Pachycondyla daraina Rakotonirina and Fisher

Rakotonirina, J. C. & Fisher, B. L., 2013, Revision of the Pachycondyla sikorae species-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar, Zootaxa 3683 (4), pp. 447-485 : 461-463

Pachycondyla daraina Rakotonirina and Fisher , sp. nov.

(Figures 18, 20, 34, 35, 36, 72)

Holotype worker: Antsiranana, Forêt de Binara, 9.4km 235° SW Daraina, -13.2633, 49.6, 1100 m, montane rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), 5 Dec 2003 (Fisher et al.), collection code: BLF09800, specimen code: CASENT0043301 (CASC).

Paratypes: 2 workers with same data as holotype but specimens coded as: CASENT0043300, CASENT0043302 (CASC).

WORKER. Diagnosis: Anterior margin of clypeus broadly convex medially; anterior surface of third abdominal segment straight, not forming shallow impression to lodge posterior surface of petiole; posterolateral margins of propodeum and petiolar node without a series of sharp teeth or tubercles, lamellae may be present on posterior margin of propodeum. In dorsal view, petiole node broader, almost twice as broad as long; in profile, subpetiolar process simple with only an anterior triangular lobe.

Measurements (6 specimens): HW: 1.41-1.54, HL: 1.55-1.72, CI: 88-91, SL: 1.20-1.29, SI: 84-85, PW: 1.13-1.25, WL: 2.13-2.26, NH: 0.89-0.97, NL: 0.62-0.63, NW: 0.87-0.98, DNI: 139-156, LNI: 142-155.

Description: With head in full-face view, slightly longer than broad with weakly concave posterior margin and feebly convex lateral margins which converge progressively toward the base of mandibles and without obtuse angle at or strong curve from the insertion of eye. Frontal lobe anteriorly more or less broad, outer margin medially bluntly angulate. Head capsule densely and finely reticulate-punctate, superimposed with small punctures. Eye medium-sized and protruding, with its diameter approximately as large as the widest part of scape. Antennal scape weakly surpassing posterior cephalic margin. Clypeus with weak anteriorly protruding median lobe and bluntly angulate or medially convex anterior margin. Mandible smooth and shiny between sparse piliferous punctulae; masticatory margin equipped with 12 teeth or denticles.

With mesosoma in dorsal view, metanotal groove indistinct; dorsum of mesosoma densely and finely reticulate-rugose, superimposed with small punctures. In profile, mesopleural suture indistinct; lower portion of mesopleuron and propodeum coarsely rugose interspersed with punctures. Posterior margin of propodeum emarginate, without series of sharp teeth or tubercles. Petiole node higher than long in profile; series of sharp teeth absent from convex posterior margin; anterodorsal angle weakly overhanging the anterior face; subpetiolar process anteriorly hook-like and posteriorly subquadrate, separated by a concavity. In dorsal view, node roughly twice as broad as long, with effaced reticulate-punctate sculptures. Anterior face of first gastral segment truncate, without cavity to lodge the posterior surface of petiolar node.

Dorsum of head and mesosoma with fewer golden short erect hairs than petiolar node and gaster; pubescence profuse over body dorsum. Integument blackish dark brown with brown ferruginous appendages and tip of gaster.

Queen: unknown.

Distribution and biology: Pachycondyla daraina is known only from northern Madagascar, between 800 m and 1100 m elevation, in the forest habitats of Binara near Daraina (Fig. 72). Worker specimens of this species have been recorded foraging mostly under leaf litter and rarely on the forest floor.

Additional material examined: Province Antsiranana: Forêt de Binara, 9.1 km 233° SW Daraina, -13.2633, 49.6033, 800 m, rainforest (B.L. Fisher) (CASC); Forêt de Binara, 9.4 km 235° SW Daraina, -13.2633, 49.6, 1100 m, montane rainforest (B.L. Fisher) (CASC). and dorsal view of body and full-face

view of head,