Crematogaster (Physocrema) ampullaris F. Smith

Hosoishi, Shingo & Ogata, Kazuo, 2009, A taxonomic revision of the Asian endemic subgenus Physocrema of the genus Crematogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Zootaxa 2062, pp. 15-36 : 19-20

Crematogaster (Physocrema) ampullaris F. Smith

( Figs 3, 10 , 22 )

Crematogaster ampullaris F. Smith, 1861: 47 . INDONESIA: Tondano, Sulawesi [types not found in BMNH or OXUM]. Junior synonym of difformis by Emery, 1901: 574; Wheeler, W. M. 1919: 74. Combination in C. ( Physocrema ) by Donisthorpe, 1932: 469. Revived from synonymy by Donisthorpe, 1932: 469.

Measurements and indices. HW 1.12–1.34; HL 1.04–1.28; CI 100–108; SL 0.95–1.02; SI 76–84; EL 0.22–0.24; PW 0.66–0.82; WL 1.26–1.48; PSL 0; PtL 0.34–0.48; PtW 0.28–0.34; PtH 0.19–0.24; PpL 0.24–0.28; PpW 0.29–0.36; PtHI 50–56; PtWI 71–84; PpWI 117–129; WI 93–106 (Three workers measured).

Description of worker. Workers with pronounced size polymorphism.

Scape not reaching posterior corner of head in large workers.

In lateral view, pronotum and mesonotum forming a single convexity, propodeum slightly raised relative to promesonotum. Anterior margin of pronotal collar slightly concave in dorsal view. Metanotal groove convex posteriorly in dorsal view, deep and situated posterior to the posterior ridge of pronotum in lateral view; thorax strongly constricted in middle in dorsal view. In dorsal view, some longitudinal rugulae connecting between mesonotum and propodeum; the boundary distinct except for median portion. Propodeal spiracle situated away from the metapleural gland orifice, the distance between them much greater than the propodeal spiracle diameter. Propodeal spines absent.

Clypeus sculptured with longitudinal rugulae.

Standing pilosity sparse on dorsal face of head, abundant on promesonotum. Dorsal face of head with decumbent setae. Clypeus with short setae. Dorsal setae on fourth abdominal tergite appressed and directed posteriorly.

Body color reddish brown to black.

Distribution. This species is known from Indonesia (Sulawesi, Timor) and Philippines ( Fig. 22 ).

Remarks. We have not been able to examine the types of ampullaris . According to Mr. Barry Bolton (pers comm Jan 2008), a search in the collection of BMNH and OXUM revealed that types of C. (P.) ampullaris were no longer present. But the original description and Donisthorpe’s key (1941) closely match the specimens examined.

This species is very similar to sewardi , but can be distinguished by the dorsal outline of the mesosoma and the depth of the metanotal groove.

Specimens examined. INDONESIA: 5 workers, Bantimurung, Ujung Pandang, Sulawesi, 18. viii. 1992 (Sk. Yamane); 3 workers, Sampulage (1000m), nr. Mangktana, S. Sulawesi, 19. x. 1999 (K. Ogata & K. Masaoka); 3 workers, Wolasi (140m alt.), Pangalulu, SE. Sulawesi, 13. x. 1999 (K. Ogata & K. Masaoka); 13 workers, Wolasi (140m alt.), Pangalulu, SE. Sulawesi, 14. x. 1999 (K. Ogata & K. Masaoka); 1 workers, Wolasi (140m alt.), Pangalulu, SE. Sulawesi, 21. x. 1999 (K. Ogata & K. Masaoka); 3 workers, Malino (300–1000m alt.), S. Sulawesi, 18. viii. 1992 (Sk. Yamane); 3 workers, Dumoga-Bone N. P., Utara, Sulawesi, 22. ii. 1985 (no collector’s name); 3 workers, Dumoga-Bone N. P., Utara, Sulawesi,Fog. 18, 1100m, nr Danau Mooat., coffee, 1. viii. 1985 (N. Stork); 3 workers, Galampesoang Forest, 5–8km, NE Tanete, 400m, 8–10. vii. 1972 (WL. Brown); 3 workers, Baumato, nr. Kupang, Timor, 23. vii. 1972 (WL. Brown); 3 workers, Gaucau, Timor, 24. vii. 1972 (WL. Brown); PHILIPPINES: 3 workers, Makinhas, Gubang, Leyte, 8. iii. 1982 (CK. Starr & MA. Duatin).

Figures

FIGURES 10 − 17. Physocrema species in lateral view. Scale bars are all 0.5 mm. 10 — C. (P.) ampullaris, [Sampulage (1000 m), nr Mangktana, S. Sulawesi]; 11 — C. (P.) aurita, [Maeklong Watershed Research Station, Kanchanaburi Prov.]; 12 — C. (P.) difformis, [Lambir N. P., Miri, Sarawak, Borneo]; 13 — C. (P.) inflata, [Ulu Gombak, Malay Peninsula]; 14 — C. (P.) mucronata, [Satar’s House, Ulu Gadut, nr Padang, Sumatra]; 15 — C. (P.) onusta, [Barito Ulu 150 m alt., Kalimantanm]; 16 — C. (P.) physothorax, [Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Forest, Malay Peninsula]; 17 — C. (P.) sewardi, [7 miles, Cameron Highland, Malay Peninsula].

FIGURES 21 – 26. Distribution of Physocrema species in Southeast Asia. 21 — All Physocrema species; 22 — C. (P.) ampullaris; 23 — C. (P.) aurita; 24 — C. (P.) difformis; 25 — C. (P.) inflata; 26 — C. (P.) mucronata.