Vitsika miranda Bolton & Fisher

Bolton, Barry & Fisher, Brian, 2014, The Madagascan endemic myrmicine ants related to Eutetramorium (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): taxonomy of the genera Eutetramorium Emery, Malagidris nom. n., Myrmisaraka gen. n., Royidris gen. n., and Vitsika gen. n .., Zootaxa 3791 (1), pp. 1-99 : 86-87

Vitsika miranda Bolton & Fisher sp. n.

(Figs 105-107, Map 157)

WORKER (holotype in parentheses). TL 3.5-4.0 (3.7), HL 0.74-0.84 (0.83), HW 0.62-0.73 (0.70), CI 84-87 (84), SL 0.54-0.63 (0.62), SI 85-89 (89), PW 0.47-0.56 (0.54), WL 0.94-1.08 (1.06) (7 measured).

Eye with 8-9 rows of ommatidia, and with 9-11 ommatidia in the longest row; EL 0.17-0.22 (EL/HW 0.27-0.30). MfL 0.68-0.78 (MfL/HW 1.06-1.09). Antennal scape about the same shade as the head capsule, or at most only fractionally lighter. In profile, the dorsal outline of the propodeum shallowly convex to the upper base of the propodeal spine, without a distinct peak in its outline posterior to the mesonotal-propodeal junction. Propodeal declivity with distinct transverse costulae. Diameter of annulus of propodeal spiracle equal to, or only slightly less than, the thickness of the propodeal spine at its midlength. Petiole node in profile highest at the anterodorsal angle and usually with a poorly defined, short, dorsal surface that rounds evenly into the posterior face. In posterior view the dorsal margin of the petiole node evenly, shallowly convex, or may be almost flat medially. Sculpture of petiole node weak to vestigial laterally; posterior surface of petiole node mostly smooth, but with a narrow punculate band immediately above the foramen. Height of petiole node in posterior view (from midpoint of the dorsal margin of the foramen to the apex) 0.85-0.92 x its maximum width. In dorsal view postpetiole 1.23-1.31 x broader than long; maximum width of postpetiole ca 1.00-1.15 x the length of a propodeal spine; maximum width of postpetiole 0.96-1.06 x the distance between the apices of the propodeal spines. Postpetiole node in profile relatively short and high, its dorsum distinctly convex; the length of the node in profile is visibly greater than the height of the segment. Dorsum of postpetiole node usually entirely smooth, but vestigial remnants of superficial punctulae sometimes remain. The main suberect setae on the dorsal (outer) surface of the metatibia are all about the same length, and are distinctly shorter than the maximum tibial width. Full adult colour blackish brown to almost black.

QUEEN (gyne). Only alates known. HL 0.89-0.90, HW 0.75-0.79, CI 84-88, SL 0.63-0.65, SI 82-84, PW 0.65-0.68, mesoscutum maximum length 0.60, mesosocutum maximum width 0.60-0.62, WL 1.24-1.28, MfL 0.80-0.82 (2 measured). Ocelli conspicuous. Mesosoma normal for alates, with a full complement of flight sclerites, wing articulation present, and mesopleuron with a transverse sulcus.

MALE: unknown.

Holotype worker, Madagascar: R.S. Kalambatritra [Prov. Toliara], Betanana, 08.ii.2002, 23.4144°S, 46.4590°E, 1360 m., montane rainforest, BLF 21480, CASENT0147524 (B.L. Fisher et al.) (CASC).

Paratypes. 1 worker with same data as holotype but BLF 21466, CASENT0148648; 1 worker R.S. Kalambatritra, Ampanihy, 1270 m., 23.4635°S, 46.4631°E, 10.ii.2009, montane rainforest, BLF 21743, CASENT0147063 (B.L. Fisher et al.); 1 worker and 1 dealate queen, as last but 1269m., 23.46300°S, 46.47057°E, 10.ii.2009, BLF 21665, CASENT0149989 (B.L. Fisher et al.) (CASC).

V. miranda is very closely related to obscura (see below), and both resemble the yellow astuta . However, astuta has long, fine, suberect setae on the dorsal (outer) surface of the metatibia, the longest of which are almost as long as the maximum tibial width, and lacks, or at most has only vestiges of, transverse costulae on the propodeal declivity. By contrast, the suberect setae in both miranda and obscura are stubbly and distinctly shorter than the maximum tibial width, and the transverse costulae of the propodeal decivity are conspicuous.

From the material available this species appears to be mostly found above ground level. Specimens have been found on low vegetation, in a dead bamboo stem, in a dead twig above the ground, and in a rotted pocket on a standing tree. A single worker has been retrieved from a pitfall trap, and an alate queen was found walking on the ground.

Non-paratypic material examined. Madagascar: Prov. Toliara, R.S. Kalambatritra, Ampanihy (B.L. Fisher et al.); Prov. Toliara, P.N. Andohahela, ESE Mahamavo (Fisher et al.); Prov. Fianarantsoa, P.N. Befotaka-Midongy (Fisher et al.).