Aenictus philippinensis

Jaitrong, Weeyawat & Yamane, Seiki, 2011, Synopsis of Aenictus species groups and revision of the A. curra x and A. laeviceps groups in the eastern Oriental, Indo-Australian, and Australasian regions (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Aenictinae), Zootaxa 3128, pp. 1-46 : 9

Aenictus philippinensis group

Diagnosis. Antenna 10-segmented; scape not reaching the posterolateral corner of head. Anterior clypeal margin convex in the middle, lacking denticles. Mandible triangular, with very dense punctures; its masticatory margin with a large and sharp apical tooth followed by 6–8 small inconspicuous denticles. Frontal carinae fused at the level of antennal base to form a single carina, extending less than half length of head, and well developed anteriorly and poorly developed posteriorly; parafrontal ridge present, not reaching midlength of head. Occipital margin forming a collar or carina. Mesosoma in profile with promesonotum convex dorsally and sloping gradually to metanotal groove; mesopleuron clearly demarcated from metapleuron by a deep groove and from promesonotum by a distinct carina; metanotal groove relatively deep and distinct; propodeal junction angular; declivity of propodeum concave, encircled with a rim. Subpetiolar process weakly developed.

First gastral segment entirely smooth and shiny except the base of both tergite and sternite which has dense small punctures. Body reddish brown to dark brown; typhlatta spot absent.

Remarks. This group consists of relatively large species measuring 4.05–4.60 mm in total body length, and is closely related to the A. pachycerus group and A. hottai group. However, the A. philippinensis group is separated from these by having the mesonotum demarcated from the mesopleuron by a conspicuous ridge and the metanotal groove being relatively deep and distinct. The sculpture of the head is variable, from entirely smooth to densely puncto-reticulate.

Distribution. Philippines.

Currently valid names for the Oriental, Indo-Australian, and Australasian forms. A. pangantihoni Zettel et Sorger, 2010 ; A. philippinensis Chapman, 1963 ; A. rabori Chapman, 1963 .