Aenictus susanae sp. nov.

Zoobank: EABAF8B6-628B-4858-9CD3-26463CADF79D

(Figs 2 D, 22 A–D, 23)

Holotype worker, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: • Sangha-Mbaéré, Parc National Dzanga-Ndoki, Mabéa Bai, 21.4 km 53° NE Bayanga 510 m, 3.03333, 16.41 01-07/05/2001. MW 50 sample transect, 5m (B.L. Fisher) rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood) (1w) [CASENT0406729] CASC.

Paratype workers: • same series (3 pins, 1w each) [CASENT0406728, CASENT0406731, CASENT0406732].

DIAGNOSIS. Unmistakable species due to its strong, deep sculpture and dense, long, reclined pilosity. This species is in fact the most heavily sculptured in the Afrotropical region, with a deep clearly defined reticule even overhead and legs.

DESCRIPTION (Figs 2 D, 22 A–D). WORKER. HL: 0.83 [0.80-0.87]; HW: 0.73 [0.70-0.79]; SL: 0.60 [0.57-0.62]; WL: 1.30 [1.24-1.39]; PH: 0.24 [0.21-0.26]; PPRO: 0.12 [0.10-0.14]; CI: 88 [83-92]; SIL: 72 [69-75]; SIW: 82 [78-86]; WL/HW: 177 [170-185] (n=15).

With the characters defined for the koloi group and: funicular segments 1-8 subquadrate, the apical twice longer than wide. Head slightly convex laterally widest at the mandibular insertion and narrowing to the concave occipital line; ventrolateral margin reaching ventrally more than two thirds the distance to the mandibular insertions. Mandibles with a long, sharp apical tooth followed by a series of 10–12 denticles.

Petiole with anterolateral, anterodorsal, dorsolateral, posterolateral posterodorsal carinae present and developed, the dorsolateral as a horizontal ridge from anterior to almost posterior ridges, above the petiolar spiracle. In lateral view petiolar node subelliptical, low, with a truncated vertical posterior face; postpetiole in lateral view rounded, elliptical to hemispherical. Subpetiolar process very developed, with a bulk elliptical and low, followed by a rectangular long narrow lamella facing forward at 45 degrees, from digitiform to elliptical; the whole process clearly larger than the prora.

Whole body including legs and antennae deeply reticulated; some (2–6) horizontal rugae present on the mesopleura which continue as horizontal striae on the lower fourth of the metapleura, the uppermost just below the metapleural gland, converging to the spiny metapleural lobe; gaster glassy smooth. Overall colour dark brown, gaster yellowish brown; metatibial gland yellowish, conspicuous.

Whole body covered with long, white, abundant decumbent to semierect reclined setae, those on head, mesosoma and gaster with length about petiole height, those and legs and scapes slightly shorter, but clearly longer than femora or scape width.

DERIVATIO NOMINIS. The species name susanae is a latinized noun of feminine gender in the genitive case. Dedicated to my wife, Susana.

OTHER MATERIAL EXAMINED. CAMEROON: • no loc data 15/02/1950 (R. F. Nyong) (3 pins, 1w each) ZMUC • Ottotomo 12/05/1990 (Dejean, A.) (5 pins, 3w each) [NHMUK012849247 to NHMUK012849251] BMNH.

DISTRIBUTION. Central Africa, known from Cameroon and Central African Republic (Fig. 23).