Leptogenys peuqueti (André, 1887)

Hamer, Matthew T., Lee, Jonathan Hon Chung, Tse, Cheung Yau Leo, Silva, Thiago S. R. & Guénard, Benoit, 2024, The Leptogenys Roger, 1861 (Formicidae, Ponerinae) of Hong Kong SAR with additional records from Guangdong, China, ZooKeys 1202, pp. 169-211 : 169-211

Leptogenys peuqueti (André, 1887)

Figs 3 B, D , 17 , 21 C

Lobopelta peuqueti André, 1887: 292 (w.) Vietnam.

Leptogenys : Emery, 1895 m: 461.

Leptogenys minchinii [senior synonym] Forel, 1900 f: 308 (w.) India, Myanmar: Xu and He 2015: 145. Of Leptogenys peuqueti watsoni Forel, 1900 f: 309 (w.) Myanmar: Xu and He 2015: 145.

Measurements.

Worker (n = 15): HL 1.15 – 1.31; HLL 0.88 – 1.02; HLA 0.17 – 0.28; HW 0.75 – 0.87; CML 0.23 – 0.29; SL 1.19 – 1.39; AII 0.17 – 0.21; AFI 0.34 – 0.39; AFII 0.25 – 0.3; EL 0.29 – 0.37; ML 0.5 – 0.65; PrL 0.73 – 0.85; PrH 0.51 – 0.74; PrW 0.6 – 0.76; WL 2.02 – 2.2; PeL 0.67 – 0.75; PeH 0.52 – 0.63; PeW 0.33 – 0.45; DPL 0.66 – 0.75; CI 64.63 – 69.92; CLI 19.91 – 22.41; SI 156.24 – 167.09; OI 30.69 – 37.14; LPI 74.93 – 90.7; DPI 47.94 – 65.32.

Morphological variation.

Morphological variation with L. peuqueti specimens collected from Hong Kong consists of overall size variation, with some specimens being larger and more robust than others collected. Such variation can be seen with the dorsal pronotal width and Webers length (PrW 0.6 – 0.76; WL 2.02 – 2.2). Additional variation is associated with colour, with workers varying from jet-black, to black with an iridescent blue shine.

Comparative notes.

Leptogenys peuqueti is most similar to L. grohli and L. kraepelini within Hong Kong and Macao, being distinguishable from L. grohli by the smooth head dorsum, larger eyes, shorter tubular setae on the anterior clypeal margin, and convex lateral head margins. Leptogenys peuqueti highly resembles L. kraepelini , but lacks the truncated anterior clypeal margin found in L. kraepelini , the posteriorly projecting propodeal lobes and is overall smaller. Within the wider Indomalayan Leptogenys species, L. peuqueti is most similar to L. confucii , as well as other members of the L. chinensis group. Leptogenys peuqueti can be differentiated by the smooth head dorsum, meso- and metathorax, and propodeum, as well as its black colour.

Distribution.

A very wide-ranging species in Indomalaya, L. peuqueti is recorded from several Chinese provinces including Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong Hubei, Hunan, Macao, Yunnan, and Zhejiang ( Guénard and Dunn 2012; Xu and He 2015; Janicki et al. 2016; Guénard et al. 2017; Brassard et al. 2021). Other countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (Andaman Islands, Kerala, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and West Bengal), Indonesia (Java), Malaysia (Peninsular and Bornean parts), Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam ( Bakhtiar and Chiang 2010; Janicki et al. 2016; Guénard et al. 2017; Wang et al. 2022). Further sampling effort across the Oriental region will likely produce new country level records of this species (e. g., Cambodia, Laos, Thailand).

Ecology.

Leptogenys peuqueti is the most common Leptogenys recorded from Hong Kong, collected from a wide variety of habitats including forests, shrubland as well as disturbed urban sites. Workers are known to foraging individually but will recruit small numbers of workers to tackle larger prey items ( Janssen et al. 1997; MTH pers. obs.). Workers have been noted to feed upon isopods in Hong Kong. Nests have been found within rotting logs, under rocks and within soil (often underneath objects). Colonies are queenless, instead reproducing through gamergates ( Ito 1997). One colony collection contained 67 workers, 20 cocoons and four larvae ( MTH 271), correlating with Ito (1997) who found the number of workers in L. peuqueti colonies to range from 5 and 97.

Material examined.

Workers (n = 134): China • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Sunset Peak ; 25 Jul. 1992; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 06893 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lion Rock ; 27 Aug. 1992; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 006901 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lion Rock ; 27 Aug. 1992; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 006902 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lion Rock ; 27 Aug. 1992; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 006903 . • 1 worker; Guangdong Prov., Ding Hu Shan ; 25 Sep. 1995; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 015247 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Luk Tei Tong , Lantau; 7 Oct. 1996; J. R. Fellowes leg.; IBBL MBS 006606 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lantau , Tong Fuk; 4 Nov. 1996; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 015246 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tong Fuk , Lantau Island; 4 Nov. 1996; J. R. Fellowes leg.; IBBL MBS 006889 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tong Fuk , Lantau Island; 4 Nov. 1996; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 006890 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lantau , Tei Tong Tsai; 5 Nov. 1996; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 015261 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Nam Long , Western New Territories; 7 Nov. 1996; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 015255 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Kadoorie Farm Botanical Garden ; 460 m a. s. l.; 21 Sep. 1999; J. R. Fellowes leg.; HKBM MBS 015254 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, The Peak ; 10 Sep. 2000; SK. Yamane leg.; SKYC ANTWEB 1010194 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Castle Peak ; 22.391, 113.958; 230 m a. s. l.; 30 Jun. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Shrubland, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 01178 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Castle Peak ; 22.391, 113.958; 230 m a. s. l.; 30 Jun. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Shrubland, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 01200 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Discovery Bay ; 22.31, 114.018; 5 m a. s. l.; 2 Jul. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Grassland, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 01907 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Tam ; 22.262, 114.217; 370 m a. s. l.; 27 Jul. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Secondary forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 02792 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tap Mun ; 22.481, 114.361; 100 m a. s. l.; 28 Jul. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Shrubland, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 01540 , RHL 01547 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tap Mun ; 22.477, 114.363; 45 m a. s. l.; 28 Jul. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Shrubland, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 01605 , RHL 01619 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.29301, 113.93407; 50 m a. s. l.; 17 Sep. 2015; B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL BMW 00181 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.29301, 113.93407; 50 m a. s. l.; 27 Sep. 2015; B. Morgan leg.; Hand collection; IBBL BMW 00247 , BMW 00248 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Nam Fung Road ; 22.25553, 114.18015; 108 m a. s. l.; 1 Oct. 2015; T. Tsang leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL TT 01495 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.29301, 113.93407; 50 m a. s. l.; 12 Oct. 2015; B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL BMW 01086 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Sha Shan ; 22.449, 114.145; 50 m a. s. l.; 3 Nov. 2015; R. H. Lee leg.; Feng Shui Forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 02755 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.2947, 113.9336; 20 m a. s. l.; 19 Mar. 2016; B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL BMW 00715 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.2929, 113.9347; 60 m a. s. l.; 5 Apr. 2016; B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL BMW 02365 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.2918, 113.9333; 30 m a. s. l.; 19 Apr. 2016; B. Morgan leg.; Hand collection; IBBL BMW 00581 . • 4 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Nam Fung Road ; 22.2546, 114.1833; 120 m a. s. l.; 20 Aug. 2016; R. H. Lee leg.; Feng Shui Forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 03518 , RHL 03360 , RHL 003381 , RHL 03391 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Southern Aberdeen ; 22.25109, 114.16259; 99 m a. s. l.; 19 Sep. 2016; M. Pierce leg.; subtropical dry forest, Hand collection; IBBL ANTWEB 1009470 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Po : Kadoorie; 22.43332, 114.1172; 191 m a. s. l.; 21 Sep. 2016; M. Pierce leg.; botanical garden, Hand collection; IBBL ANTWEB 1009083 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Pak Ngan Heung ; 22.271, 113.9891; 35 m a. s. l.; 25 Oct. 2016; R. H. Lee leg.; Feng Shui Forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 003347 , RHL 03508 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Pak Ngan Heung ; 22.27099, 113.98911; 35 m a. s. l.; 25 Oct. 2016; R. H. Lee leg.; Feng Shui Forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 03509 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.487, 114.0392; 1 m a. s. l.; 26–20 Oct. 2016; R. H. Lee leg.; Wetlands, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 002943 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.2947, 113.9336; 20 m a. s. l.; 27 Nov. 2016; B. Morgan leg.; Hand collection; IBBL BMW 02465 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Soko Island ; 22.18258, 113.91257; 3 m a. s. l.; 2 Dec. 2016; M. Pierce leg.; Forest, Hand collection; IBBL ANTWEB 1009836 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Chap Lap Kok ; 22.2947, 113.9336; 30 m a. s. l.; 28 Feb. 2017; B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL BMW 02022 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51023, 114.06352; 1 m a. s. l.; 9 Apr. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1016941 , ANTWEB 1017005 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51044, 114.06348; 21 m a. s. l.; 9–12 May. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1016958 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51117, 114.06576; 6 m a. s. l.; 11–14 Aug. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Wetland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1017019 , ANTWEB 1009760 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lion Rock ; 22.357, 114.17504; 140 m a. s. l.; 15 Aug. 2017; R. H. Lee leg.; Secondary forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 03526 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Pak Tam Chung ; 22.39474, 114.32314; 70 m a. s. l.; 6 Sep. 2017; R. H. Lee leg.; Shrubland, Pitfall trap; IBBL RHL 03492 . • 3 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.4849, 114.03298; 3 m a. s. l.; 12–15 Sep. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1009693 , ANTWEB 1016943 , ANTWEB 1009657 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.4849, 114.03298; 3 m a. s. l.; 12–15 Sep. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1009657 , ANTWEB 1009713 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.49413, 114.04014; 3 m a. s. l.; 26–29 Sep. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1009710 . • 4 workers; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.49473, 114.03919; 3 m a. s. l.; 26–29 Sep. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1009614 , ANTWEB 1009688 , ANTWEB 1009616 , ANTWEB 1009783 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.49413, 114.04014; 3 m a. s. l.; 26–29 Sep. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1009782 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tung Ping Chau ; 22.5382, 114.4365; 30 m a. s. l.; 2 Oct. 2017; R. Cheung & B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; HKBM MBS 011433 , MBS 011434 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tung Ping Chau ; 22.5443, 114.4317; 1 m a. s. l.; 2 Oct. 2017; R. Cheung & B. Morgan leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; HKBM MBS 011435 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Penny’s Bay ; 22.32588, 114.03384; 22 m a. s. l.; 10–13 Oct. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1009781 , ANTWEB 1017072 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Kam Shan Country Park ; 22.3562, 114.15167; 170 m a. s. l.; 18 Oct. 2017; R. Cheung leg.; Winkler leaf litter Ex; HKBM MBS 011436 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Penny’s Bay ; 22.32719, 114.0336; 21 m a. s. l.; 23–26 Oct. 2017; M. Pierce leg.; Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1016974 , ANTWEB 1017001 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lung Fu Shan ; 22.279, 114.1361; 242 m a. s. l.; 20 Jun. 2019; K. Chan leg.; IBBL ANTWEB 1010118 , ANTWEB 1010119 . • 3 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Luk Keng Chan Uk ; 22.5183, 114.2187; 10 m a. s. l.; 5 Aug. 2020; R. Wang leg.; IBBL RWB 1239 , RWB 1240 , RWB 1241 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.47912, 114.03847; 5 m a. s. l.; 18 Aug. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010207 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.4801, 114.03814; 5 m a. s. l.; 18 Aug. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010208 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51093, 114.0652; 5 m a. s. l.; 2 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010210 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51106, 114.0656; 5 m a. s. l.; 2 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010211 . • 3 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51093, 114.0652; 5 m a. s. l.; 2 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010212 , ANTWEB 1010214 , ANTWEB 1010219 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51106, 114.0656; 5 m a. s. l.; 2 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010221 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Wetlands Park ; 22.47236, 114.00401; 1 m a. s. l.; 7 Sep. 2021; A. I. Weemaels & M. T. Hamer leg.; Wetlands, Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL WP 1 T 2 W 2 - 7 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.47957, 114.03742; 5 m a. s. l.; 14 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010206 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51076, 114.06466; 5 m a. s. l.; 16 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010217 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51076, 114.06466; 5 m a. s. l.; 16 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010218 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51057, 114.06412; 5 m a. s. l.; 16 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010220 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51038, 114.06371; 5 m a. s. l.; 28 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010213 , ANTWEB 1010215 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lok Ma Chau ; 22.51176, 114.06592; 5 m a. s. l.; 29 Sep. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010216 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Mai Po ; 22.48365, 114.03868; 5 m a. s. l.; 2 Oct. 2021; T. Bogar leg.; Grassland, Pitfall; IBBL ANTWEB 1010209 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Cheng Chau Island ; 22.19814, 114.0199; 20 m a. s. l.; 25 Nov. 2021; M. T. Hamer leg.; Garden, ex. Decay wood; IBBL MTH 635 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Fung Kong ; 22.51322, 114.0937; 30 m a. s. l.; 18 May. 2022; A. I. Weemaels leg.; Young secondary forest, Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL FK 1 T 2 W 5 - 1 . • 2 workers; Hong Kong SAR, Fanling Golf Course ; 22.49009, 114.10847; 54 m a. s. l.; 23–25 May. 2022; A. I. Weemaels & M. T. Hamer leg.; Old secondary forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL FGE 1 SQ 2 PF 4 - 1 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Wai Tsai ; 22.48284, 114.06153; 29 m a. s. l.; 29 Jun. 2022; M. T. Hamer leg.; Vacuum; IBBL WT 2 SQ 1 GVAC 3 - 1 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Fung Kong ; 22.5322, 114.0937; 47 m a. s. l.; 25 Jul. 2022; A. I. Weemaels & M. T. Hamer leg.; Young secondary, Winkler leaf litter Ex; IBBL FK 3 GC 7 - 17 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Po Kau Headland ; 22.43841, 114.19261; 45 m a. s. l.; 18 Aug. 2022; M. T. Hamer leg.; Old secondary forest, Log Sift; IBBL TPK 4 GC 16 - 1 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Po Kau Headland ; 22.43471, 114.19264; 52 m a. s. l.; 18 Aug. 2022; M. T. Hamer leg.; Old secondary forest, Log Sift; IBBL TPK 4 GC 17 - 4 . • 2 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Po Kau Headland ; 22.43841, 114.19261; 45 m a. s. l.; 18–24 Aug. 2022; M. T. Hamer & T. S. R. Silva leg.; Old secondary forest, Pitfall trap; IBBL TPK 4 SQ 1 PF 4 - 8 , TPK 4 SQPF 1 - 9 . • 4 workers; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Mo Shan ; 22.40346, 114.1068; 464 m a. s. l.; 26 Aug. 2023; M. T. Hamer leg.; Secondary forest, ex. Decay wood; IBBL MTH 159 . • 5 workers; Hong Kong SAR, Lantau ; 22.25157, 113.9407; 273 m a. s. l.; 28 Aug. 2023; M. T. Hamer leg.; Young secondary, ex. Decaying log; IBBL MTH 214 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Lantau ; 22.2516, 113.94070; 273 m a. s. l; 28 Aug. 2023; M. T. Hamer leg.; Young secondary forest, ex. Nest; IBBL MTH 192 . • 5 workers; Hong Kong SAR, Shui Hau ; 22.2149, 113.91580 56 m a. s. l; 31 Aug. 2023; M. T. Hamer leg.; un. Log & ex. Soil, Young secondary forest IBBL MTH 271 . • 5 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Tai Mo Shan ; 22.40403, 114.10691; 471 m a. s. l.; 03 Sep. 2023; M. T. Hamer leg.; secondary forest, ex. Decaying log; IBBL MTH 275 . • 1 worker; Hong Kong SAR, Guilford Road ; 22.2649, 114.16690; 380 m a. s. l.; 05 Sep. 2023; C. Y. L. Tse leg.; urban green space, ex. Nest; IBBL MTH 363 . • 5 workers; Hong Kong SAR, Fanling Golf Course ; 22.4915, 114.11977; 40 m a. s. l.; 27 Sep. 2023; M. T. Hamer leg.; Old secondary forest, un. Log & ex. Soil; IBBL MTH 621 .

Figures

Figure 3. Differences between antennal segment lengths and petiolar shapes A Leptogenys rufida (MBS 006585) B L. peuqueti (ANTWEB 10096169) C Leptogenys rufida (MBS 015251) D L. peuqueti (RHL 003347).

Figure 17. Leptogenys peuqueti (FK 1 T 2 W 5 - 1) A lateral view B dorsal view C head in full face view.

Figure 21. Further distribution maps of Leptogenys species recorded from Hong Kong A L. kraepelini B L. laeviterga C L. peuqueti D L. rufida E L. strena. The base map displayed shows tree canopy cover with the darker green areas indicating greater tree cover.