Metapone sauteri Forel, 1912

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 : 515-516

6. Metapone sauteri Forel, 1912

( Figs 28–33 )

Metapone sauteri Forel, 1912:763 —Gyne; Type locality: Sokutsu, Banshoryo District, Taiwan.

Distribution, material examined. Known only from the dealate holotype gyne (MHNG) examined and illustrated here. The specimen is poorly mounted and damaged, but relevant morphology is fortunately visible (see Figs).

Gyne diagnosis. General and diagnostic features as in original description ( Forel, 1912), the key to Asian species above and relevant figures. Subpetiolar extension lamellate, more-or-less evenly translucent, about twice as long as deep, very obtusely rounded-subangulate at the summit, with less-obtuse rounded angles at either shoulder; base extending back almost to the subpetiolar angle, which is drawn to an acute tooth, barely a spine. Posterior subpetiolar face acutely triangular in oblique view, with a minute barely translucent marginal carina.

Dimensions: HL 2.27; HW (across eyes) 1.54; CI 68; PetW 1.13; MSL 3.60.

Remarks. The type locality is frequently cited for Taiwanese specimens collected by Sauter; its exact location has apparently never been determined. M. sauteri is listed in Terayama’s review of Taiwanese ants ( Terayama, 2009: p 190).

Figures

FIGURES 28 – 33. Metapone sauteri, holotype gyne, see text for dimensions.