Paraparatrechina brunnella LaPolla and Cheng, sp. nov.

(Fig. 3, 16, 17)

Holotype worker, CAMEROON: Nkoemvon; 1980; F49 (D. Jackson) (BMNH); 8 paratype workers, same locality as holotype (BMNH, NMNH).

Worker diagnosis: small size (TL 1.2–1.6); head, mesosoma, and gaster brown, contrasting with yellowishbrown antennae and mandibles; golden pubescence covering body (especially visible on head).

Compare with: P. albipes

WORKER. Measurements (n=10): TL: 1.23–1.58; HW: 0.32–0.37; HL: 0.37–0.41; EL: 0.09–0.12; SL: 0.35–0.46; PW: 0.22–0.29; WL: 0.35–0.52; PDH: 0.19–0.25; PrFL: 0.29–0.37; PrFW: 0.1–0.12; GL: 0.45– 0.65. Indices: CI: 81–94; REL: 23–28; SI: 102–124; FI: 30–38

Head brown, with contrasting yellowish-brown antennae and mandibles; cuticular surface shining; head slightly longer than broad. Golden pubescence covers head. Scapes surpass posterior margin by about the length of the first funicular segment. Mesosoma brown and compact; fine golden pubescence covers entire dorsum of mesosoma. Pronotum rises steeply from anterior margin to dorsum. Propodeum low, with a very short, angular dorsal face followed by a long declivitous face; petiole yellowish-brown. Procoxae brown; meso/metacoxae whitish-yellow; trochanters white; femurs and tarsi yellowish-brown, becoming lighter towards last tarsal segments; gaster brown.

Etymology. The species epithet is a Latin diminutive adjective meaning brown and small, in reference to the main color of the body and the generally small size of ants in this genus.

Non-type material examined: CAMEROON: Nkoemvon, 1980 (D. Jackson); GABON: Prov. Ogooue- Maritime, Reserve de la Moukalaba-Dougoua, 7km NW Doussala, 10° 32.65’ E, 2 19.84’ S, 21.iii.2000, elev. 110 m (S. van Noort); GHANA: Tafo (B. Bolton); KENYA: Kakamega Forest, E 34° 52’16, N 00° 19.49 (H. Garcia).

Notes. P. albipes could be confused with this species if the pro/mesonotal white patch is not distinct on P. albipes . P. brunnella possess more pubescence on the head and mesosoma than P. albipes, and has a shorter scape ( brunnella range: 0.35–0.46 mm compared with albipes range: 0.48–0.53 mm).