Tetramorium somniculosum

Identification
Bolton (1980) - This species is most closely related to Tetramorium diomandei of the Ivory Coast. The main characters linking the two species and the features which separate them are discussed under T. diomandei. The characterizations of the complexes of species within the group are given in the species-group discussion.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Mozambique.

Nomenclature

 *  somniculosum. Tetramorium somniculosum Arnold, 1926: 262, fig. 72 (w.q.m.) MOZAMBIQUE. See also: Bolton, 1980: 290.

Worker
Bolton (1980) - TL 3.1-3.4, HL 0.76-0.84, HW 0.70-0.78, CI 92-95, SL 0.54-0.62, SI 75-81, PW 0.44-0.52, AL 0.84-0.92 (8 measured). Mandibles longitudinally striate. Anterior clypeal margin with a median impression, the central portion of the clypeus behind the impression shallowly transversely concave between a pair of longitudinal carinae. Median clypeal carina usually running the length of the clypeus, rarely interrupted or broken anteriorly. Frontal carinae long, running back almost to the occipital margin and surmounted by a narrow raised rim or flange. Antennal scrobes broad and shallow, conspicuous. Eyes small, with maximum diameter — 0.08-0.10, about 0.11-0.13x HW, smaller than the maximum width of the scape and with only 4-6 ommatidia in their greatest diameter. With the alitrunk in profile the dorsal outline irregular and the anterior pronotum with a very conspicuous raised crest which runs from the anterolateral angle of the pronotum, up the sides and across the dorsum just behind the cervical shield. Propodeal spines short and very stout indeed. Metapleural lobes massive, broadly triangular. Petiole in profile with an elongate, thick peduncle and a low rectangular node. In dorsal view the petiole node longer than broad. Dorsum of head with 9-12 longitudinal rugae between the frontal carinae at the level of the eyes, none of which are as strongly developed as the frontal carinae themselves. Occipital region of head with a rugoreticulum. Dorsal alitrunk coarsely and predominantly longitudinally rugose, but with some transverse components present. Dorsal surfaces of petiole and postpetiole finely longitudinally rugulose with a few cross-meshes or a partial reticulum on the latter in a few workers. First gastral tergite usually with a narrow shagreened strip at the extreme base but this is very feeble in some. Pilosity bizarre, the head, alitrunk and pedicel segments without standing hairs but with sparse reclinate pubescence, best seen on the postpetiole. First gastral tergite with elongate, flattened spatulate hairs which are decumbent; the spaces between these bizarre hairs occupied by sparse but conspicuous long, fine, appressed pubescence. Middle and hind tibiae only with short, appressed pubescence. Colour reddish brown, the appendages lighter.

Type Material
Bolton (1980) - Syntype workers, females, males, MOZAMBIQUE: Amatongas Forest, 14.ii.1917 and ii.1917 (G. Arnold) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * IZIKO South Africa Museum Collection