The myrmicine ant genus Metapone Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): a global taxonomic review with descriptions of twelve new species
Author
Taylor, Robert W.
Author
Alpert, Gary D.
text
Zootaxa
2016
4105
6
501
545
journal article
39188
10.11646/zootaxa.4105.6.1
9f3191f8-cd86-4a17-ad5b-0c454e0acb8d
1175-5326
271319
DCB6A5BB-46C9-4D05-8B4A-C6E4CBABB6F
1.
Metapone madagascarica
Gregg, 1958
(
Figs 1–4
)
Metapone madagascarica
Gregg, 1958
: 111
,
Fig.1
—Worker;
Type
locality:
15 km
east of Tulear [
23°21' S
,
43°40' E
],
Madagascar
.
Metapone madagascarica,
Alpert, 2007
:11
,
Figs 3, 4
,
9, 10
—Worker.
FIGURES 1–4.
Metapone madagascarica
, holotype worker, see text for dimensions.
Distribution, material examined.
The
holotype
(MCZC) was illustrated by
Alpert (2007)
and specimens listed from several localities. We have seen two further
paratype
workers (LACMNH, USNMNH).
Worker diagnosis.
General and diagnostic features as illustrated and in the key to African and Madagascan species above (note paired anteromedian clypeal denticles, sub-parallel lateral clypeal margins, transverse petiolar node, and unextended postpetiolar sternite). Eyes minute, diameter of each about half the width of the second funicular antennomere; with 8–10 extremely minute, somewhat obscure facets. Mesosoma In dorsal view slightly constricted at promesonotal/propodeal junction, with accompanying short vestigial traces of the metanotal suture on each side. Subpetiolar process: (
Fig 2
) more-or-less basic in structure—relatively deep, the posterior face a narrow isosceles triangle, subpetiolar angle obtuse in side view, without spinose extension. Subpetiolar extension lamellate, scalene-triangular, with a short posteroventral edge, the apex posteroventral, the base almost as long as the subpetiolar edge. See also the detailed original description (
Gregg, 1958
).
Illustrated specimen.
Madagascar
, Andohahela,
25°46’35’’S
,
46°42’19”E
,
320m
, tropical dry forest, leg Pascal Rabeson.