Tetramorium marginatum Forel, 1895b

Garcia, Francisco Hita & Fisher, Brian L., 2012, The ant genus Tetramorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Malagasy region — taxonomy of the T. bessonii, T. bonibony, T. dysalum, T. marginatum, T. tsingy, and T. weitzeckeri species groups, Zootaxa 3365, pp. 1-123 : 96-97

Tetramorium marginatum Forel, 1895b

(figs 134, 141, 142, 143)

Tetramorium (Xiphomyrmex) marginatum Forel, 1895b:485 . Syntype workers, MADAGASCAR, Central Madagascar ( Sikora ) ( MHNG: CASENT0101287 , CASENT0101288 ) [examined].

Diagnosis

The following character combination separates Tetramorium marginatum from the other members of the species group: head longer than wide to almost as long as wide (CI 94–99); petiolar node in profile triangular cuneiform and strongly anteroposteriorly compressed dorsally; mesosomal dorsum usually completely unsculptured, smooth and shining, very rarely few superficial traces of rugulae present on pronotum; long standing hairs on mesosoma comparatively few and generally restricted to dorsolateral margins of pronotum and mesonotum, sometimes one or two hairs present medially at border between mesonotum and propodeum; body colouration dark brown to black.

Description

HL 0.68–0.80 (0.73); HW 0.65–0.79 (0.71); SL 0.53–0.63 (0.58); EL 0.14–0.17 (0.15); PH 0.31–0.41 (0.36); PW 0.46–0.60 (0.54); WL 0.83–1.00 (0.90); PSL 0.26–0.36 (0.31); PTL 0.09–0.16 (0.12); PTH 0.29–0.36 (0.33); PTW 0.27–0.31 (0.28); PPL 0.20–0.25 (0.23); PPH 0.28–0.33 (0.31); PPW 0.28–0.35 (0.31); CI 94–99 (97); SI 80–84 (82); OI 21–22 (22); DMI 53–62 (59); LMI 37–41 (39); PSLI 38–46 (42); PeNI 50–59 (53); LPeI 29–47 (37); DPeI 189–300 (242); PpNI 53–61 (57); LPpI 71–77 (74); DPpI 128–142 (135); PPI 104–113 (109) (15 measured).

Head longer than wide to almost as long as wide (CI 94–99). Anterior clypeal margin medially impressed. Frontal carinae weakly to moderately developed, ending between posterior eye margin and posterior head margin, usually closer to posterior eye. Antennal scrobes absent. Antennal scapes of moderate length, not reaching posterior head margin (SI 80–84). Eyes comparatively small (OI 21–22). Mesosomal outline in profile strongly convex, and margination from lateral to dorsal mesosoma strongly developed; promesonotal suture and metanotal groove absent; mesosoma comparatively high, compact, and stout (LMI 37–41). Propodeal spines very long, spinose, and acute (PSLI 38–46); propodeal lobes inconspicuous, small and broadly triangular. Petiolar node in profile triangular cuneiform, strongly anteroposteriorly compressed dorsally, approximately 2.1 to 3.5 times higher than long (LPeI 29–47), anterior and posterior faces not parallel, anterodorsal margin situated higher than posterodorsal, dorsum tapering backwards posteriorly; node in dorsal view between 1.8 to 3 times wider than long (DPeI 189–300). Postpetiole in profile approximately rounded and weakly anteroposteriorly compressed, approximately 1.3 to 1.4 times higher than long (LPpI 71–77), in dorsal view approximately 1.2 to 1.4 times wider than long (DPpI 128–142). Postpetiole in profile appearing approximately the same volume as petiolar node, in dorsal view approximately as wide as petiolar node to weakly wider (PPI 104–113). Mandibles varying from almost unsculptured, smooth, and shining to finely striate, usually mostly unsculptured with few striate areas; clypeus with one distinct median ruga and one or two weaker rugae or rugulae laterally; cephalic dorsum between frontal carinae with four to eight longitudinal rugae or rugulae, median ruga present, usually shorter or approximately of same length as frontal carinae and diverging approximately at eye level into two rugae running to posterior clypeal margin, remaining rugae or rugulae generally of same length as frontal carinae, sometimes broken or shorter; lateral and ventral head anteriorly with reticulate-rugose to rugulose sculpture, posteriorly almost unsculptured; ground sculpture on head faint to absent. Mesosoma laterally mostly unsculptured, posteroventrally reticulate-rugose to rugulose; dorsal mesosoma usually completely unsculptured, smooth, and shiny, rarely with few superficial traces of rugulae on pronotum. Waist segments and gaster unsculptured, smooth, and shiny. All dorsal surfaces of body with comparatively scarce, long, erect pilosity, hairs on mesosomal dorsum usually restricted to lateral margins, sometimes one or two hairs present medially at border between mesonotum and propodeum. Body of uniform dark brown to black colour.

Notes

Tetramorium marginatum is distributed in eastern and northern Madagascar, although its range is somewhat disjunct. The southernmost known locality is Manombo and from there the species seems to be comparatively common through Vevembe, Ivohibe to Ranomafana. The next known region to the north, where it appears to be common, is from Andasibe, Ambatovy, and Torotorofotsy to Zahamena. Further north in eastern Madagascar it is only known from Marotandrano. Interestingly, T. marginatum also occurs in one locality at the northernmost tip of Madagascar, the Montagne d'Ambre. Generally, the species seems to prefer montane rainforest habitats, but can be also found in lowland rainforests, making its elevation range from 30 to 1300 m. In terms of preferred microhabitat, T. marginatum appears primarily to be a leaf litter inhabitant, though it was occasionally sampled from lower vegetation.

Within the species group, T. marginatum is relatively close to T. valky , whereas it can be easily separated from the other four species of the group. Tetramorium norvigi and T. shamshir both possess yellowish to light brownish colouration and very distinct rugulae on the mesosomal dorsum, whereas T. marginatum is of a dark brown to blackish colour and has almost no sculpture on the mesosomal dorsum. Also, T. hector with its much thicker petiolar node (LPeI 60–66; DPeI 134–147) is not likely to be confused with T. marginatum (LPeI 29–47; DPeI 189–300). Tetramorium silvicola has a head, which is much longer than wide (CI 88–90), and a much less pronounced margination from lateral to dorsal mesosoma, while T. marginatum has a much broader head (CI 94– 99) and is strongly marginate from lateral to dorsal mesosoma.

Tetramorium valky and T. marginatum , however, both have very similar morphometric ranges, a strongly marginate mesosoma, and a similar petiolar node shape. Nevertheless, they can be easily distinguished from each other. The best character for separating the two is the mesosomal pilosity, which in T. marginatum is restricted to the dorsolateral margins of pronotum and mesonotum and to the middle of the dorsal border between mesonotum and propodeum, whereas in T. valky the hairs on the mesosomal dorsum are not restricted to any border. As mentioned in the description of T. valky , both differ also in petiolar node shape and mesosomal profile.

Material examined

MADAGASCAR: Central Madagascar, no additional information (Sikora); Antananarivo, 3 km 41° NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147° SSE Anjozorobe, 18.47333 S, 47.96 E, 1300 m, montane rainforest, 5.-13.XII.2000 (B.L. Fisher, C. Griswold et al.); Antsiranana, Parc National Montagne d'Ambre [1st campsite], 12.51444 S, 49.18139 E, 960 m, rainforest, 29.I.2001 (M.E. Irwin); Antsiranana, Parc National Montagne d'Ambre [1st campsite], 12.51444 S, 49.18139 E, 960 m, rainforest, 12.II.–4.III.2001 (R. Harin'Hala); Antsiranana, Parc National Montagne d'Ambre [Petit Lac road], 12.52028 S, 49.17917 E, 1125 m, rainforest, 29.I.–11.II.2001 (R. Harin'Hala); Fianarantsoa, 45 km S. Ambalavao, 22.21667 S, 47.01667 E, 785 m, rainforest, 24.IX.1993 (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, 45 km S. Ambalavao, 22.21667 S, 47.01667 E, 785 m, rainforest, 1.X.1993 (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, 43 km S Ambalavao, Rés. Andringitra, 22.23333 S, 47 E, 825 m, rainforest, 4.–5.X.1993 (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, P.N. Ranomafana, Tolongoina-Ampasimpotsy 1/2, 21.47993 S, 47.55707 E, 577 m, stomach contents of Mantella bernhardi , 11.IV.2003 (V.C. Clark); Fianarantsoa, Parc National de Ranomafana, Vatoharanana River, 4.1 km 231° SW Ranomafana, 21.29 S, 47.43333 E, 1100 m, montane rainforest, 27.– 31.III.2003 (B.L. Fisher, C. Griswold et al.); Fianarantsoa, R.S. Ivohibe, 7.5 km ENE Ivohibe, 22.47 S, 46.96 E, 900 m, rainforest, 7.–12.X.1997 (B.L. Fisher); Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana, 21.25 S, 47.36667 E, 1.III.1994 (A. Pauly); Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park, JIRAMA water works near river, 21.2485 S, 47.45217 E, 690 m, open area near stream, 6.–15.XII.2001 (R. Harin'Hala); Fianarantsoa, 7 km W. of Ranomafana, montane rainforest, 900–1000 m, 20.I.1990 (W.E. Steiner); Fianarantsoa, 7 km W. Ranomafana National Park, montane rainforest, 900–1000 m, 17.II.–1.III.1990 (W.E. Steiner); Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park, 950–1100 m, rainforest, 11.V.1991 (L. Bartolozzi, S. Tiati, C. Raharimina); Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park, Vatoloaka Forest, 1150 m, 24.IX.1992 (E. Rajariarison); Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park, montane rainforest, 700 m, 1.X.1992 (E. Rajariarison); Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park, Ambodiamontana Forest, 800 m, 7.XI.1992 (E. Rajariarison); Mahajanga, Réserve Spéciale Marotandrano, Marotandrano 48.3 km S Mandritsara, 16.28322 S, 48.81443 E, 865 m, transition humid forest, 6.–8.XII.2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga, 18.84963 S, 48.2947 E, 1010 m, montane rainforest, 3.–6.III.2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga, 18.83937 S, 48.30842 E, 1080 m, montane rainforest, 4.–7.III.2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga, 18.84773 S, 48.29568 E, 1000 m, montane rainforest, 5.–8.III.2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga, 18.85813 S, 48.28488 E, 1040 m, montane rainforest, 5.–8.III.2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Analamay, 18.80623 S, 48.33707 E, 1068 m, montane rainforest, 21.III.2004 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Andasibe National Park, botanic garden near entrance, 18.92639 S, 48.40783 E, 1025 m, tropical forest, 19.–26.IX.2001 (M.E. Irwin & R. Harin'Hala); Toamasina, 6 km ESE Andasibe (=Perinet), 18° 57' S, 48° 28' E, 900 m, rainforest, 17.XI.1990 (P.S. Ward); Toamasina, 2 km SSE Andasibe (=Perinet), 18° 56' S, 48° 25' E, 930 m, rainforest, 11.XII.1990 (P.S. Ward); Toamasina, Beforona, 500 m, 1.IX.1974 (A. Peyrieras); Toamasina, F.C. Andriantantely, 18.695 S, 48.81333 E, 530 m, rainforest, 4.–10.XII.1998 (H.J. Ratsirarson); Toamasina, F.C. Didy, 18.19833 S, 48.57833 E, 960 m, rainforest, 16.–23.XII.1998 (H.J. Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Forêt Ambatovy, 14.3 km 57° Moramanga, 18.85083 S, 48.32 E, 1075 m, montane rainforest, 21.III.2004 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Forêt de Vevembe, 66.6 km 293° Farafangana, 22.791 S, 47.18183 E, 600 m, rainforest, transition to montane forest, 23.IV.2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, 16 km S Moramanga, 19° 05' S, 48° 14' E, 950 m, rainforest, 18.XI.1990 (P.S. Ward); Toamasina, Parc National d´ Andasibe–Mantadia, Forêt de Mantadia, 25.7 km 248° Moramanga, 18.81402 S, 48.43028 E, 1040 m, rainforest, 7.XII.2005 (F.N. Raharimalala & B. Blaimer); Toamasina, P.N. Mantadia, 18.79167 S, 48.42667 E, 895 m, rainforest, 25.XI.–1.XII.1998 (H.J. Ratsirarson); Toamasina, Parc National de Zahamena, Onibe River, 17.75908 S, 48.85468 E, 780 m, rainforest, 21.–23.II.2009 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Parc National de Zahamena, Tetezambatana forest, near junction of Nosivola and Manakambahiny Rivers, 17.74298 S, 48.72936 E, 860 m, rainforest, 18.–19.II.2009 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Réserve Speciale Manombo 24.5 km 228° Farafangana, 23.01583 S, 47.719 E, 30 m, rainforest, 20.IV.2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Station forestière Analamazaotra, Analamazaotra 1.3 km S Andasibe, 18.38466 S, 48.41271 E, 980 m, 11.–13.XII.2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toamasina, Torotorofotsy, 18.87082 S, 48.34737 E, 1070 m, montane rainforest, marsh edge, 24.–29.III.2004 (B.L. Fisher et al.).