Tetraponera brevis

Known only from lowland forest (Pasoh Forest Reserve) in peninsular Malaysia.

Identification
A member of the Tetraponera allaborans species-group

Ward (2001) - Tetraponera brevis appears to be closely related to Tetraponera bita and given that existing collection records for the workers come from different regions-peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, respectively-they might be interpreted as allopatric variants of a single species. However, the differences in size, head shape, configuration of the clypeus, form of the pronotum and mesopropodeal impression, petiole shape, pilosity and color are together quite suggestive. Moreover, if the putative queen of Tetraponera bita from Pasoh has been correctly identified it establishes a sympatric occurrence of that species and T. brevis on the mainland.

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

Nomenclature

 *  brevis. Tetraponera brevis Ward, 2001: 610, figs. 12, 23, 48 (w.) WEST MALAYSIA.

Worker
HW 0.73-0.75, HL 0.86-0.91, LHT 0.59-0.62, CI 0.82-0.84, FCI 0.11-0.12, REL 0.37-0.39, REL2 0.45-0.47, SI 0.58-0.59, SI3 1.25-1.30, FI 0.49-0.52, PLI 0.63-0.67, PWI 0.48-0.51, PDI 0.98-1.04, LHT/HW 0.81-0.83, CSC 2, MSC2.

Similar to T. bita except as follows: larger species (compare HW and LHT values), with broader head (CI >0.80); median clypeallobe less protruding, so that the anterolateral margins of the clypeus equal or exceed the reach of the median lobe, when head is seen in full-face view; eye shorter in relation to scape length (SI3 > 1.23); pronotal dorsum rounding less gradually into the sides; mesopropodeal impression more deeply excavated, due to more elevated propodeum; metanotal welt a little less clearly defined; petiole slightly shorter and higher (compare PLI values); integument sculpture a little more strongly defined, although body still predominantly smooth and shining; short suberect to erect pilosity better developed, notably on head venter; darker in color, the body essentially black, with dark brown appendages.

Type Material
Holotype. Worker, Pasoh For. Res., Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, xi.l994 (M. Brendell, K. Jackson & S. Lewis). Paratype. I worker, same data as holotype.