Temnothorax lichun sp. nov.

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Fig. 23

Diagnosis

This new species is similar to T. taivanensis (Wheeler, 1929) (Fig. 24), but differs in the new species petiolar node roughly trapezoidal with broadly rounded dorsum in lateral view, apices of antennal scapes just reached to posterior head margin, head dorsum densely reticulate; in T. taivanensis petiolar node roughly conical with narrowly rounded dorsum in lateral view, apices of antennal scapes distinctly surpassing posterior head margin, head dorsum loosely reticulate. The new species is also similar to T. argentipes (Wheeler, 1928) (Fig. 42), but differs in the new species petiolar node nearly trapezoidal and longer than anterior peduncle in lateral view, propodeal dorsum weakly concave; in T. argentipes petiolar node nearly conical and shorter than anterior peduncle in lateral view, propodeal dorsum straight. This new species is also similar to T. reduncus (Wang & Wu, 1988) (Fig. 62), but differs in the new species petiolar node nearly trapezoidal and longer than anterior peduncle in lateral view, propodeal dorsum weakly concave; in T. reduncus petiolar node nearly triangular and as long as anterior peduncle in lateral view, propodeal dorsum straight.

Etymology

The specific epithet refers to ‘lichun’, one of the 24 Solar Terms of China.

Material examined

Holotype worker CHINA • Yunnan Province, Malipo County, Malipo Town, Chongtou Village; 23.101083° N, 104.724083° E; 1050 m a.s.l.; 2 Apr. 2010; Liang Wang leg.; canopy sample from conifer-brodleaf mixed forest; SWFU A10-1994.

Description

Measurements of holotype worker: TL 3.5, HL 0.78, HW 0.70, CI 91, SL 0.62, SI 88, ED 0.17, PW 0.46, WL 0.96, PL 0.37, PH 0.22, DPW 0.20.

In full-face view head roughly rectangular, longer than broad, posterior and lateral margins weakly convex, posterior corners broadly rounded. Mandibles triangular, masticatory margin with 5 teeth. Clypeal dorsum weakly convex, with median carina, anterior margin angularly concave in the center. Frontal lobes narrow, concealing half of antennal sockets. Frontal carinae relatively long, reaching to the level of midpoint of eyes. Antennae 12-segmented, scapes failing to reach posterior head margin by half diameter of scape, antennal clubs 3-segmented. Eyes located at midpoint of lateral head margin, occupying ¼ of lateral margin.

In lateral view pronotum almost straight, weakly convex anteriorly, promesonotal suture absent. Mesonotum weakly convex and gently sloping down posteriorly, metanotal groove very shallowly impressed. Propodeal dorsum weakly concave, weakly prominent anteriorly and posteriorly; propodeal spines long, slightly longer than declivity, weakly down-curved; declivity weakly concave; propodeal lobes broad and rounded apically. Petiole with short anterior peduncle, about ½ length of petiolar node; petiolar node roughly trapezoidal and narrowing dorsally, anterior margin almost straight, dorsal and posterior margins weakly convex, anterodorsal and posterodrsal corners broadly rounded; ventral margin straight anteriorly, weakly concave posteriorly, anteroventral corner largely acutely toothed. Postpetiole about as high as petiolar node, roughly trapezoidal and narrowing dorsally, dorsal margin weakly convex, anterodorsal and posterodorsal corners broadly rounded, ventral margin deeply concave. In dorsal view pronotum broadest, anterior and lateral margins weakly convex, humeral corners narrowly rounded, promesonotal suture absent. Mesothorax weakly constricted, lateral margins weakly convex, metanotal groove shallowly impressed. Propodeum roughly rectangular, lateral margins slightly convex; spines long, weakly in-curved. Petiole roughly trapezoidal and widening posteriorly, longer than broad, lateral margins weakly convex. Postpetiole roughly trapezoidal and narrowing posteriorly, about 1.2 times as broad as petiole, anterolateral corners narrowly rounded, lateral margins weakly convex. Gaster elongate oval.

Mandibles longitudinally striate. Head dorsum loosely longitudinally rugose anteriorly, gradually reticulate posteriorly and laterally. Clypeus smooth, each side with 3 longitudinal rugae. Mesosoma reticulate. Petiole and postpetiole finely reticulate, ventral face of petiole densely punctate. Gaster smooth and shiny. Body dorsum with abundant erect to suberect apically blunt short hairs and abundant decumbent pubescence. Scapes and tibiae with dense decumbent pubescence. Head and gaster black; mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole reddish brown; mandibles, antennae and legs blackish brown.

Ecological notes

This new species inhabits conifer-brodleaf mixed forest (Fig. 69D) at an elevation of 1050 m, and forages arboreally.

Distribution

China: Yunnan.