Strumigenys symmetrix

A forest species that has been found in litter-samples.

Identification
A member of the Strumigenys rostrata-group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  symmetrix. Pyramica symmetrix Bolton, 2000: 356 (w.) MADAGASCAR. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 128

Worker
Holotype. TL 1.9, HL 0.50, HW 0.38, CI 76, ML 0.09, MI 18, SL 0.24, SI 63, PW 0.22, AL 0.52. Closely related to Strumigenys fautrix and mostly matching the description of that species, but differing as follows.

S. symmetrix: Spoon-shaped hairs on vertex clear, almost translucent, producing coloured reflections with correct angle of illumination. Lamella on propodeal declivity engages basal half or slightly less of tooth; margin of lamella narrowly convex at its midheight. Ventral spongiform curtain of petiole continuous from base to apex of segment.

S. fautrix: Spoon- shaped hairs on vertex dull, subopaque, not producing coloured reflections. Lamella on propodeal declivity engages tooth for most of its length, only tip of tooth free; margin of lamella broadly convex at its midheight. Ventral spongiform curtain of petiole absent beneath peduncle, present below node.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Pref. Tsiroanomandidy, Bongolava, 6-11.xii.1974, forest humus and litter (A. Peyrieras).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bolton, B. 2000. The Ant Tribe Dacetini. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 65
 * Fisher B. L. 2003. Formicidae, ants. Pp. 811-819 in: Goodman, S. M.; Benstead, J. P. (eds.) 2003. The natural history of Madagascar. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, xxi + 1709 pp.