Strumigenys confusatrix

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the godeffroyi complex in the Strumigenys godeffroyi-group. Four species of the godeffroyi-complex have the side of the alitrunk mostly or entirely reticulate-punctate, Strumigenys asrochia, Strumigenys confusatrix, Strumigenys indagatrix and Strumigenys strigatella. The Japanese species Strumigenys strigatella has very dense basigastral costulae that extend over half or more of the length of the first gastral tergite. The Sulawesi species asrochia has the disc of the postpetiole evenly densely reticulate-punctate. These two together do not have a convex crest of dense spongiform tissue on the dorsal surface of the propodeal tooth or its vestige; in asrochia the propodeal tooth is long and strongly developed but in strigatella it is reduced to a shadowy vestige at the dorsal apex of the lamella.

In confusatrix and indigatrix the propodeal lamella is large and spongiform; the propodeal teeth are vestigial or invisible and entirely buried in the lamella. The dorsal surface of each tooth bears a convex crest of spongiform tissue. Both species have basigastral costulae that extend much less than half the length of the tergite and neither has the postpetiole disc strongly reticulate-punctate. The main characters separating these two species include the distribution of erect flagellate hairs on the alitrunk and dimensions, as given in the key. Apart from these, in indigatrix the pair of erect hairs closest to the dorsal midline on the occipital margin are stiff and erect, relatively short and straight or at most only very shallowly curved. In confusatrix the pair of hairs at this location are longer, finer and abruptly curved anteriorly in the apical half of their length.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Malaysia. Oriental Region: Thailand.

Nomenclature

 *  confusatrix. Strumigenys confusatrix Bolton, 2000: 789, figs. 433, 499 (w.) WEST MALAYSIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.8, HL 0.74, HW 0.53, CI 72, ML 0.33, MI 45, SL 0.45, SI 85, PW 0.37, AL 0.80. Characters of godeffroyi-complex. Cephalic dorsum with pair of erect hairs closest to midline on occipital margin abruptly curved anteriorly in the apical half. With head in full-face view the dorsolateral margin posterior to the flagellate apicoscrobal hair has a row of 3-4 stiffly projecting hairs. These hairs contrast with the marginal hairs anterior to the flagellate hair as they are more cylindrical (i.e. not spatulate), more elevated and less strongly curved anteriorly. Ground-pilosity on pronotal dorsum long and conspicuous, arched and somewhat elevated, in profile appearing as a weak pelt. Dorsum of pronotum with 1-2 pairs of erect long flagellate hairs as well as the humeral pair. Mesonotum anteriorly with 1-2 pairs of erect long flagellate hairs, posteriorly with several pairs of shorter curved fine hairs. Entire side of alitrunk densely reticulate-punctate, without smooth patches anywhere. Propodeal declivity with a broad and very conspicuous spongiform lamella, the propodeal teeth only weakly developed (may be vestigial) and entirely buried in the lamella. Dorsal surface of propodeal tooth in profile surmounted by a convex crest or ridge of spongiform tissue. Disc of postpetiole unsculptured or with a few weak short costulae anteriorly; not reticulate-punctate. Basigastral costulae conspicuous but not extending half the length of the tergite.

Paratypes. TL 2.6-2.8, HL 0.71-0.73, HW 0.49-0.50, CI 68-70, ML 0.31-0.32, MI 44-45, SL 0.43-0.45, SI 86-92, PW 0.35-0.37, AL 0.76-0.80 (3 measured).

Dimensions of non-paratypic workers. HL 0.67-0.72, HW 0.45-0.50, CI 68-69, ML 0.30, MI 42-45, SL 0.42-0.44, SI 88-93.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Malaysia: Pahang, Cameron Highlands, Gn. Jasar, trail 11, 1550 m., 24.iii.1993, #18b (Lobl & Calame).

Paratypes. 3 workers with same data as holotype (MHNG, ).