Hypoponera aprora Bolton & Fisher, 2011

Bolton, B. & Fisher, B. L., 2011, Taxonomy of Afrotropical and West Palaearctic ants of the ponerine genus Hypoponera Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Zootaxa 2843, pp. 1-118 : 26-27

Hypoponera aprora Bolton & Fisher sp. n.

(Figs 4 – 6)

WORKER (holotype in parentheses). Measurements: HL 0.51 – 0.53 (0.51), HW 0.40 – 0.41 (0.40), HS 0.455 – 0.470 (0.455), SL 0.34 – 0.36 (0.34), PrW 0.30 – 0.32 (0.31), WL 0.65 – 0.68 (0.66), HFL 0.34 – 0.35 (0.34), PeNL 0.15 – 0.16 (0.15), PeH 0.30 – 0.32 (0.31), PeNW 0.26 – 0.27 (0.26), PeS 0.240 – 0.250 (0.240) (8 measured). Indices: CI 77 – 79 (78), SI 83 – 88 (85), PeNI 84 – 87 (84), LPeI 49 – 53 (49), DPeI 163 – 173 (173).

Conforming to the general description given for dis but lacking a prora. In aprora , with the first gastral segment in profile, the anterior and lateral surfaces of first gastral sternite meet in a blunt angle; there is no prominent raised proral crest or rim separating the two surfaces below the level of the helcium. Similarly, there is no transverse raised margin or lip separating the anterior and ventral surfaces of the first sternite. Full adult colour glossy dark brown to blackish brown.

Holotype worker, Tanzania: Tanga Region , Kilindi Forest Reserve , 1015 m., 27-30.viii.2005, CEPF-TZ-3.2-F09 , 5.57934S, 37.57971E, primary forest leaf litter, Winkler (P. Hawkes, J. Makwati, R. Mtana) ( SAMC). Paratypes. 7 workers and 1 dealate queen, with same data as holotype ( SAMC, CASC, AFRC, BBRC) .

This species is immediately distinguished from all its Afrotropical and West Palaearctic congeners by its lack of the prora on the first gastral sternite, both laterally and anteroventrally. It belongs in the occidentalis complex of the abeillei group, notes on the species of which are given under occidentalis . See also under dis, which appears to be its closest relative.