Euprenolepis procera

LaPolla, J. S., 2009, Taxonomic Revision of the Southeast Asian Ant Genus Euprenolepis., Zootaxa 2046, pp. 1-25 : 13-17

Euprenolepis procera (Emery, 1900)

(Figures 7A-D [major]; 8A-B [minor]; 9A-I [queen and male])

Prenolepis procera Emery , 1900: 699 (worker - major and minor). Syntype workers, INDONESIA: Sumatra, Si Rembe, Panherang Pisang. (type depository unknown, not in MCSN) [not examined]. Emery, 1906: 134, combination in Prenolepis (Euprenolepis) ; Emery, 1925: 224, combination in Paratrechina (Euprenolepis) ; Bolton, 1995:189, combination in Euprenolepis ; Bolton et al., 2006, in Euprenolepis .

Camponotus (Myrmocsphincta) antespectans Forel , 1913: 130 (worker). Holotype worker, INDONESIA: Sumatra (v. Buttel) (MNHB) [examined]. Emery, 1925: 223, combination in Paratrechina (Euprenolepis) ; Bolton, 1995:189, combination in Euprenolepis ; Bolton et al., 2006, in Euprenolepis . SYN. NOV.

Worker. Measurements: Majors (n=4): TL: 5.08-6.25; HW: 1.35-1.61; HL: 1.43-1.62; SL: 1.8-2.03; WL: 1.9-2.22; GL: 1.75-2.41. Indices: CI: 94-101; SI: 126-139.

Minors (n=7): TL: 3.53-4.39; HW: 0.82-1.05; HL: 0.94-1.14; SL: 1.4-1.67; WL: 1.49-1.67; GL: 1.1-1.57. Indices: CI: 87-95; SI: 153-178.

Major. Head dark reddish-brown, roughly heart-shaped; head distinctly broader than long. Antennal funiculi slightly lighter in color. Head with scattered erect setae and a sparse layer of pubescence; cuticular surface strongly rugoreticulate. Posterior margin strongly emarginate medially. Scapes surpass posterior margin by about length of first three funicular segments; scapes with erect setae and sparse pubescence. Anterior clypeal margin strongly emarginate. Mesosoma dark reddish-brown, legs becoming lighter distally; cuticular surface rugoreticulate. Mesosomal dorsum with scattered erect setae of varying lengths on the posterior pronotum and mesonotum; sparse pubescence scattered across mesosoma, with denser patches on the anterior pronotum, metanotal area and propodeum. Pronotum rises at about 45° toward mesonotum; mesonotum and mesonotal area flat; propodeum dorsum rounded, dome-like; declivity steep. Petiole triangular with posterior face longer than anterior face; gaster dark reddish-brown, covered in erect setae with a layer of pubescence; cuticular surface rugoreticulate.

Minor. As in major, with modifications expected for caste. Scapes long, surpassing posterior margin by about length of the first four funicular segments. The legs of minor workers are slightly lighter than found in majors.

Queen. Measurements (n=1): TL: 6.3; HW: 1.1; HL: 1.0; SL: 1.6; WL: 2.5; GL: 2.8. Indices: CI: 110; SI: 145.

As in worker, with modifications expected for caste and the following differences: Overall color similar to worker castes, but mottled dark brown, with lighter brown patches especially on head and mesosoma. Entire body covered in a dense layer of pubescence; short erect setae cover head, mesosoma notum, legs and gaster. Erect setae most abundant on gaster, becoming denser posteriorly.

Male. Measurements (n=2): TL: 4.54-4.85; HW: 0.70-0.75; HL: 0.86-0.89; SL: 1.54-1.63; WL: 1.77-1.81; GL: 1.88-2.18. Indices: CI: 81-84; SI: 218-219.

Overall color brown to brownish-yellow, lighter brown on legs and funiculi; head longer than broad. Cuticular surface shiny, covered in a dense layer of pubescence. Scapes long, surpassing posterior margin by about length of first four funicular segments; scapes with scattered erect setae and a dense layer of pubescence. Clypeus broad, with anterior margin emarginated. Mandible with a basal angle and a distinct apical tooth that curves in toward body midline. Mesosoma enlarged to accommodate flight muscles; covered in a layer of pubescence, with erect setae dorsally and on legs. Pronotum small and distinctly collar-like; mesonotum offset from pronotum at sulcus; mesonotum rises sharply above height of pronotum, giving pronotum a shelf-like appearance in lateral view. Mesonotum flat dorsally with scattered erect setae; propodeum indistinct from remainder of mesosoma, with declivity shallow, gently sloping toward petiole. Petiole triangular, upright, with posterior face only slightly longer than anterior face. Gaster with a dense layer of pubescence and scattered erect setae, becoming denser posteriorly toward terminalia; terminalia especially setose. Parameres roughly triangular, turning slightly mesad posteriorly; long setae extend off of parameres. Cuspi small and tubular, reaching digiti dorsally; digiti anvil-shaped, directed ventrally; digiti visible in lateral view. Volsellar lobes with large bulbous extensions; appressed setae cover surface. Penis valves with apodeme projecting dorsally; in lateral view the valves extend dorsally.

Additional material examined: INDONESIA: South Sumatra, Lampung, Wai Lima 12.xi.1921(Karny); Sumatra, Prov. Lampung, Sumberaja, 4° 59' 30" S, 104° 31' 30" E, 735 m, 15-30.i.2004 (F. Susilo); MALAYSIA: Kinabalu Nat. Park, Poring Hot Spring, East Ridge, 11.07.-20.07.1995 (C. Brühl); Sarawak, 4th Div. G. Mulu Nat. Park, 14.x.1977 (B. Bolton); Neg. Sembilian, Pasoh Forest Reserve, xi.1994 (M. Brendell et al.); Pinang-Pinang, Ulu Gadut, Padang, 11.ii.2004 (S. Yamane); Perak, Trolac Forest Res., 6.vii.1967 (R. Crozier); Selangor, Ulu Gombak For. Reserve, 24.vii.1967 (R. Crozier).

Discussion: This is the only known polymorphic Euprenolepis species. Majors of E. procera superficially resemble Pseudolasius , but can be separated from that genus by the characters listed under the genus diagnosis section. This species possesses several unique characters other than worker polymorphism. E. procera has especially long scapes, although not as long as in E. negrosensis . The eyes of E. procera are more forward toward the midline and lower in the head than observed in other species. The medially emarginated clypeus is most pronounced in E. procera . It is by far the darkest colored species and possesses the thickest, most distinct rugoreticulae covering the body.