Tetramorium salomo

Specimens have been found under a stone and foraging on the ground.

Identification
Bolton (1977) - This is the only species of the ornatum-group which is not known to occur in New Guinea, and is one of the two species of the group which are found in localities other than New Guinea (the other is Tetramorium ornatum which occurs in the Solomon Islands and in Queensland). Its size, colouring, strongly sculptured pedicel segments and very long, weakly downcurved spines should quickly distinguish saloma from any other Tetramorium species in the Solomon Islands.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Solomon Islands.

Nomenclature

 *  salomo. Tetramorium salomo Mann, 1919: 344 (w.) SOLOMON IS. See also: Bolton, 1977: 109.

Worker
Bolton (1977) - TL 3.2-3.5, HL 0.74-0.78, HW 0.70-0.76, CI 95-97, SL 0.60-0.64, SI 84-88, PW 0.54-0.58, AL 0.88-0.94 (3 measured).

Mandibles striate. Anterior clypeal margin entire, with a narrow flange or apron which projects over the basal margins of the mandibles. Frontal carinae weak, diverging strongly to the level of the posterior margins of the eyes then fading out or becoming indistinguishable from the surrounding sculpture. Antennal scrobes absent. Maximum diameter of eye c. 0.16-0.18. Outline of dorsal alitrunk in profile evenly convex. Propodeal spines very long, narrow and acute, feebly downcurved along their length. Metapleural lobes elongate-triangular, acute apically. Petiole with a long, downcurved anterior peduncle and a long, low node, the dorsal length of which is greater than the height of the tergal portion in profile. Dorsum of head with numerous longitudinal rugae which are irregular, either sinuate or meandering but without cross-meshes, although a few weak anastomoses may be present very close to the occipital margin. Spaces between rugae mostly unsculptured and shining but here and there a few very faint punctures may be seen. Dorsal alitrunk predominantly longitudinally rugose but with some sparse reticulation present, especially on the anterior pro no tum. All surfaces of petiole and postpetiole covered with a very close, fine rugoreticulum, gaster unsculptured. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with abundant fine short hairs. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of hind tibiae with a dense coat of very short, curved hairs which are directed towards the apex of the segment. Colour uniform yellow to light yellow-brown.

Type Material
Bolton (1977) - Holotype worker, Solomon Is: Malaita I., Auki, 1916 (W. M. Mann) [examined].