Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802)

LaPolla, John S., Hawkes, Peter G. & Fisher, Jonathan N., 2013, Taxonomic review of the ant genus Paratrechina, with a description of a new species from Africa, Journal of Hymenoptera Research 35, pp. 71-82 : 74

Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802) Figs 1-3 , 7 (worker) ; Figs 12-17 (male)

Formica longicornis Latreille, 1802: 113 (worker described). Neotype worker, THAILAND: Bangkok, 18 November 1970 (P. Jolivet) (ANIC32-053687) (ANIC) [examined]. For complete taxonomic history see Bolton (2013).

Worker diagnosis.

Scapes without erect macrosetae.

Species description.

WORKER. Measurements in millimeters (n=4): TL: 2.1-2.5; HW: 0.46-56; HL: 0.49-0.7; EL: 0.17-0.23; SL: 0.98-1.16; PW: 0.34-0.43; WL: 0.82-0.98; PrFL: 0.6-0.9; GL: 0.83-0.9.

Indices: CI: 73-94; REL2: 38-42; SI: 182-226.

Overall coloration pale to very dark brown, often with a distinct blueish iridescent sheen, especially on the mesosoma and gaster. Mandibles, antennae and legs (especially the trochanters of all legs, which are a strongly contrasting very pale yellow-brown) much lighter in color; cuticle smooth and moderately shining with faint shagreenate sculpture, which is most obvious on head and gaster. Head narrow, distinctly longer than broad, with abundant pale (yellow-brown to almost white), erect macrosetae; anterior clypeal margin with a shallow medial indentation; scapes with a dense layer of very fine pubescence but lacking erect macrosetae; eyes large and convex, extending beyond head lateral margin in full frontal view; posterior head margin with rounded posterolateral corners; three distinct ocelli present. Mesosoma with scattered pale erect macrosetae (PSC = 3; MSC = 3-4); in profile pronotum and mesonotum almost flat dorsally, with a broadly angled junction; metanotal area relatively indistinct, medially about 1/5 the length of the mesonotum but longer laterally than medially; dorsum of propodeum almost flat to very shallowly domed, rounding evenly into the short declivitious face; anterolateral portion of dorsal face with some scattered pubescence. Gaster with abundant erect pale macrosetae.

Material examined.

The authors have examined hundreds of specimens of Paratrechina longicornis from around the world for this and other related studies. These are not listed here. The four specimens measured for this study were from: MADAGASCAR: Prov. Mahajanga; Mahavavy River; 6.2 km 145 SE Mitsinjo (CASENT0490165); 16°03.1'S, 45°54.5'E (BLF6931); MAURITIUS: Pte d’Esny; 20°25.52'S, 57°43.44'E (CASENT0055961).

Figures

Figures 1 - 9. Paratrechina workers in various views (left to right: full frontal, lateral and dorsal views for figs 1 - 6): 1 - 3 Paratrechina longicornis (CASENT 0250003) 4 - 6 Paratrechina zanjensis holotype (SAM-HYM-C 020685) 7 Paratrechina longicornis scape (CASENT 0250003) 8 Paratrechina zanjensis holotype scape (SAM-HYM-C 020685) 9 Paratrechina zanjensis paratype mandible (CASENT 0250002).

Figures 12 - 17. Paratrechina longicornis male (14 - 17 are scanning electron microscope images): 12 lateral view 13 full frontal view 14 genitalia dorsal view 15 genitalia ventral view 16 genitalia lateral view 17 close-up view of digitus and cuspis.