Metapone madagascarica Gregg, 1958

Taylor, Robert W. & Alpert, Gary D., 2016, The myrmicine ant genus Metapone Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): a global taxonomic review with descriptions of twelve new species, Zootaxa 4105 (6), pp. 501-545 : 508-509

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.

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.

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 4. Metapone madagascarica, holotype worker, see text for dimensions.

FIGURES 8 – 11. Metapone vincimus, paratype worker, HW 0.75, PMW 0.56, MSL 1.20.