Euprenolepis zeta, LaPolla, J. S., 2009

LaPolla, J. S., 2009, Taxonomic Revision of the Southeast Asian Ant Genus Euprenolepis., Zootaxa 2046, pp. 1-25 : 24

Euprenolepis zeta , sp. nov.

(Figure 14A-D)

Holotype worker, MALAYSIA: Borneo, Sabah, Sepilok Forest Reserve, 60 m, ii.1999 (C. Brühl) ( USNM); 1 paratype worker, same locality as holotype ( ANIC).

Worker. Measurements (n=3): TL: 2.69-3.22; HW: 0.77-0.86; HL: 0.76-0.86; SL: 0.98-1.03; WL: 1.02-1.16; GL: 0.86-1.2. Indices: CI: 99-104; SI: 116-130

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 lighter, especially tarsi, which become yellowish-brown. Mesosomal dorsum with scattered erect setae of varying lengths; cuticular surface without pubescence. Pronotum rises at about 45° toward mesonotum; propodeum dorsum rounded, dome-like; declivity short, but steep. Petiole triangular with posterior face longer than anterior face; gaster brown, with scattered erect setae and a sparse layer of pubscence; cuticular surface shiny and weakly reguoreticulate.

Etymology: The species epithet is Greek. Zeta is the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, and this was the sixth and final new species discovered during the course of this revision.

Additional material examined: MALAYSIA: Borneo, Sabah, Danum Valley, West Trail P1, 250 m, 17.viii.1997 (C. Brühl); Borneo; Kinabalu Nat. Park; Poring Hot Spring, East Ridge; 560 m (C. Brühl).

Discussion: This species is most likely to be confused with E. thrix , but E. zeta has far less pubescence on the gaster. As in E. thrix, E. zeta does have the head wider than long, an unusual trait among Euprenolepis species. Based on overall morphological similarity, including the head shape and presence of pubescence on the gaster, it is likely that E. thrix and E. zeta are close relatives.