Strumigenys heliani

A specimen of this species was found in a rainforest litter sample.

Identification
A member of the abdera complex in the Strumigenys arnoldi-group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  heliani. Strumigenys heliani Fisher, in Bolton, 2000: 632, figs. 384, 411 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.6, HL 0.56, HW 0.63, CI 113, ML 0.24, MI 42, SL 0.31, SI 49, PW 0.35, AL 0.62. Characters of abdera-complex. Mandible with 2 preapical teeth, the distal smaller than the proximal. A small denticle is present at base of apicoventral fork tooth. Hairs on dorsum of head posterior of frontal lobes and along upper scrobe margin are similar in shape to hairs on leading edge of scape. Leading edge of scape greatly expanded, forming a dorsoventrally flattened convex lamella with the widest portion in apical third. In profile, promesonotal dorsum convex and bluntly marginate laterally; propodeal dorsum convex anteriorly, sloping posteriorly to the declivity. Mesopleural gland conspicuous and set in a deep concave impression. Ground-pilosity of dorsum of head posterior to frontal lobes consisting of rows of spatulate to spoon-shaped hairs. Erect hairs absent from head, alitrunk, and petiole. Hairs on gaster clavate. Head, alitrunk and petiole reticulate-punctate. Pleurae and sides of propodeum smooth except for peripheral punctures, which are most prominent on dorsal margin. Postpetiole disc finely longitudinally costulate-punctulate. In profile the petiole with a well developed spongiform lamella. Postpetiole with well developed lateral and ventral spongiform lobes. Basigastral costulae well developed and sharply defined, extending across the basal third of gastral tergite, remainder of gaster more or less smooth and shiny. Propodeal tooth bluntly triangular and incorporated in the lamella, the latter a narrow strip. Colour pale orange-brown.

Paratype. TL 2.4-2.5, HL 0.53-0.55, HW 0.61-0.63, CI 110-118, ML 0.23-0.26, MI 44-47, SL 0.27-0.30, SI 44-49, PW 0.33-0.37, AL 0.58-0.61 (4 measured). As holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Provo Toamasina, F.C. Sandranantitra, 18°02.9'S, 49°05.5'E, 450 m., 18-21.i.1999, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood) #101 (13)-1 (H. J. Ratsirarson).

Paratypes. 2 worker with same data as holotype; 2 workers with SAMCe data as holotype but coded #101 (14)-1.

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.