Strumigenys scolopax

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the Strumigenys leptothrix-group. S. scolopax belongs in a complex of species within the leptothrix-group that also contains Strumigenys medusa, Strumigenys megaera, Strumigenys rudinodis and Strumigenys scylla. Diagnostic features of the complex and differentiation of its members are given under rudinodis.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Thailand.

Nomenclature

 *  scolopax. Pyramica scolopax Bolton, 2000: 439 (w.) THAILAND. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 127

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.9, HL 0.78, HW 0.45, CI 58, ML 0.10, MI 13, SL 0.38, SI 84, PW 0.30, AL 0.82. With head in profile the dorsal outline of the clypeus forms a shallow even convexity from front to back; highest point of convexity at about the midlength. Spatulate appressed hairs numerous and very distinct on clypeus and mandibles, on the former arranged in obvious longitudinal rows. Dentition discussed in introduction to group. With head in full-face view the dorsolateral margin, from frontal lobe to occipital corner, with anteriorly directed decumbent spatulate hairs only; without freely laterally projecting long hairs of any form. Leading edge of scape lacking projecting hairs, only with closely appressed narrowly spatulate hairs that are directed toward the apex of the scape. Cephalic dorsum with longitudinal rows of appressed spatulate ground-pilosity; a single transverse row of 4-6 short simple standing hairs close to the occipital margin. Dorsum of head behind clypeus predominantly reticulate-punctate, with weak longitudinal rugulae posteriorly and on the vertex between the spatulate hairs. Eye with 7 ommatidia in the longest row. Pronotum feebly marginate dorsolaterally, the dorsum transversely flattened. Pronotum dorsally with 2-3 pairs of stiff straight erect to suberect simple hairs; mesonotum with 3-4 pairs. Propodeum armed with a pair of short spines, each subtended by a narrow carina that runs down the declivity to a prominent acutely triangular propodeal lobe. Middle and hind tibiae with apically-directed short decumbent hairs; without freely projecting hairs of any form. Petiole in profile with dorsal outline of peduncle grading directly into node, without a differentiated anterior face to the node. Ventral spongiform curtain of petiole deeper than depth of peduncle in profile. Lateral spongiform lobe of petiole narrow and inconspicuous, little more than an exaggerated angle posterolaterally and not running forward along the side of the node. Dorsal surfaces of petiole, postpetiole and gaster with simple standing hairs. Petiole node in dorsal view longer than broad and with fine reticulate-punctate sculpture. Disc of postpetiole broader than long, reticulate-punctate at least medially and with scattered fine longitudinal costulae; the disc margined on all sides with spongiform tissue. Basigastral costulae sparse and short, confined to base of the tergite.

Paratypes. TL 2.7- 2.9, HL 0.74-0.78, HW 0.43-0.45, CI 56-60, ML 0.08-0.11, MI 11-14, SL 0.35-0.38, SI 81-86, PW 0.27-0.31, AL 0.78-0.84 (5 measured).

Type Material
Holotype worker, Thailand: Provo Phang Nga, 25 km. NNE Takua Pa, Sri Phang Nga N. P., 100 m., 15.i.1995, no. 285 (Schulz & Vock).

Paratypes. 5 workers with same data as holotype; 3 workers with same data but no. 284 (NMV, ).