Euprenolepis maschwitzi, LaPolla, J. S., 2009

LaPolla, J. S., 2009, Taxonomic Revision of the Southeast Asian Ant Genus Euprenolepis., Zootaxa 2046, pp. 1-25 : 8

Euprenolepis maschwitzi , sp. nov.

(Figures 4A-D)

Holotype worker, MALAYSIA: Borneo, Sabah, Poring Hot Spring, East Ridge, N 06°02' E 116°42', 980 m, 31.v.1997 (A. Malsch) ( USNM); 2 paratype workers, same locality as holotype ( USNM; ANIC); 1 paratype worker, MALAYSIA: Borneo, Sabah, Tawau Nat. Park, N 04°23.8', E 117° 53.5, 13.iii.2001 (M. Pfeiffer) ( USNM).

Worker. Measurements (n=3): TL: 3.41-4.02; HW: 0.84-0.89; HL: 0.84-0.93; SL: 1.03-1.14; WL: 1.21-1.36; GL: 1.32-1.73. Indices: CI: 96-100; SI: 116-125.

Head yellowish-brown, with lighter mandibles and funiculi; head about as long as broad. Cuticular surface shiny, weakly rugoreticulate, with scattered erect setae and sparse, scattered pubescence. Posterior margin complete. Scapes surpass posterior margin by about length of the first three funicular segments. Scapes with erect setae and a layer of pubescence, becoming denser distally. Mesosoma brownish-yellow, smooth and slightly dull, legs lighter, especially tarsi. Scattered erect setae of varying length concentrated on posterior pronotum and anterior mesonotum. Pronotum rises gently towards mesonotum (about 30° angle). Propodeum dorsum rounded, dome-like; declivity short, but steep. Petiole triangular, inclined forward, with posterior face longer than anterior face; gaster yellowish-brown with scattered erect setae and no pubescence underneath; cuticular surface slightly dull and weakly rugoreticulate.

Etymology: The species epithet is given to honor Ulrich Maschwitz for his insightful contributions to Euprenolepis natural history.

Discussion: This species is most likely to be confused with E. variegata and E. wittei . It can be separated most easily from E. wittei by the scapes, which on E. wittei possess a thick layer of pubescence distally, and by a flatter, more elongated pronotum. Its separation from E. variegata can be more difficult, but E. variegata possesses longer gastral setae overall (majority of setae greater than 0.1 mm in length). Also, E. maschwitzi is lighter in color, being more yellow than either E. variegata or E. wittei , and this species possesses a duller cuticle, especially on the head and gaster.