Pheidole longispinosa Forel, 1891

Salata, Sebastian & Fisher, Brian L., 2020, Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Madagascar - an introduction and a taxonomic revision of eleven species groups, ZooKeys 905, pp. 1-235 : 1

Pheidole longispinosa Forel, 1891 Figs 23A-F , 84Y , 87C

Type material.

Pheidole longispinosa Forel, 1891: 170, pl. 5, fig. 4 (s.w.q.). Lectotype [designated here]: major worker (top specimen, CASENT0101682): Madagascar, Antananarivo, Ambatomanjaka, Miarinarivo (MHNG) [examined]. Paralectotypes: 1 major worker (CASENT0810542, bottom specimen, the same pin as lectotype) (MHNG) [examined], 3 minor workers (1 pin, CASENT0101598, CASENT0923202, CASENT0923203) (MHNG) [examined], 1 dealate queen (CASENT0101657) (MHNG) [examined]: the same data as lectotype.

Other material.

Madagascar. - Antananarivo: •12w., 2s.; 3 km 41°NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147°SSE Anjozorobe; -18.47333, 47.96; alt. 1300 m; 5 Dec 2000; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0406929, CASENT0406930, CASENT0413533, CASENT0413537, CASENT0427722, CASENT0427724, CASENT0427725, CASENT0427733. •1 w.; Ambatolaona; -18.928, 47.88283; alt. 1382 m; 19 Feb 2007; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0120674 (CASC). •4w., 1s, 1q.; Mandraka; -18.91813, 47.91717; alt. 1312 m; 20 Mar 2014; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0377078, CASENT0378205, CASENT0378163, CASENT0378568 (CASC). •4w, 1m.; Mandraka Park; -18.9019, 47.90786; 1360 m; 11 Mar 2012; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0275803, CASENT0275804, CASENT0275863 (CASC). •11w., 5s., 1m., 1q; Reg. Analamanga, St. Forestière Mandraka; -18.9183, 47.91687; alt. 1285 m; 25 Mar 2015; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0390404-CASENT0390406, CASENT0390415, CASENT0390429, CASENT0390496, CASENT0390497, CASENT0390506, CASENT0390533, CASENT0720697, CASENT0720833 (CASC); •3w., 1s.; Tsinjoarivo forest, Ankadivory; -19.71572, 47.82084; alt. 1385 m; 23 Aug 2014; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0389650, CASENT0389655, CASENT0389682 (CASC). - Antsiranana: •1 w.; 9.2 km WSW Befingotra, Rés. Anjanaharibe-Sud; -14.75, 49.46667; alt. 1280 m; 5 Nov 1994; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198233 (CASC). •3w., 1s., 2q; Betaolana Forest, along Bekona River; -14.52996, 49.44039; alt. 880 m; 4 Mar 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0152375, CASENT0152403, CASENT0152410 (CASC).•3w.; Parc National de Marojejy, Manantenina River, 27.6 km 35°NE Andapa, 9.6 km 327°NNW Manantenina; -14.435, 49.76; alt. 775 m; 17 Nov 2003; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0487914 (CASC). - Fianarantsoa: •5w., 2s.; 2 km W Andrambovato, along river Tatamaly; -21.51167, 47.41; alt. 1075 m; 3 Jun 2005; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0060852, CASENT0060853, CASENT0060932, CASENT0060933, CASENT0061669 (CASC). •1w.; 38 km S Ambalavao, Rés. Andringitra; -22.2, 46.96667; alt. 1680 m; 23 Oct 1993; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198397 (CASC). •3w., 1q.; 40 km S Ambalavao, Rés. Andringitra; -22.21667, 46.96667; alt. 1275 m; 19 Oct 1993; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198376, CASENT0198377 (CASC). •7w, 1s., 1q.; 8.0 km NE Ivohibe; -22.42167, 46.89833; alt. 1200 m; 3 Nov 1997; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198369, CASENT0198371, CASENT0198803, CASENT0198868 (CASC). •4w., 3s., 1q.; Parc National Befotaka-Midongy, Papango 28.5 km S Midongy-Sud, Mount Papango; -23.84083, 46.9575; alt. 1250 m; 17 Nov 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0118416, CASENT0119618, CASENT0119592, CASENT0118442 (CASC). •7w., 1s., 1q.; R.S. Ivohibe 8.0 km E Ivohibe; -22.48333, 46.96833; alt. 1200 m; 15 Oct 1997; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0196901, CASENT0198003, CASENT0198004, CASENT0198372, CASENT0198805, CASENT0198807, CASENT0198867 (CASC). - Toamasina: •1w.; [Morano-Chrome forêt, 25 km W]; Morarano Chrome; Amparafaravola; -17.75, 47.98333; alt. 1276 m; 15 Jun 1991; A. Pauly leg.; CASENT0198378 (CASC). •1w., 1s., 1q.; 6.9 km NE Ambanizana, Ambohitsitondroina; -15.56667, 50; alt. 1000 m; 9 Dec 1993; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198379 (CASC). •1w.; Ambanizana, Parc National Masoala; -15.57167, 50.00611; alt. 800-897 m; 26 Feb 2003; Andriamalala D. et al. leg.; CASENT0047728 (CASC). •8w.; Ankerana; -18.40636, 48.80254; alt. 1108 m; 19 Jan 2012; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0273728, CASENT0274171, CASENT0274172, CASENT0274173, CASENT0274993, CASENT0274994, CASENT0274994 (CASC). •1w., 1s.; Corridor Forestier Analamay-Mantadia, Tsaravoniana; -18.76124, 48.42134; alt. 939 m; 2 Dec 2012; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0300341 (CASC). •3w., 2s.; F.C. Didy; -18.19833, 48.57833; alt. 960 m; 16 Dec 1998; Ratsirarson H.J. leg.; CASENT0198005, CASENT0198006, CASENT0198373 (CASC). •2w., 1s.; Montagne d’Anjanaharibe, 19.5 km 27°NNE Ambinanitelo; -15.17833, 49.635; alt. 1100 m; 12 Mar 2003; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0037455, CASENT0037462, CASENT0048698, CASENT0048727 (CASC). •1w.; P.N. Mantadia; -18.79167, 48.42667; alt. 895 m; 25 Nov 1998; Ratsirarson H.J. leg.; CASENT0198384 (CASC). •1w., 1s.; Parc National d´ Andasibe-Mantadia, Forêt de Mantadia, 25.7 km 248° Moramanga; -18.81402, 48.43028; alt. 1040 m; 13 Jul 2006; Raharimalala & Blaimer leg.; CASENT0117442 (CASC). •1w., 1s.; Parc National de Zahamena, Onibe River; -17.75908, 48.85468; alt. 780 m; 21 Feb 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0152053 (CASC). - Toliara: •7w., 1s., 1q.; 13 km NW Enkara, Rés Andohahela; -24.55, 46.8; alt. 1300 m; 2 Dec 1992; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198374, CASENT0198375, CASENT0198381, CASENT0198382 (CASC). •31w., 14s., 9q.; Anosy Region, Anosyenne Mts, 29.33 km NW Manantenina; -24.13993, 47.07418; alt. 540 m; 21 Feb 2015; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0704727, CASENT0704727, CASENT0704749, CASENT0704780, CASENT0723465, CASENT0704473, CASENT0704200, CASENT0704201, CASENT0704205, CASENT0704206, CASENT0704217, CASENT0704218, CASENT0704226, CASENT0704227, CASENT0704228, CASENT0704229, CASENT0704242, CASENT0704245, CASENT0704273, CASENT0704353, CASENT0704354, CASENT0704355, CASENT0704393, CASENT0704394, CASENT0704867, CASENT0704874, CASENT0704886, CASENT0704887, CASENT0705875, CASENT0705877, CASENT0721001, CASENT0721005, CASENT0721007, CASENT0721009, CASENT0721013 (CASC). •20w., 2s.; Parc National d’Andohahela, Col du Sedro, 3.8 km 113°ESE Mahamavo, 37.6 km 341°NNW Tolagnaro; -24.76389, 46.75167; alt. 900 m; 21 Jan 2002; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0078380, CASENT0430695, CASENT0430759, CASENT0451281, CASENT0451303, CASENT0451309, CASENT0456249, CASENT0460156, CASENT0460158, CASENT0483964, CASENT0484129, CASENT0484130 (CASC). •3w.; Parc National de Kirindy Mite, 16.3 km 127°SE Belo sur Mer; -20.79528, 44.147; alt. 80 m; 6 Dec 2001; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0477205 (CASC). •5w. 2s.,1q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ambinanitelo; -23.4502, 46.45658; alt. 1325 m; 11 Feb 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0148863, CASENT0148866, CASENT0149937-CASENT0149939 (CASC). •18w., 7s., 3m., 11q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ampanihy; -23.463, 46.47057; alt. 1269 m; 10 Feb 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0148871, CASENT0148872, CASENT0148875, CASENT0148945, CASENT0148953, CASENT0148964, CASENT0148967, CASENT0148972, CASENT0148983, CASENT0148994, CASENT0148995, CASENT0148996, CASENT0149001, CASENT0149008, CASENT0149801, CASENT0149992, CASENT0150511, CASENT0150535, CASENT0151012, CASENT0151013, CASENT0151019, CASENT0151020, CASENT0152223, CASENT0153227, CASENT0235023 (CASC). •6w., 3s., 2q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0149598, CASENT0149599, CASENT0149869, CASENT0149871, CASENT0150723 (CASC). •1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0148654 (CASC).

Diagnosis.

Major workers. Large species: HL: 2.62-3.0 (2.77), HW: 2.64-2.92 (2.75), WL: 1.88-2.14 (2.04); propodeal spines very long (PSL: 0.67-0.87 (0.73)); head in full-face view trapezoid, widened posteriorly; sides of the head without pilosity; frons with longitudinal rugae never reaching further than midlength of head; gaster smooth and shiny; body brown to dark brown. Minor workers. Large species: HL: 0.99-1.15 (1.1), HW: 0.98-1.06 (1.0), WL: 1.62-1.76 (1.66); propodeal spines very long (PSL: 0.62-0.76 (0.69)); scape, when laid back, surpassing posterior head margin by more than half its length; mesosoma smooth and shiny, only anepisternum, katepisternum, and propodeum sometimes with indistinct and sparse superficial rugulae; promesonotal groove absent; metanotal groove shallow and wide.

Redescription.

Major workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 2.62-3.0 (2.77); HW: 2.64-2.92 (2.75); SL: 1.24-1.35 (1.3); EL: 0.24-0.28 (0.26); WL: 1.88-2.14 (2.04); PSL: 0.67-0.87 (0.73); MTL: 1.39-1.55 (1.46); PNW: 0.8-0.97 (0.89); PTW: 0.23-0.31 (0.27); PPW: 0.68-0.82 (0.75); CI: 94.3-106.4 (99.3); SI: 43.9-50.9 (47.4); PSLI: 24.1-29.0 (26.5); PPI: 30.1-42.3 (35.4); PNI: 30.45-33.38 (32.4); MTI: 49.6-57.6 (53.0). Head. In full-face view trapezoid, widened posteriorly (Fig. 23B ). In lateral view sub-oval; ventral and dorsal faces convex; inner hypostomal teeth visible. Sides of the head without pilosity; frons and vertex with few, long, erect setae. Antennal scrobes absent or very indistinct. Occipital lobes, genae, posterior part of frons smooth and shiny; lateral sides of head and genae with sparse, partially fading superficial rugulae; centre of frons shiny with fine, thin, longitudinal rugae reaching at most to midlength of head; malar area with fine, thin, longitudinal rugae. Centre of clypeus smooth and shiny, lateral sides with fine and sparse rugae; median notch present, shallow, and wide; median longitudinal carina absent; lateral longitudinal carinae absent. Scape, when laid back, reaching midlength of head; pilosity suberect to erect (Fig. 23B, D ). Inner hypostomal teeth distinct, low, triangular and thick, with rounded apex, closely spaced; outer hypostomal teeth distinct, slightly smaller and thinner than inner hypostomal teeth, lobe-like (Fig. 84Y ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum low, short, and relatively flat; pronotum slightly convex; dorsal mesonotum concave; posterior mesonotum relatively steep; promesonotal groove absent; metanotal groove absent; propodeal spines very long, massive basally, with acute apex; humeral area laterally either weakly or not produced (Fig. 23D ). Surface shiny and smooth with weak, sparse, and irregular rugae on pronotum and lateral sides of propodeum. Pilosity very sparse, short, and decumbent; dorsum with few additional, long, erect setae (Fig. 23D, F ). Petiole. Smooth and shiny; peduncle long and thin, superficially rugulose ventrally; node triangular, with rounded apex, in rear view node dorsoventrally depressed; pilosity sparse, short, and erect (Fig. 23D, F ). Postpetiole. Smooth and shiny; in dorsal view sides with acute, narrow, moderately short triangular projections; pilosity short to long, sparse, and erect (Fig. 23D, F ). Gaster. Smooth and shiny; pilosity sparse, erect, and long (Fig. 23D, F ). Colour. Unicolourous, brown to dark brown (Fig. 23D, F ).

Minor workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 0.99-1.15 (1.1); HW: 0.98-1.06 (1.0); SL: 1.35-1.47 (1.4); EL: 0.14-0.21 (0.18); WL: 1.62-1.76 (1.66); PSL: 0.62-0.76 (0.69); MTL: 1.21-1.29 (1.24); PNW: 0.65-0.7 (0.67); PTW: 0.13-0.17 (0.16); PPW: 0.22-0.27 (0.25); CI: 88.3-99.1 (91.3); SI: 136.7-144.4 (139.7); PSLI: 56.8-67.8 (62.5); PPI: 56.3-66.9 (62.9); PNI: 65.6-68.3 (66.9); MTI: 121.3-128.1 (124.4). Head. Occipital margin convex; occipital carina narrow, weakly developed (Fig. 23A ). Pilosity sparse, long, and erect on frons and median part of occiput. Sculpture smooth and shiny on the whole surface, only antennal sockets with sparse carinae curved outward. Clypeus with median longitudinal carina absent; two lateral longitudinal carinae present. Scape, when laid back, surpassing posterior head margin by more than half of its length; pilosity suberect to erect (Fig. 23A, C ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum low, long, and slightly convex; promesonotal groove absent; metanotal groove indistinct and wide; propodeal spines very long, massive basally, with acute apex (Fig. 23C ). Surface smooth and shiny, only anepisternum, katepisternum, and propodeum sometimes with indistinct and sparse superficial rugulae. Pilosity absent or short, very sparse, suberect (Fig. 23C, E ). Petiole. Smooth and shiny; peduncle long and thin; node bulge-like with rounded apex; pilosity absent (Fig. 23C, E ). Postpetiole. Moderately long, low, and with slightly convex dorsum; with two long, erect setae at the anterior edge (Fig. 23C, E ). Gaster. With few long, erect setae (Fig. 23C, E ). Colour. Unicolourous, brown to dark brown (Fig. 23C, E ).

Biology.

The species was collected at between 80-1680 m in elevation, in montane rainforest, montane shrubland, thicket, tropical dry forest, and urban areas. Nests were located in rotten logs, tree stumps, soil, and rock crevasses.

Comments.

This species is most similar to P. mahaboensis sp. nov. and P. praegrandis sp. nov. Major workers. Pheidole longispinosa can be distinguished from P. mahaboensis sp. nov. by absence of metanotal groove, lack of pilosity at the sides of head, and longitudinal rugae never reaching further than midlength of head; from P. praegrandis sp. nov. by brighter body colouration, reduced head sculpture, and not shagreened first gastral tergite and head. Minor workers. Pheidole longispinosa can be distinguished from P. mahaboensis sp. nov. by absence of promesonotal groove, shallow and wide metanotal groove and reduced sculpture on mesosoma; from P. praegrandis sp. nov. by mostly smooth and shiny sculpture of head and mesosoma, which is never rugoreticulate.

Figures

Figure 23. Pheidole longispinosa Forel, full-face view (A), profile (C), and dorsal view (E) of minor worker (CASENT 0451282) and full-face view (B), profile (D), and dorsal view (F) of major worker (CASENT 0451284).

Figure 84. Hypostomal teeth. Pheidole aelloea sp. nov. (A). P. ala sp. nov. (B). P. andapa sp. nov. (C). P. ankerana sp. nov. (D). P. annemariae Forel (E). P. avaratra sp. nov. (F). P. bemarahaensis sp. nov. (G). P. bemarivoensis sp. nov. (H). P. binara sp. nov. (I). P. boribora sp. nov. (J). P. brevipilosa sp. nov. (K). P. curvistriata sp. nov. (L). P. diakritos sp. nov. (M). P. ehazoara sp. nov. (N). P. ensifera Forel (O). P. ferruginea sp. nov. (P). P. fisaka sp. nov. (R). P. fitarata sp. nov. (S). P. glabra sp. nov. (T). P. goavana sp. nov. (U). P. lamperos sp. nov. (W). P. longipilosa sp. nov. (X). P. longispinosa Forel (Y). P. lutea sp. nov. (Z).

Figure 87. Distribution. Pheidole lamperos sp. nov. (A). P. longipilosa sp. nov. (B). P. longispinosa Forel (C). P. lutea sp. nov. (D). P. madinika sp. nov. (E). P. mahaboensis sp. nov. (F). P. maizina sp. nov. (G). P. makaensis sp. nov. (H). P. makirovana sp. nov. (I). P. manantenensis sp. nov. (J). P. mantadia sp. nov. (K). P. marieannae sp. nov. (L). P. masoala sp. nov. (M). P. mavesatra sp. nov. (N). P. miramila sp. nov. (O). P. moramanaensis sp. nov. (P). P. navoatrensis sp. nov. (R). P. nemoralis Forel (S). P. ocypodea sp. nov. (T). P. parviocula sp. nov. (U).