Strumigenys toma

Known from the type collection, which was found in a grassland litter-sample.

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the alapa complex in the Strumigenys arnoldi-group. S. toma forms a close species pair with Strumigenys dolabra within the arnoldi-group. Characters distinguishing toma are discussed under dolabra.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  toma. Strumigenys toma Fisher, in Bolton, 2000: 637, fig. 386 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Holotype. TL 1.7, HL 0.42, HW 0.38, CI 91, ML 0.12, MI 27, SL 0.21, SI 56, PW 0.25, AL 0.46. Characters of alapa-complex. Preapical dentition of each mandible a single spiniform tooth. Anterolateral margin of clypeus with a spoon-shaped hair curved medially that is larger than hairs found on anterior margin of clypeus. In full-face view, cephalic dorsum posterior of clypeal margin with broadly scale-like to orbicular hairs on anterior two thirds, extending on to vertex posterior of apex of upper scrobe margin. Upper scrobe margin with broadly scale-like hairs. Pronotal humeral hair absent; mesonotum without standing hairs. In profile, pronotal dorsum shallowly convex; mesonotum with a shallowly concave depression. Propodeal dorsum more or less flat anteriorly, sloping slightly posteriorly before meeting the declivity in a blunt angle without a noticeable tooth. Ventral spongiform tissue well developed and conspicuous on propodeum, petiole and postpetiole. In profile, spongiform lamella on propodeal declivity broad, approximately half the width of ventral spongiform curtain on petiole. Disc of postpetiole covered by a densely punctulate film of spongiform tissue. Basigastral costulae short, sparse and not sharply defined; first gastral tergite covered in punctulate-reticulate to granulate-reticulate sculpture, at least on lateral margins. Hairs on postpetiole and gaster filiform. Color pale brown.

Paratypes. TL 0.42, HL 0.39, HW 0.39, CI 93, ML 0.12, MI 28, SL 0.20, SI 52, PW 0.25, AL 0.48 (1 measured). As holotype.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Provo Fianarantsoa, 28 km. SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady, 20°46.5'S, 47°10.1'E, 1670 m., 11.i.1998, sifted litter, grassland, #1620 (25)-2 (B. L. Fisher).

Paratype. 1 worker with same data as holotype.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * 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.