Euprenolepis thrix, LaPolla, J. S., 2009

LaPolla, J. S., 2009, Taxonomic Revision of the Southeast Asian Ant Genus Euprenolepis., Zootaxa 2046, pp. 1-25 : 17

Euprenolepis thrix , sp. nov.

(Figures 10A-D)

Holotype worker, MALAYSIA: Borneo, Kinabalu Nat. Park, Poring Hot Spring, East Ridge, 800 m, 1995 (C. Brihl) ( USNM); 3 paratype workers, same locality as holotype ( ANIC; USNM).

Worker. Measurements (n=3): TL: 3.35-4.18; HW: 0.97-1.11; HL: 0.91-1.04; SL: 1.18-1.23; WL: 1.3-1.42; GL: 1.14-1.72. Indices: CI: 104-107; SI: 110-122.

Head brown, with lighter yellowish-brown mandibles and funiculi; head about as long as broad. Cuticular surface shiny and smooth, with scattered erect setae and sparse pubescence that is thickest in area under the eyes. Posterior margin complete. Scapes surpass posterior margin by about length of the first four funicular segments. Scapes with erect setae and a layer of pubescence, becoming denser distally. Mesosoma brown, smooth, and shiny, legs becoming lighter distally, especially tarsi, which are yellowish-brown. Mesosomal dorsum with scattered erect setae of varying lengths; cuticular surface without pubescence; legs with short erect setae. Pronotum rises at about 45° toward mesonotum; propodeum dorsum rounded, dome-like; declivity steep. Petiole triangular with posterior face longer than anterior face; gaster brown, with scattered erect setae and a dense layer of pubescence; cuticular surface shiny, and weakly regureticulate.

Etymology: The species epithet is Greek for hair, in reference to the pubescence that covers the gaster of this species.

Discussion: This species is easily distinguished from other Euprenolepis species by the dense layer of pubescence on the gaster. Only two other species also have pubescence on the gaster: E. procera and E. zeta . Euprenolepis thrix is easily distinguishable from E. procera by the smooth surface of the cephalic and mesosomal cuticle. Euprenolepis thrix is distinguishable from E. zeta by denser gastral pubescence. Also, E. thrix and E. zeta have the head slightly broader than long (CI typically greater than 100), whereas other Euprenolepis have the head slightly longer than broad (CI typically less than 100). Shared body coloration, head shape, and the presence of pubescence on the gaster probably indicate that E. thrix and E. zeta are close relatives.