Anochetus evansi

Brown, WL Jr.,, 1978, Contributions toward a reclassification of the Formicidae. Part VI. Ponerinae, tribe Ponerini, subtribe Odontomachiti. Section B. Genus Anochetus and bibliography., Studia Entomologica 20, pp. 549-638 : 595-596

[23] A. evansi

is remarkable for its isolated distribution in extreme western Iran at «Sar-i-Pat» (Sar-i-Pal) in or near the Zagros Mts., west of Kermanshah. I have not been able to learn anything about the altitude, vegetation, etc. of this locality.

The type [BMNH-London] is a small, light orange-ferruginous worker, almost completely smooth and shining (some frontal striation along frontal carinae, continuing mixed with punctures along posteromedian edges of antennal fossae; fine vestigial cross-striation also on cervix and propodeal declivity, and some weak, superficial shagreening on propodeal dorsum, which is shining, however). TL 5.1, HL 1.16, HW 1.03, ML 0.59, WL 1.45, scape L 0.89, eye L 0.12 mm; the small eyes are nearly circular, and occupy less than half the orbital fossa. Mandibles short, broadened apiead; preapical excision weak and angle rounded. Inner margins of mandibles edentate, smooth.

Mesonotal disc about 0.42 mm W and 0.24 mm L, its posterior margin poorly defined and not impressed; metanotum and propodeum completely fused, forming one gentle dorsal convexity; propodeal angles almost perfectly rounded. Metapleural suture obsolete. Petiolar node shaped much like that of A. ghilianii , but even a little lower and relatively thicker from front to rear, with summit rounded in both directions. Gaster slightly but distinctly constricted behind segment I; sting exceptionally long and strong, exserted.

Spurs of middle tibiae still 2 on each apex, but reduced almost to short setae; lateral spur of hind tibia also setiform, but inner spur short, broad and pectinate.

Body almost hairless, the few short, fine, decumbent and suberect hairs mainly confined to sides of head and eyes, to pronotum and to upper and lower surfaces of gaster, longest ones near apex.