Aenictus rabori Chapman, 1963

Jaitrong, Weeyawat & Yamane, Seiki, 2012, Review of the Southeast Asian species of the Aenictus javanus and Aenictus philippinensis species groups (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Aenictinae), ZooKeys 193, pp. 49-78 : 70-73

Aenictus rabori Chapman, 1963 Figs 1112

Aenictus rabori Chapman 1963: 249, fig. 1.

Types.

Nine syntype workers (two on each of three pins, three on another) from Philippines, Negros, Horns of Negros, 1,080 m (MCZC, examined). One worker among them (top on a pin) is selected as lectotype (Fig. 11E).

Measurements.

Lectotype: TL 4.50 mm; HL 0.85 mm; HW 0.83 mm; SL 0.65 mm; ML 1.48 mm; PL 0.35 mm; CI 97; SI 79.

Paralectotype (n = 8): TL 4.35-4.45 mm; HL 0.83-0.88 mm; HW 0.78-0.83 mm; SL 0.63-0.65 mm; ML 1.48-1.50 mm; PL 0.35-0.38 mm; CI 94-97; SI 76-79.

Description of worker

(lectotype and paralectotypes). Head in full-face view slightly longer than broad, with sides convex and posterior margin nearly straight, very weakly sinuate; occipital margin bearing a distinct carina; occipital corner of head with a protruding lobe (part of occipital carina). Antennal scape relatively short, reaching only 2/3 of head length; antennal segment II slightly longer than each of III-VI; terminal segment slightly shorter than VII+VIII+IX. Frontal carinae short fused at the level of antennal base to form a single carina and much extending beyond the level of the posterior margin of torulus, poorly developed in posterior half. Parafrontal ridge short, extending less than 1/3 of head length, 0.25-0.27 mm long, seen in profile weakly developed in posterior half. Masticatory margin of man dible with a large apical tooth followed by a series of 4-5 denticles, which gradually reduce in size toward basal angle of mandible. Promesonotum in profile weakly convex dorsally and sloping gradually to metanotal groove; metanotal groove distinct and deep; upper portion of meso- and meta-pleuron impressed, much lower than promesonotum. Declivity of propodeum shallowly concave, encircled with a distinct rim that protrudes posteriad. Petiole subsessile, distinctly longer than high; subpetiolar process almost absent; postpetiole slightly shorter than petiole and almost as long as high, with its node rounded dorsally. Legs relatively short, seen from side with greatly swollen femora.

Head entirely smooth and shiny, except for hair pits, area on the side of head anterior to occipital corner with superficial reticulation; mandible extensively smooth and shiny except for hair pits; antennal scape superficially shagreened. Pronotum smooth and shiny, except for its anteriormost portion reticulate, narrow lateral margins distinctly reticulate, reaching back to posterior margin; mesonotum smooth and shiny; mesopleuron, metapleuron and propodeum densely punctuate/reticulate mixed with some rugae, mat except antero-ventral parts of meso- and metapleuron slightly shiny. Petiole microreticulate with dorsum more weakly sculptured; dorsum of postpetiole extensively smooth and shiny but other parts more or less reticulate. Femora entirely superficially reticulate and shiny; tibiae superficially shagreened partly smooth and shiny.

Head and mesosoma dorsally with relatively sparse long standing hairs; longest pronotal hair 0.25-0.27 mm long. Head, antennae, legs, and gaster yellowish brown; mandible, mesosoma, petiole, and postpetiole reddish brown.

Distribution.

Philippines (Negros Island) (Fig. 12).

Bionomics.

So far Aenictus rabori is known only from the type locality. The colony observed by Chapman was foraging in a garden at 1,080 m in elevation ( Chapman 1963).

Remarks.

This species is closely related to Aenictus pangantihoni . See under Aenictus pangantihoni for details.