephalic dorsum. Such a transverse row is absent in malaplax. In bellatrix the posterior clypeal row consists of 6 hairs that are relatively short, being shorter than the length of the clypeal dorsum when viewed in profile and only about 0.20 X HW. In pili versa on the other hand the posterior clypeal row consists of 4 hairs that are relatively very long, being at least equal to the length of the clypeal dorsum when viewed in profile and easily 0.50 X HW.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Burundi, Kenya.

Nomenclature

 *  bellatrix. Pyramica bellatrix Bolton, 2000: 336 (w.) BURUNDI. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 116

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.4, HL 0.56, HW 0.43, CI 66, ML 0.07, MI 11, SL 0. 30, SI 70, PW 0.30, AL 0.64. With clypeus in full-face view the anterior margin evenly but extremely shallowly concave. Lateral margins of clypeus weakly convergent anteriorly and fringed with numerous anterolaterally projecting curved hairs. In oblique view across the clypeus these hairs are simple and blunted apically, they project outward from the margin and then bend sharply upwards in the apical third to half of their lengths. Clypeal dorsum with curved erect hairs that are slightly thickened or weakly clavate apically; the posterior clypeal margin with a transverse row of 6 much longer erect hairs that form a palisade between the clypeus and the remainder of the cephalic dorsum. Pilosity of lateral margins and dorsum of head, and that of promesonotum, waist segments and gaster entirely of soft fine flexuous hairs that are short-flagellate, wavy, or narrowly looped apically; all these hairs are finer, softer and more flexuous than those on the clypeus. Stiff simple hairs projecting from the leading edge of the scape curve upwards, or upwards and toward the scape base, in their apical portions. Dorsum of head coarsely but irregularly rugulose. Promesonotal dorsum coarsely irregularly rugose, the rugosity predominantly longitudinal. Dorsal surface of propodeum punctate, of petiole node longitudinally rugose; disc of postpetiole glassy smooth. First gastral tergite unsculptured except for a dense uninterrupted band of basigastral costulae.

Paratypes. TL 2.4-2.6, HL 0.64-0.68, HW 0.41-0.44, CI 64-66, ML 0.07-0.08, MI 11-12, SL 0.28-0.30, SI 67-70, PW 0.30-0.31, AL 0.64-0.66 (6 measured). As holotype but some paratypes with one or more hairs of the diagnostic posterior clypeal row abraded.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Burundi: Banage, 2.xi.1977 (A. Dejean).

Paratypes. 1 worker with same data as holotype; 5 workers with same data but 1.i.1977; 2 workers and 1 queen with same data but 1.xi.1977 (BMNH, ).