Cerapachys centurio, Brown, W. L., 1975

Brown, W. L., 1975, Contributions toward a reclassification of the Formicidae. V. Ponerinae, tribes Platythyreini, Cerapachyini, Cylindromyrmecini, Acanthostichini, and Aenictogitini., Search: Agriculture; Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station 15, pp. 1-115 : 62-63

[31] Cerapachys centurio new species

(Figs. 66 - 71)

Holotype worker: TL 5.7, HL (including frontal lobes) 1.12, HW (immediately behind eyes) 0.83 (CI 74), greatest diameter of eye 0.25, scape L 0.81, WL 1.58, petiolar node L (dorsal view) 0.64, petiolar node W 0.57, postpetiolar node L 0.74, W 0.77 mm.

Paratype workers differ only slightly from holotype: TL 5.6 - 5.7, HL 1.05 - 1.10, HW 0.81 - 0.84 (CI 75 - 78), greatest diameter of eye 0.24 - 0.25 (0.20 - 0.22 in series from S of Walikale), scape L 0.77 - 0.80, WL 1.46 - 1.55, petiolar node L 0.60 - 0.63, W 0.54 - 0.56, postpetiolar node L 0.65 - 0.72, W 0.73 - 0.77 mm.

Differs from the other African species of the genus in proportions, especially in having petiolar node distinctly longer than broad. Resembling C indicus [56] in habitus, but with longer head, posterior margin transverse and straight behind in full-face view, sides only gently convex. Anterior face of clypeus lacking median tooth or carina (fig. 67). Foveolae of sculpture smaller than in C. indicus and more numerous, crowded, especially on petiole and postpetiole, where the interspaces are finely roughened and the whole surface subopaque. Small punctures on anterior gastric dorsum crowded, but interspaces shining, and posterior part of first segment smooth, with scattered small punctures. Standing hairs also decidedly more abundant than in C. indicus , especially on postpetiole and gaster (pilosity shows only poorly in fig. 70), where they are strongly inclined toward the rear. Pubescence not developed except for dense, short, reclinate hairs on coxae, lower metapleura, undersurfaces of petiole, front of petiolar node, and antennae.

Antennae with 12 distinct segments; pedicel slightly longer than broad; funicular segments II through IX broader than long; apical segment occupying about 2 / 5 of length of funiculus, and about 2.5 times as long as wide.

Other minor differences are that in C. centurio , the petiolar node is less narrowed in front than in C. indicus , and has a less sharply produced anterior margin; also, in C. centurio the subpetiolar process is compressed in front, and somewhat pointed as seen from the side, whereas in C indicus the process is more lobiform and rounded in the same view.

Color dark brown with a slightly reddish tinge (darker than in C. indicus ); without bluish iridescence; appendages lighter, more reddish.

Queen and male unknown.

Holotype (CAS — San Francisco) and 2 paratype workers from 15 miles S of Kamituga, Zaire, 700 m. 17 August 1957 (E. S. Ross and R. E. Leech). Also 3 paratype workers from 29 km S of Walikale, Zaire, 700 m (Ross and Leech). Paratypes in CAS — San Francisco, MCZ and BMNH — London. Further material in one or both of these series is available in CAS — San Francisco.

Further distinctions between C. centurio and the other African members of the genus are given in the key to the African-Middle East Cerapachys species.