Metapone balinensis, Taylor, Robert W. & Alpert, Gary D., 2016

Taylor, Robert W. & Alpert, Gary D., 2016, The myrmicine ant genus Metapone Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): a global taxonomic review with descriptions of twelve new species, Zootaxa 4105 (6), pp. 501-545 : 523

12. Metapone balinensis sp.n.

( Figs 56–61 )

Type locality. INDONESIA: western Bali [08°S, 115°E]. The specimen label reads “W. Bali” without further locality data.

Distribution, material examined. Known only from the unique holotype alate gyne collected by I.K.T. Ginarsa, 31, V, 1998.

Type deposition. holotype: MZBI.

Gyne diagnosis. General and diagnostic features as illustrated and reviewed in the key to Asian species above. Clypeus extended as a short rostrate process, narrowing slightly anteriorly; anterior border convex with subdentate anterolateral angles and an associated parallel groove beneath its leading edge bearing six anteriorly directed bristle-like setae. Posterior sections of lateral margins of clypeus (those in cranial conjunction) sub-parallel, somewhat vestigially incised. Profile of subpetiolar edge sinuate, markedly concave anteriorly, the posterior outline inflated ventrally to form a semicircular protrusion. Subpetiolar extension a small subopaque tabulate process, higher than wide and posteriorly inclined. Sculpturation essentially as described below for M. wallaceana .

Dimensions: TL 8.2; HL 1.68; HW (across eyes) 1.21; CI 72; MSL 2.64; PW 0.96; PetW 0.52; PetH 1.0600; PpetW 0.81.

Remarks. The clypeal conformation, with its “moustache” of bristles is unique among known Metapone species.

Figures

FIGURES 56 – 61. Metapone balinensis, holotype gyne, see text for dimensions.