Leptomyrmex pallens

L. pallens has been recorded from rainforest. Nests occur in soil, under tree roots and under rocks.

Identification
L. pallens can be distinguished from the other two New Caledonian Leptomyrmex (Leptomyrmex nigriceps and Leptomyrmex geniculatus) by its coloration. The black gaster contrasts with an otherwise unicolored orange body. This species occurs throughout the main island and on Ile des Pins, and is the most commonly encountered of the three species that occur on New Caledonia. (Lucky and Ward 2010)

Key to New Caledonian Leptomyrmex Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: New Caledonia.

Castes
Queens have yet to be collected.

Nomenclature

 *  pallens. Leptomyrmex pallens Emery, 1883: 147, fig. (w.) NEW CALEDONIA. André, 1887: 290 (m.). See also: Wheeler, W.M. 1915d: 276; Wheeler, W.M. 1934c: 108; Lucky & Ward, 2010: 44.

Worker
Lucky and Ward (2010) – measurements (n = 10) HL 1.64–1.92, HW 0.92–1.11, MFC 0.19–0.25, IOD 0.54–0.63, SL 3.09–3.61, EL 0.30–0.38, WL 2.94–3.58, PW 0.73–0.93, DPW 0.27–0.39, HTL 3.60–4.09, HTWmin 0.11–0.13, HTWmax 0.14–0.18, CI 0.43–0.46, SI 3.11–3.51, OI 0.10–0.14, HTC 0.66–0.83.

As in Leptomyrmex geniculatus, but femora unicolorous. Entire body rufotestaceous, with black gaster. Head and sometimes pronotum slightly darker yellow than body, terminal abdominal segment pale, contrasting with black gaster.

Male
Lucky and Ward (2010) – HL 1.35, HW 1.00–1.03, SL 0.36–0.37, EL 0.54–0.56, HTL 3.89–4.04, CI 0.74–0.76, SI 0.35–0.37, SI2 0.71–0.76.

Type Material
Lucky and Ward (2010) - Type material examined: Syntypes, 2 workers, New Caledonia: “N. Caléd.” (Gambey)