Tetramorium setuliferum Emery, 1895

Mbanyana, Nokuthula, Garcia, Francisco Hita, Robertson, Hamish Gibson & Roux, Johannes Jacobus Le, 2018, A taxonomic revision of seed harvester ants of the Tetramorium solidum group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in southern Africa, European Journal of Taxonomy 454, pp. 1-59 : 44-48

Tetramorium setuliferum Emery, 1895

Figs 2F , 3A , 21 , 24

Tetramorium squamiferum Forel, 1894: 80 (attributed to Emery; nomen nudum, see Wheeler 1922: 903; included in Bolton 1980: 250).

Tetramorium setuliferum Emery, 1895: 36 (included in Bolton 1980: 250).

Tetramorium setuliferum var. cucalense Santschi, 1910: 356 (included in Bolton 1980: 250).

Tetramorium setuliferum var. triptolemus Arnold, 1917: 292 included in Bolton 1980: 250).

Diagnosis

Tetramorium setuliferum is morphologically similar to T. clunum . The two species are separated by the characters listed under T. clunum .

Material examined

Type material

SOUTH AFRICA: syntypes of Tetramorium setuliferum Emery, 1895: 2 pinned workers, Orange Free State, Bethlehem, Weitzecker leg. ( MSNG: CASENT0904839 ).

ANGOLA: syntypes of Tetramorium setuliferum var. cucalense Santschi, 1910: 1 pinned worker, Cucala, Benguela, J. Cruchet leg. (RMCAENT000017786); 1 pinned worker, Cucala near Caconda , Benguela, 31 Dec. 1910, Santschi leg. ( NHMB: CASENT0915077 ; MNHN: CASENT0915425 ).

ZAMBIA: syntype of Tetramorium setuliferum var. triptolemus Arnold, 1917: 1 pinned worker, “N. Rhod.” according to label, Lusakas , Oct. 1913, G. Arnold leg. ( BMNH: CASENT0901177 ).

Other material

SOUTH AFRICA (241 pinned specimens): Northern Cape: Cullinan Farm , 26.33562° S, 22.61217° E, 962 m a.s.l., 19 Dec. 2007, nest with crater of soil around the entrance, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C019898); Cullinan Farm, 26.34087° S, 22.6083° E, 977 m a.s.l., 19 Dec. 2007, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C019870); Mokala National Park , 29.14467° S, 24.28437° E, 1185 m a.s.l., 12 Jan. 2009, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C023299); Mokala National Park, 29.06377° S, 24.47202° E, 1124 m a.s.l., 12 Jan. 2009, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C023300); Mokala National Park , 29.16644° S, 24.34299° E, 1262 m a.s.l., 12 Jan. 2009, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C023301). – North West: Pilanesberg National park, Plot 1 ( Mankwe Way ), 25°16′ S, 27°08′ E, 20–26 Oct. 1998, pediment grassland, C.L. Parr leg. (SAM-HYM-C016874). – KwaZulu-Natal: Thurlow Game Park, Midmar , Howick , 29°32′20″ S, 30°10′0″ E, nest in grass roots, rocky grassland, loam substrate, gentle hillside, 4 Jan. 2005, H. Adie leg. (SAM-HYM-C018292); Mkuze Game Reserve, Mantamu rest camp, 27.36° S, 32.13° E, 8 Dec. 1986, from a nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000256); foragers, Sodwana Bay , coastal evergreen forest, sand dunes, 27°33′00″ S, 32°40′00″ E, 15 Feb. 1999, on ground, P.S. Ward leg. (SAM-HYM-C016524); Weza, 30.35° S, 29.45° E, 2 Dec. 1986 (SAM-HYM-C000197); Good Hope Estate , 10.1 km 281° W of Boston , 29°41.7´S, 29°55.4´E, 1500 m a.s.l., 25–30 Aug. 1998, B.L. Fisher leg. ( CASC: CASENT0100777 , CASENT0100778 , CASENT0100780 ). – Gauteng: Primier Mine, Cullinan , 10 Feb. 2001, P. Hawkes leg. ( SAM- HYM-C016219); Wits University , near nursery, 26.11° S, 28.02° E, 17 Feb. 1988, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000966); Jan Van Riebeek, Johannesburg , 26.095° S, 28.00° E, 24 Nov. 1987, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000761); foragers, Farmall, Randburg , 25°59′ S, 27°58′ E, 6 Aug. 1995, grassland, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C008221); Kloofendal, Roodeport , 12 Oct. 1996, A. Leroy leg. (SAM-HYM-C009659); Pretoria , 22°43′ S, 28°15′ E, 29 Apr. 1990, B.J. Kotzie leg. (SAM-HYM-C011557). – Limpopo: Soutpansberg 55, 23°2′3″ S, 29°25′45″ E, 12 Aug. 2007, A. Heiduk leg. (SAM-HYM-C019677); Soutpansberg 56, 23°1′55″ S, 29°25′41″ E, 19 Aug. 2007, A. Heiduk leg. (SAM-HYM-C019678), Landbou Proef Plaas, Messina , 28 Apr. 1969, A.J. Prins leg. (SAM-HYM-C015070); Voorspoed, Naboomspruit , 29 Apr. 1969, A.J. Prins leg. (SAM-HYM-C015077); Groblersdal, Mooiuitsig , 29 Apr. 1969, A.J. Prins leg. ( SAM- HYM-C015437); Dendron, 23°23′0″ S, 29°20′0″ E, 6 Dec. 1966, Dr Karney leg. (SAM-HYM-C015445); Kruger National Park, near Satara , Marenya plots, 24°32′ S, 31°46′ E, 320 m a.s.l., Jan. 2002, Acacia nigrenscens savannah, pitfall trap, C.L. Parr leg. (SAM-HYM-C023460); Kruger National Park, near Satara , Satara plots, 24°24′ S, 31°45′ E, 300 m a.s.l., Jan. 2002, Acacia nigrenscens savannah, pitfall trap, C.L. Parr leg. (SAM-HYM-C023461); Kruger National Park, near Mopane , Dzombo plots, 23°26′ S, 31°22′ E, 360 m a.s.l., Jan. 2002, Acacia nigrenscens savannah, pitfall trap, C.L. Parr leg. ( SAM- HYM-C023462); Kruger National Park, near Satara , N’wanetsi plots, 24°26′ S, 31°53′ E, 240 m a.s.l., Jan. 2002, Acacia nigrenscens savannah, pitfall trap, C.L. Parr leg. (SAM-HYM-C023463); Mpzema , 22.56° S, 30.11° E, 20 Oct. 1987, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000645); Umbabat Rural Facility near Acornhoek , 26 Sep. 1990, M. Villet leg. (SAM-HYM-C002634); Letaba Estate , 23.51° S, 30.18° E, 9 Feb. 1988, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000933); Dendron, 23°23′0″ S, 29°20′0″ E, 9 Feb. 1966, Dr Karney leg. (SAM-HYM-C015446); 7 km W of Giyani , 7 km NW of Letaba River , 23.17° S, 30.37° E, 18 Oct. 1987, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000624); Roschdraai Farm, NE of Vaalwater , 24.12° S, 28.17° E, 13 Jun. 1987, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000429). – Mpumalanga: Vygenhoek , 25.03323° S, 30.16407° E, 1401 m a.s.l., 15 Dec. 2007, P. Hawkes and J. Fisher leg. (SAM-HYM-C024385); Nelspruit, Dumas , 23 Apr. 1969, A.J. Prins leg. (SAM-HYM-C015312); Sabie Sand Game Reserve , 24°46′ S, 31°22′ E, 23 Jun. 1992, J. Swart leg. (SAM-HYM-C006341). – Orange Free State: Edenville, 27°33′00″ S, 27°41′00″ E, Mar. 1967, Dr Karney leg. (SAM-HYM-C015185); Bothaville , 8 Jul. 1988, A.J. Prins and A. Roux leg. (SAM-HYM-C001757). – Eastern Cape: Stutterheim , 3 May 1993, W. Coetzer leg. (SAM-HYM-C006786).

NAMIBIA (60 pinned specimens): miscellaneous foragers, just outside Opuwo , open savanna on white clay soil, 14 Mar. 1995, H.G.Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C009176); foragers, Waterberg Rest Camp , bare ground outside bungalow, 16 Mar. 1995, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C009241); Waterberg area, Klarwater Farm , on sand, C. Dickman leg. (SAM-HYM-C006268); Avis Dam, Windhoek , 22°34.925′ S, 17°08.134′ E, nest in soil, entrance in open, 14 Apr. 2011 (SAM-HYM-C026798); Porcupine Camp, 8 km W of Kamanjab , 19°38.950′ S, 14°45.952′ E, 10 Apr. 2011, nesting in deep fine red sandy soil, nest entrance with crater of soil around, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C027093); Porcupine Camp, 8 km W of Kamanjab , 19°38.969′ S, 14°45.971′ E, 10 Apr. 2011, nesting in sandy soil, nest entrance in the open with crater of soil around, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. ( SAM- HYM-C027094); Zelda Guest Farm site 1, 22°17.311′ S, 19°49.199′ E, 16 Apr. 2011, nest in sandy soil, entrance in the open, with crater of soil around it, males collected from the nest, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C027096); Zelda Guest Farm site 4, 22°16.596′ S, 19°49.701′ E, 16 Apr. 2011, nest in soft sandy soil, entrance at base of grass tuft, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. ( SAM- HYM-C027097); 61.2 km S of Gobabis , C20 site 3, 22°56.806′ S, 18°44.681′ E, 17 Apr. 2011, nest in red sandy soil, N. Mbanyana and H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C027099).

BOTSWANA: Nata Saltpan, 2 km into saltpan, 1 Dec. 1986, R.J. Nefdt leg. (SAM-HYM-C000295); Madikwe Game Reserve , Tshwene Combretum apiculatum mountain field, 24°44′43″ S, 26°17′14″ E, Jan. 2001, N. Govender leg. (SAM-HYM-C016269).

ZIMBABWE: Rusape , 18.32° S, 32.08° E, 5 Dec. 1987, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000817); Kyle View Chalets , 20.05° S, 31.01° E, 30 Nov. 1987, collected from nest, H.G. Robertson leg. (SAM-HYM-C000770); Noga Island Okavango Delta, sand, 23 Sep. 1991, R. Newman leg. (SAM-HYM-C005634); Khami Ruins, 14 mi. W of Bulawayo, 22. Mar. 1958, 1275 m a.s.l., E.S. Ross and R.E. Leech leg. ( CASC: CASENT0270795 ); Oshikongo , 3200 ft (= 975 m) a.s.l., 9 Mar. 1970, E.S. Ross leg. ( CASC: CASENT0270796 ).

ZAMBIA: Gwabe Camp near Chirundu , 20 Dec. 1986, R.J. Nefdt leg. (SAM-HYM-C007280); Lusaka, Xanadu Farm, in soil about 10 cm deep, Miomba woodland, legume-like seeds in nest, 2 Jan 1987, R.J. Nefdt leg. (SAM-HYM-C000298); Choma, 16°47.72´S, 26°56.30´E, 1330 m a.s.l., 3 Dec. 2005, Fisher et al. leg. ( CASC: CASENT0066874 ).

SWAZILAND: foragers, 5 km NE of Forbes Reef , grassland, 26°8′ S, 31°8′ E, 19 Feb. 1999, on ground, P.S. Ward leg. (SAM-HYM-C016538).

Measurements (worker N =13)

HL 0.964 –1.210 (1.114); HW 0.969 –1.259 (1.151); SL 0.698 –0.846 (0.803); EL 0.220 –0.275 (0.254); PH 0.433 –0.561 (0.486); PW 0.610 –0.799 (0.724); WL 0.983 –1.210 (1.118); PSL 0.197 –0.285 (0.289); PTH 0.266 –0.403 (0.362); PTL 0.293 –0.388 (0.337); PTW 0.329 –0.433 (0.391); PPH 0.329 –0.408 (0.364); PPL 0.197 –0.310 (0.279); PPW 0.401 –0.600 (0.540); OI 20–24 (22); CI 100–106 (103); SI 66–74 (70); DMI 62–70 (65); LMI 41–50 (44); PSLI 21–31 (26); PeNI 51–57 (54); LPeI 79–108 (93); DPeI 103–147 (117); PpNI 66–79 (75); LPpI 74–87 (77); DPpI 167–212 (194); PPI 122–143 (138).

Distribution

This is a widespread and common species in savanna and grassland regions of southern Africa, including South Africa (Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, Free State), Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It has been recorded from the following ecoregions: Angolan Mopane Woodlands, Drakensberg Montane Grasslands, Highveld Grasslands, Kalahari Xeric Savanna, Kalahari Acacia –Baikiaea Woodlands, Maputaland-Pondoland Bushland and Thickets, Nama Karoo, Namibian Savanna Woodlands, Southern Africa Bushveld, Southern Africa Mangroves, Southern Miombo Woodlands, Succulent Karoo, Zambezian and Mopane Woodlands, Zambezian Flooded Grasslands.

Remarks

This species has been collected in forest clearings, in weedy areas, in savanna on white clay soil, dry forest savanna, Thornveld savanna, Kimberley Thornveld, Miombo woodland, riverine-grassveld, old tobacco fields, sandy soil areas dominated by shrubs, and in citrus orchards. Tetramorium setuliferum normally nests in sandy to loamy soils, with nest entrances found in open areas. Circles of grass seed husks, piles of small stones or scattered soil particles have been found around nest entrances. Seeds are regularly found in nests. Reproductive forms have been collected from nests between October and February. Collected using pitfall traps, tuna baits, and sugar baits.

Figures

Fig. 2. Body in profile showing pilosity and pubescence. A. T. dichroum Santschi, 1932 (CASENT0746320). B. T. peringueyi Arnold, 1926 (CASENT0250873). C. T. rothschildi (Forel, 1907) (CASENT0764434). D. T. clunum Forel, 1913 (CASENT0764600). E. T. galoanasum Santschi, 1910 (CASENT0915015 – Antweb, William Ericson). F. T. setuliferum Emery, 1895 (MCZ_ENT00512567). G. T. glabratum Stitz, 1923 (SAM-HYM-C024395). H. T. rufescens Stitz, 1923 (CASENT0250852). I. T. solidum Emery, 1886 (CASENT0250960).

Fig. 3. A–B. Waist segments and gaster oblique lateral view. A. T. setuliferum Emery, 1895 (MCZ_ ENT00512567). B. T. clunum Forel, 1913 (CASENT0764600). C–F. Waist segments in dorsal view. C. T. grandinode Santschi, 1913 (CASENT0764655). D. T. lerouxi Mbanyana, Robertson & Hita Garcia sp. nov. (SAM-HYM-C023329). E. T. signatum Emery, 1895 (SAM-HYM-C020573). F. T. glabratum Stitz, 1923 (SAM-HYM-C024395). G–I. Mesosoma in profile. G. T. jordani Santschi, 1937 (CASENT0248475). H. T. glabratum (SAM-HYM-C024395). I. T. rufescens Stitz, 1923 (CASENT0250852). J–M. Head in full-face view. J. T. barbigerum Bolton, 1980 (CASENT0901181). K. T. pogonion Bolton, 1980 (CASTYPE13390 – Antweb, photographer unknown). L. T. glabratum (SAM-HYM-C024395). M. T. rufescens (CASENT0250852). N–P. Waist segments in profile. N. T. duncani Mbanyana, Robertson & Hita Garcia sp. nov. (SAM-HYM-C027003). O. T. glabratum (SAM-HYM-C024395). P. T. rufescens (CASENT0250852).

Fig. 21. Tetramorium setuliferum Emery, 1895 (MCZ_ENT00512567). A. Body in profile. B. Body in dorsal view. C. Head in full-face view.

Fig. 24. Map showing the distribution of species in the Tetramorium solidum group.