Coptotermes gambrinus, Bourguignon, Thomas & Roisin, Yves, 2011

Bourguignon, Thomas & Roisin, Yves, 2011, Revision of the termite family Rhinotermitidae (Isoptera) in New Guinea, ZooKeys 148, pp. 55-103 : 63-64

Coptotermes gambrinus sp. n. Figs 26-2931

Holotype.

Soldier: PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Morobe: Bulolo, 22.v.1987 (YR), from stump of klinkii pine ( Araucaria hunsteinii ) (#PNGT1077). Paratypes: PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Morobe: Soldiers and workers from same colony as holotype, same data (#PNGT1077); Mount Susu, 19.v.1988 (YR), in dead branch of klinkii pine on the ground (#PNGT1232); McAdam National Park, 20.v.1988 (YR) (#PNGT1238). Madang: Hatzfeldhafen, 23.ix.1984 (YR) (#PNGT847); Oro: Kokoda, 13.iii.1985 (JMP & YR) (#PNGT950); Popondetta, 18.iii.1985 (JMP & YR) (#PNGT986). Central: Sirinumu dam, 07.iii.1985 (JMP & YR) (#PNGT918); Brown River, 21.iii.1985 (JMP & YR) (#PNGT996); East New Britain: Warengoi, 19.v.1984 (JMP & YR) (#PNGT562, 567).

Imago.

unknown.

Soldier.

(Figs 26-29). Soldiers of small size. Head twice broader posteriorly than anteriorly (at the level of mandibles), covered by about 10 setae. Antennae generally with 15 articles. Pronotum covered by about 15 setae, slightly larger anteriorly than posteriorly. Mandibles very short, with apex almost not curved. Measurements (mm) of 30 soldiers from 10 colonies: HLF: 0.92-1.07; HLL: 1.22-1.48; HW: 0.82-0.98; PL: 0.27-0.41; PW: 0.50-0.70; RML: 0.56-0.74; MPW: 0.23-0.36; T3L: 0.75-0.88.

Comparisons.

This species is allied to Coptotermes remotus from which it is easily recognisable by its shorter and less curved soldier mandible tips.

Distribution.

(Fig. 31). This species occurs in Eastern New Guinea and in New Britain.

Etymology.

We named this species in honor of Gambrinus , a legendary character from Flanders, famous for enjoying life.