Probolomyrmex dammermani Wheeler, 1928

Liang, Cuijun & Chen, Zhilin, 2022, Taxonomic review of Chinese ant genus Probolomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Zoological Systematics 47 (2), pp. 146-154 : 147-149

Probolomyrmex dammermani Wheeler, 1928 ( Figs 1–4 )

Probolomyrmex dammermani Wheeler, 1928: 7 , figs 4–6.

Diagnosis. Median vertical lamella of frontoclypeal projection in lateral view relatively low (see Fig. 2 ); propodeal spine relatively conspicuous; petiole relatively short (PL<0.34); subpetiolar process present as a low and longitudinal ridge stripes, with an acute anterior projection and posteriorly with an arc-shaped prominence; posterolateral margin of petiolar node insertion of helcium in lateral view moderately concave.

Description of workers (n = 3, Figs 1–4 ). TL 2.4–2.5, HL 0.58–0.60, HW 0.39–0.41, CI 66–68, SL 0.35–0.42, SI 85– 108, PW 0.30–0.32, MSL 0.80–0.82, PL 0.28–0.30, DPW 0.17–0.19, PH 0.21–0.23, LPI 70–82, DPI 57–63.

In full-face view, head longer than broad, anterior 1/4 narrowed; posterior 3/4 nearly rectangular; posterior margin nearly straight, medially with a weak concavity; lateral margins evenly convex. Median vertical lamella of frontoclypeal projection in lateral view relatively low (see Fig. 2 ). Antennae 12-segmented; scape relatively shoter, failed to reach posterior margin of head by about 1/5 of its length, flagellum gradually incrassate towards apex.

In lateral view, dorsal outline of mesosoma weakly convex at anterior 1/3 and straight at posterior 2/3. Propodeal teeth triangular; propodeal declivity somewhat concave; propodeal lobe large and forming a round margin. Propodeum in dorsal view long and thin; posterior 2/3 narrower than anterior 1/3, with nearly parallel lateral margins; posterior margin of propodeum concave.

Petiole in lateral view relatively short (PL<0.34); dorsal outline in lateral view abruptly upcurved in its anterior part, and gently upcurved or nearly horizontal in its posterior part; posterolateral margin of petiolar node above insertion of helcium moderately concave. Petiole in dorsal view near rectangle, weakly widened around in middle; posterodorsal margin nearly straight or very weakly convex. Subpetiolar process present as a low and longitudinal ridge stripes, with an acute anterior projection and posteriorly with an arc-shaped prominence.

Mandibles striate-punctate; frontoclypeal projection rugose; antennal funiculus with abundant pits; head and pronotum densely micro-punctate; mesosoma and lateral face of petiole overlain by scattered foveolae; dorsal face of petiole with incomplete foveae; gaster with distinct puncture; posterior region of first gastral tergite with ruga. Whole body surface shagreened and with dense decumbent short pubescence. Body ferruginous brown.

Material examined. 3 workers, CHINA: Guangxi, Nanning, Xixiang Pond , Xiangsi Lake , 22.86°N, 108.24°E, elev. 84 m, 5.IV.2020, leg. Biao Huang, No. G 200009.

Distribution. China (Guangxi), Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.

Remarks. This species is very similar to P. longinodus and P. longiscapus known from China (see below) but discriminated from the latter two by relatively shorter petiole (PL<0.34). The species is recorded in China for the first time.

Figures

Figures 1–4. Probolomyrmex dammermani worker (No. G200009). 1. Head, full-face view. 2. Frontoclypeal projection and median vertical lamella, lateral view. 3. Body, dorsal view. 4. Body, lateral view.