identifier	taxonID	type	CVterm	format	language	title	description	additionalInformationURL	UsageTerms	rights	Owner	contributor	creator	bibliographicCitation
644B87DBFFD2FFBB7EB2FB4CFF64FC6D.text	644B87DBFFD2FFBB7EB2FB4CFF64FC6D.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Meranoplus cryptomys Boudinot & Fisher	<div><p>Meranoplus cryptomys Boudinot &amp; Fisher sp. n.</p><p>(Figs. 21, 26, 27, 33–38, 63)</p><p>Holotype worker, MADAGASCAR: Toliara, P.N. Tsimanampetsotsa, Bemanateza 23.0 km 131° SE Behaloka, 23°00’ S, 43°53’ E, 90 m, malaise, spiny forest/thicket, collection code BLF6257, 22–26Mar2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.) (CASC: CASENT0440939).</p><p>Paratype worker: with same data as holotype, except collected via pitfall (CASC: CASENT0077998). Paratype gyne, MADAGASCAR: Tuléar, P.N. Andohehala, 24°49.85’ S, 46°32.17’ E, 60 m, spiny forest, collection code Mg-21-35, 15–26Oct2003 (Rin’Ha, M.E. Irwin) (CASC: CASENT0132374).</p><p>Description</p><p>Worker (types). HL 0.95–0.99, HW 0.91, HLA 0.30–0.31, CW 0.35–0.37, CDD 0.13, SL 0.61–0.65, EL 0.22–0.23, EW 0.15–0.16, PML 0.71–0.73, PWA 0.91–0.96, PWP 0.64–0.67, SPL 0.12–0.17, WL 0.98–1.01, PTL 0.22, PTH 0.46–0.50, PPL 0.21–0.24, PPH 0.40–0.41, ATW 1.32–1.39, ATL 1.36–1.41, CI 92.2–95.0, SI 67.8–70.9, OMI 74.1–76.2, CDI 35.0–37.9, SEI 275–276, PMI 128.2–130.8, PWI 70.3–70.2, CS 0.9–1.0, EYE 40.8–41.2 (2 measured).</p><p>Bicolored; head, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole orange; abdominal segments IV–VII dark brown.</p><p>Head longer than broad (CI 92–95). Basal area of mandibles smooth, grading into striations apically. Face rugose to areolate; anterior region of the nuchal carina areolate. Sculpture above and behind eyes areolate; sculpture beneath the eyes rugose. Scrobal carina well-developed, strong. Anterior margin of clypeus with bilobed lamina; lobes relatively wideset (CDI 35–38). Middle portion of clypeus costate laterally. Eyes large (EYE&gt; 40). Maximum eye length about ¾ the length of the malar area (OMI 74–76). Face with dense suberect to erect short setae and somewhat more dilute erect long setae.</p><p>Promesonotal shield broader than long (PMI 128–131); pronotal shield wider anteriorly than posteriorly (PWI 70). Dorsum of promesonotum with areolate sculpture which weakens in posterior half. Setae on promesonotal shield erect to subdecumbent, of various lengths. Lateral face of pronotum with a few haphazardly oriented fine costae. Lateral face of mesonotum (beneath overhanging shield) with weak foveate sculpture. Incomplete costae present on meso- and metapleurae. Metapleural lobes well-developed. Propodeal spines narrow and curved upwards. Dorsomedian carina of propodeal spine curves medially across the posterior face of the propodeum. Posterior face of propodeum with costae crossing over the strongly arched promesonotal-propodeal suture.</p><p>Petiole cuneate in lateral view; without pedicel. Anteroventral process of petiole fingerlike, separated from the sternite and projecting anteroventrally. Postpetiole subrectangular in lateral view, taller than broad (PPI 52–57). Sub-postpetiolar process well-developed, sloping evenly towards posterior margin of post-petiolar sternum. Dorsal face of postpetiole rugose; lateral face weakly costate; posterior face weakly rugose. Fourth abdominal tergum (ATIV) large (ATW/WL&gt; 1.34; ATL/WL&gt; 1.38). ATIV shining; weakly areolate between strong stellate setiferous punctures. ATIV setae of mixed lengths; short setae suberect; long setae erect; relatively long setae decreasing in length from base of abdominal tergum IV.</p><p>Queen (paratype in parentheses). HL 1.01–1.12 (1.01), HW 1.00–1.07 (1.00), HLA 0.31–0.32 (0.31), CW 0.38–0.41 (0.38), CDD 0.10–0.13 (0.11), SL 0.70–0.74 (0.74), EL 0.26–0.29 (0.26), EW 0.21 (0.21), SPL 0.19–0.23 (0.23), WL 1.39–1.49 (1.43), PTL 0.27–0.31 (0.30), PTH 0.47–0.49 (0.47), PPL 0.24–0.30 (0.25), PPH 0.47–0.52 (0.49), ATW 1.47–1.58 (1.47), ATL 1.68–1.92 (1.77), CI 92.1–97.6 (96.1), SI 66.5–70.3 (70.3), OMI 72.6–78.5 (73.1), CDI 25.9–32.8 (29.4), SEI 253–283 (283), CS 1.1 (1.1), EYE 43.3–45.3 (43.9) (6 measured).</p><p>Bicolored; head, mesosoma, petiole, and postpetiole orange; abdominal segments IV–VII burnt orange laterally and ventrally; dark brown dorsally.</p><p>Head longer than broad (CI 94–99). Mandibles striate. Face with rugose sculpture grading into areolate sculpture posterior to the ocelli. Sculpture above eyes areolate; behind and beneath rugose. Scrobal carina well-developed; broadest at about ¼ along its length. Anterior margin of clypeus with frontal lamina produced into two wideset lobes (CDI 40–43). Middle portion of clypeus costate; costae in lateral thirds of this area strong; costae in middle third of this area weak. Eyes large (EYE 44–46). Maximum eye length greater than 4/5 the length of the malar area (OMI 82–92). Scapes short (SI 62–60). Face with erect setae; shorter setae more numerous than longer setae.</p><p>Mesosoma longer than tall. Anterolateral corners of pronotum produced into well-developed denticles; dorsolateral margin of pronotum somewhat indistinct. Mesosomal dorsum areolate to rugose. Dorsum of mesosoma with setae of various lengths; longest setae on mesoscutellum. Lateral face of pronotum areolate in ventral half grading into rugosity. Katepisternum costate with smooth areas in the dorsal half. Anterior portion of anepisternum shining; posterior portion rugose. Metapleuron and lateral face of propodeum costate, in addition to the usual costae across the metapleural gland bulla. Propodeal spines small and triangular (SPL 0.12–0.15). Procoxae without distinct anterolateral shoulders; weakly striate. Wings as in male diagnosis.</p><p>Petiole cuneate; anterior face longer than posterior face. Postpetiole nodiform, rounded posterodorsally. Sternal process of postpetiole well-developed. Dorsal face of postpetiole areolate to rugose; lateral faces strongly rugose-costate; posterior face weakly rugose-costate. Fourth abdominal tergum (ATIV) with sides in dorsal view parallel to sub-parallel. ATIV long (ATL/WL 1.21–1.38). The sculpture of ATIV is rough around the base of the tergum, with somewhat areolate sculpture in this area; posterior to this area, the sculpture is smooth and shining with weak-to-fine areolation between the stellate setiferous punctures. The setae of ATIV are very short: short setae are most numerous, and shorter than the propodeal spines.</p><p>Male. unknown.</p><p>Diagnosis</p><p>Worker. The fingerlike subpetiolar process uniquely identifies this species in the Malagasy fauna. Additional characters include: head almost as broad as long (CI 92–95); eyes large (OMI&gt; 65, EYE mean 41); scapes less than three times as long as eyes (SEI &lt;280); posterolateral denticles of promesonotal shield set wide (PWI&gt; 68); ATIV large (ATW/HW&gt; 1.40, ATL/HL&gt; 1.40).</p><p>Gyne. The long malar area (OMI 82–92) and short scapes (SI 60–62) uniquely identify this species in the Malagasy fauna. Supporting diagnostic characters include: bicolored orange and brown; strong scrobal carinae; comparatively small (WL 1.4–1.6); wideset clypeal denticles (CDI 41–43); short, triangular propodeal spines (SPL 0.12–0.15); relatively few (&lt;30) long suberect setae on fourth abdominal tergum.</p><p>Comments</p><p>Despite the infrequent collection of this presumably rare species, M. cryptomys has a relatively broad range within the spiny forest/thickets and savanna woodland habitats of Madagascar. Workers of Meranoplus cryptomys are only known from two individuals collected at Tsimanampetsotsa, while gynes have been collected at the Isalo and Andohahela National Parks and the Beza Mahafaly Reserve. Neither hand-collected workers nor nests have been collected; all known individuals are from Malaise or pitfall traps. Although two female castes have not been collected together, they share characteristics unique to the Malagasy Meranoplus and indicate they belong to the same specie: comparatively short scapes, widely set clypeal denticles, high oculomandibular indices (OMI), characters of sculpturation, and the striking orange bicoloration. The strong orange and black bicolored coloration of M. cryptomys is notable for its similarity to that of M. mayri . These two species overlap in range across the south and southeast of Madagascar, from Andohahela to Isalo.</p><p>Etymology</p><p>The relatively widespread range and infrequent collection of this new species, coupled with its large eyes and relatively short pilosity, suggests the image of a mouse hiding from cats or collectors. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and thus invariant.</p><p>Additional material examined</p><p>MADAGASCAR: Tuléar, Beza Mahafaly Reserve, Parcelle I, 23°41.19’ S, 44°35.46’ E, 165 m, malaise, tropical dry forest, coll’n code Ma-14A- 01, 15Oct –10Nov2001 (M.E. Irwin et al.); Tuléar, P.N. Andohehala, 24°49.85’ S, 46°32.17’ E, 60 m, spiny forest, coll’n code Mg-21-23, 22-29Jun2003 (Rin’Ha, M.E. Irwin); Fianarantsoa, Ampotoampoto, P.N. Isalo, 22.62944° S, 45.18900° E, 91 m, savanna woodland, coll’n code ARA0120-18, 27–28Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/644B87DBFFD2FFBB7EB2FB4CFF64FC6D	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Boudinot, Brendon E.;Fisher, Brian L.	Boudinot, Brendon E., Fisher, Brian L. (2013): A taxonomic revision of the Meranoplus F. Smith of Madagascar (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) with keys to species and diagnosis of the males. Zootaxa 3635 (4): 301-339, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3635.4.1
644B87DBFFCEFFB27EB2FB9FF929FDBD.text	644B87DBFFCEFFB27EB2FB9FF929FDBD.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Meranoplus mayri Forel 1910	<div><p>Meranoplus mayri Forel, 1910</p><p>(Figs. 8, 11–13, 15, 19, 25, 31, 39–47, 65)</p><p>Meranoplus mayri Forel, 1910a: 19 . Lectotype worker, here designated, MADAGASCAR: Toliara, Fort Dauphin, (Sikora) (MHNG: CASENT0101230) [examined].</p><p>Description</p><p>Worker. HL 0.93–1.27, HW 0.98–1.41, HLA 0.34–0.54, CW 0.37–0.49, CDD 0.17–0.25, SL 0.74–1.04, EL 0.18–0.26, EW 0.15–0.19, PML 1.06–1.53, PWA 0.90–1.45, PWP 0.53–0.99, SPL 0.27–0.47, WL 1.04–1.58, PTL 0.18–0.35, PTH 0.43–0.61, PPL 0.24–0.40, PPH 0.39–0.58, ATW 1.03–1.77, ATL 1.09–1.82, CI 100.4–111.8, SI 69.0–84.9, OMI 43.6–60.5, CDI 42.7–58.8, SEI 379–454, PMI 88.1–97.5, PWI 51.2–73.9, CS 0.9–1.3, EYE 30.0–35.3 (50 measured).</p><p>Bicolored; head, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole orange, metasoma piceous to black.</p><p>Head as broad as or broader than long (CI&gt; 100). Mandibles striate. Face with numerous (&gt; 20) parallel costae which extend from the posterior margin of the clypeus to the posterior margin of the head; a few lateral costae curve posteriorly to the eye and either end at the eye or the base of the mandibles. Frontal carinae produced over the antennal scrobe as flanges, and with rugose sculpture on the dorsal surface. Scrobal carina dwarfed by the frontal carina flange, sometimes reduced to near absence. Anterior margin of clypeus without lamina; lateral corners of middle portion of clypeus produced into two stout, widely set denticles (CDI&gt; 40). Middle portion of clypeus shining, with strong costae. Eyes small (EYE &lt;36). Maximum eye length less than ¾ length of malar area (OMI &lt;62). Face covered with numerous erect setae of various lengths; longest setae about 2.5 times as long as eye, and somewhat more frequent; shortest setae about equal in length to the eye.</p><p>Promesonotal shield longer than broad, including the posterolateral spines (PMI &lt;99). Lateral margins of promesonotal shield produced into translucent flanges. Anterolateral corners acute to subacute. Lateral flanges produced into flat denticles past midlength; these medial denticles are set off from rest of margin by anterior and posterior emarginations. Posterolateral spines dorsoventrally flattened; always longer than their base; sometimes depressed below the plane of the promesonotal dorsum; often parallel, sometimes curved medially. Promesonotal shield with arcing costae: the costae begin on the posterolateral spines or lateral flanges and curve anteriorly, with their vertices anterior to the medial denticles. Promesontal shield with rugose sculpture on the lateral and posterior flanges as well as on the spines. Setae on promesonotal dorsum of similar composition to those of the face. Mesosomal pleurae without visible sutures. Lateral faces of mesosoma covered with numerous (&gt; 15) longitudinal costae. Metapleural lobes weakly projecting posteriorly. Propodeal spines long (SPL mean 0.38); mediolaterally flattened; translucent. Posterior face of propodeum with strong to weak punctuation; with or without longitudinal costae.</p><p>Petiole without pedicel or lobe-like ventral process, but otherwise variable: with strong to weak anterolateral bulges; dorsal margin with well- to poorly-developed lamina; dorsolateral margins swept backward and produced into lobe-like laminae which may be long or short, rounded acute to obtuse, directed posterolaterally or dorsolaterally, with dense or dilute ventral pubescence. Postpetiole nodiform (PPI&gt; 60). Dorsal face of postpetiole with strong rugose-areolate sculpture; lateral face strongly costate and rugose; posterior face rugose to areolate. Fourth abdominal tergum (ATIV) small (ATW/WL 1.20; ATL/WL &lt;1.23). ATIV with dense-punctate sculpture always in posterior half; anterior half grading from dense-punctate with radiating costae to smooth and shining with very weak costae. Setiferous punctures of ATIV surrounded by a circular area of shining, weak punctae. The majority of setae on ATIV longer than the maximum width of the metafemora; longest setae present around the base of abdominal tergum IV; setae decrease in length posteriorly.</p><p>Queen. HL 1.35–1.44, HW 1.48–1.58, HLA 0.48–0.54, CW 0.50–0.55, CDD 0.21–0.25, SL 0.96–1.07, EL 0.28–0.31, EW 0.23–0.24, SPL 0.19–0.25, WL 1.95–2.12, PTL 0.33–0.38, PTH 0.51–0.65, PPL 0.38–0.47, PPH 0.62–0.69, ATW 1.95–2.26, ATL 2.17–2.35, CI 105.8–113.3, SI 64.7–67.8, OMI 54.4–60.9, CDI 39.1–49.1, SEI 333–367, CS 1.4–1.5, EYE 34.6–37.1 (8 measured).</p><p>Bicolored; head, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole orange, metasoma piceous to black.</p><p>Head broader than long (CI&gt; 105). Mandibles striate. Face with numerous parallel costae, varying in rugosity, which extend from posterior margin of clypeus to posterior margin of head; lateralmost costae curving over eyes and extending to base of mandibles. Sculpture above the eyes costate to weakly rugose. Scrobal carina variable, never strong or bulging. Anterior margin of clypeus without lamina, rather with two strong, widely set, coneshaped denticles (CDI&gt; 38). Middle portion of clypeus entirely costate; costae of varying rugosity. Eyes comparatively small (EYE &lt;38). Maximum length of eye less than ¾ as long as malar area (OMI 54–61). Scapes not notably short (SI 64–68). Setae on face erect and of various lengths.</p><p>Mesosoma longer than tall. Anterolateral corners of pronotum produced into well-developed denticles; dorsolateral margin produced into a distinct carina. Mesosomal dorsum porcate; ridges of varying rugosity sometimes anastomosing. Setae on dorsum of mesosoma of various lengths; longest on the pronotum and mesoscutellum. Lateral face of pronotum costate, with costae in dorsal third curving upward to join dorsolateral carina. Katepisternum costate, occasionally with a smooth patch in anterior portion. Anepisternum with strong costae which are widely set relative to katepisternal costae. Mesopleuron and lateral face of propodeum costate. Propodeal spines variably short to long (SPL 0.14–0.25). Procoxae with distinct anterolateral basal shoulder. Procoxae with raised sculpture. Wings as in Meranoplus male diagnosis. Forewing discal cell 1 (d1) with marked intrapopulation variation: d1 longer than broad, or as long as broad; d1 posterodistal corner may be acute or sub-perpendicular.</p><p>Petiole cuneate in profile; with anterior bulge in ventral half; without pedicel. Anterolateral corners swept back, with laminar lobe variably developed. Postpetiole generally longer than tall, although exceptions may occur (PPI 64–69 [49]). Sternal process of postpetiole well-developed. Dorsal face of postpetiole strongly areolaterugose; lateral face rugose-costate; posterior face rugose. Fourth abdominal tergum (ATIV) with sides convex in dorsal view. ATIV short (ATL/WL 1.16–1.09). Base of ATIV with weak to very strong dense-punctate sculpture; subparallel costae radiating from helcium strong to weak. Middle portion to posterior portion of ATIV always with dense-punctate sculpture; smooth around setiferous punctures. Majority of ATIV setae shorter than metafemora; setae longest at base of tergum.</p><p>Male. HL 0.75–0.92, HW 0.79–0.99, HLA 0.11–0.15, SL 0.23–0.30, EL 0.23–0.35, EW 0.23–0.28, WL 1.47–1.87, PTL 0.29–0.39 PTH 0.28–0.36, PPL 0.27–0.34, PPH 0.32–0.39, ATW 1.16–1.66, ATL 1.03–1.43, CI 105.3–112.6, SI 26.7–30.7, OMI 212–249, SEI 81–88, CS 0.8–1.0, EYE 61.6–65.5 (8 measured).</p><p>Body black, abdominal segments IV–VII brown to black above, appendages light to dark brown.</p><p>Large (WL 1.5–1.9, CS 0.8–1.0). Head broader than long (CI 105–113). Mandibles short and spatulate, otherwise variable: masticatory margin edentate, with one basal or apical tooth, or with two teeth; dentition sometimes variable between left and right mandibles of same specimen. Frontal carinae indistinct to obsolescent. In full face view, posterior margin of head raised above ocelli greater than distance between lateral ocelli. Head with fine areolate sculpture and variable costae: costae posterior to ocelli may be longitudinal or transverse. Scapes short (SI 27–31). Eyes comparatively small (EYE 62–66); about two-and-a-half to about two times as long as malar area (OMI 212–243). Ocelli about the size of antennal sockets. Setae of head set in umbilicate punctures. Majority of setae on body longer than eye-length, suberect to erect, sinuate.</p><p>Notauli distinct and set with foveae; may continue to posterior margin of scutum after converging. Parapsidal lines distinct, faintly impressed. All dorsal surfaces of mesosoma coarsely rugose, with umbilicate setiferous punctures which are especially strong anterolaterally on the scutum. Rugae on scutellum may be transverse or longitudinal. Mesopleuron roughened by evanescent longitudinal costae; anepisternum may be somewhat smooth and shining. Metapleuron and lateral face of propodeum costate. Posterior face of propodeum with curving costae. Wing venation as in Meranoplus male diagnosis.</p><p>Petiole and postpetiole shape variable (PTI 92–123, PPI 83–95). Petiole and postpetiole sessile; apex of petiolar node rounded; postpetiole subglobose. Petiolar sternum occasionally with setae. Post-petiolar sternum setose. Fourth abdominal tergum shining; generally with weak, fine areolate sculpture but occasionally smooth; setae set on nodules or in punctures. Petiole and post-petiolar sculpture variable, with or without costae or rugae; foveate. Fourth abdominal sternum subopaque, with fine areolation. Setae of fourth abdominal tergum set in simple punctures, which may be somewhat raised.</p><p>Foramen genitale constricted, diameter about ½ height of basal ring; basal ring broadening posteriorly; basimere about 1.33 times longer than tall in profile; weakly pigmented dorsally in posterior half; medioventral margin of basimere produced medially as a lamina; telomere base less than 0.5 times basimere height; volsella with an apicoventral denticle; setae of cuspis short, no longer than telomere setae; digitus broad, ribbonlike; apical third of digitus sharply bent ventrally at an angle somewhat greater than 90°. Ventral half of penisvalva apex produced posteriorly beyond apicodorsal margin lateral view; lateral apicodorsal margin somewhat angulate in dorsal view; valvura short, stout: broad at base with apex sub-rectangular. Ventral margin of penisvalva sinuate: convex in basal half to concave in distal half. Penisvalva ventral margin with long, recurved teeth; width and distance between the penisvalvar teeth varies basally to apically, with broadest, shortest teeth basally, increasing in size and spacing toward apex; spaces between teeth bases about half height of each tooth in apical third.</p><p>Diagnosis</p><p>Worker. Each of the following characters is sufficient to uniquely identify this species in the Malagasy fauna: long posterolateral promesonotal spines; conelike clypeal denticles; longitudinally costate face and pleurae; concentric arcing costae on promesonotal shield; fourth abdominal tergum dense-punctate; head broader than long (CI&gt; 100); malar space about twice as long as eye (OMI 44–61); clypeal denticles widely set (CDI&gt; 40). The labrum of M. mayri is distinct from the labra of M. radamae and sylvarius (figs. 8–11). The labral lobes in M. mayri are evenly rounded distally, whereas those of M. radamae and sylvarius are evenly rounded apicolaterally and taper linearly to the midline.</p><p>Gyne. Each of the following characters is sufficient to uniquely identify this species in the Malagasy fauna: large (WL&gt; 1.90); face longitudinally costate; head broader than long (CI&gt; 102); eyes small (EYE &lt;39); eye length distinctly less than ¾ malar area length (OMI &lt;61).</p><p>Male. The large size (WL 1.6–1.9) and raised posterior margin of the head uniquely identify this species in the Malagasy fauna. Diagnosis is supported by the following characters: umbilicate setiferous punctures present on head and mesosomal dorsum; eyes comparatively small (EYE 62–66); eyes less than 2.5 times as long as the malar area (OMI 212–243); posteroventral apex of penisvalva produced beyond posterodorsal margin; penisvalva without apical lobe.</p><p>Comments</p><p>Meranoplus mayri is distributed throughout the drier regions of Madagascar from the Southwestern region near P.N. Andohahela all the way north into the Mahajanga province. The elevational range of M. mayri is 20–1345 m. This species displays subtle variation in morphometric and most sculptural characters across its range except for the sculpture of the base of abdominal tergum IV. This character varies from extremely smooth and shining in the southwest to strongly, dense-punctate and costate along the western edge of the High Plateau. Intergrades are common, however, occurring all along the western coast and into the High Plateau. Both smooth and punctate specimens may be found at the same locales, including Ampotoampoto, Ejada, Tsihombe and Ambinanitelo. The variation of this character indicates that although the two extremes are reproductively isolated by distance and geography, but are otherwise linked across their range by intermediate populations.</p><p>Unfortunately, as with most of the diversity of Meranoplus, nothing is known about the behavior or ecology of M. mayri except that its ground nests may be found in urban gardens, grasslands, and deciduous and spiny forests. This is the most frequently collected Malagasy Meranoplus, with numerous specimens captured in pitfalls, malaise traps, and hand collections. Although few collections have been made of this species in the High Plateau region, it is predicted that they may be found there as well.</p><p>Material examined</p><p>MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo, Kaloy, 18°35.47’ S, 47°39.19’ E, 1338 m, grassland, 27Apr2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antananarivo, Tan Morafeno, 15Dec1991 (A. Pauly); Fianarantsoa, P.N. Isalo, Ampotoampoto, 22.62803° S, 45.18843° E, 919 m, savanna woodland, coll’n code ARA0125, 24–28Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, P.N. Isalo, Ampotoampoto, 22.62935° S, 45.19120° E, 923 m, savanna woodland, coll’n code ARA400, 27–28Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Tuléar, Andohehala N.P., Ihazofotsy, 24°49.85’ S, 46°32.17’ E, 60 m, transition between spiny and dry forests, coll’n code MA-02-21-06, 5Jan2003 (Irwin et al.); Fianarantsoa, P.N. Isalo, Isalo, 22.61476° S, 45.31304° E, 867 m, Bismarckia woodland, coll’n code ARA314, 25Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, P.N. Isalo, Isalo, 22.61594° S, 45.31084° E, 870 m, Bismarckia woodland, coll’n code ARA305, 24–25Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, Itremo, Ampangabe, 20.61372° S, 46.60799° E, 1449 m, savanna grassland, coll’n code ARA877, 22–24Mar2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Mahajanga, P.N. Ampijoroa, 46°19.16’ S, 46°48.80’ E, 6 m, coll’n code MG-25-49, 16–27Apr2005 (Rin’Ha, Irwin); Toliara, Amboasary, 25°02.33’ S, 46°23.01’ E, 25 m, urban garden, coll’n codes BLF15906, BLF15915 and BLF15918, 9Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Andohehala NP, 24°56.21’ S, 46°37.60’ E, 174 m, transition forest, coll’n codes MG.20.56, MG.20.27, 31May–10Jun2003, 6-18Mar2004 (Rin’Ha, Irwin); Toliara, P.N. Andohehala, Manantalinjo 7.6 km 99° E Hazofotsy, 24°49’S, 46°37’ E, 150 m, under stone in spiny forest/thicket, coll’n codes BLF4863 and BLF41884, 12–16Jan2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); ground nest in spiny forest/thicket, coll’n code BLF5303, 28Jan–1Feb2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, P.N. Andohehala, Manatalinjo, 7.6 km 99° E Hazofotsy, 24°49’ S, 46°37’ E, 160 m, ground nest in spiny forest/thicket, coll’n codes BLF4811, BLF4884, 12–16Jan2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Behara, 24°52.42’S, 46°23.86’E, 85 m, spiny forest/thicket, coll’n codes BLF15886 and BLF15895, 9Jul2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Berenty Special Reserve, 25°01.26’ S, 46°18.33’ E, 36 m, spiny forest, coll’n code MG-22A, 15–29Apr2004 (Rin’Ha, Irwin); Toliara, Rés. Berenty, Forêt Anjapolo, 21.4 km 325° NW Amboasary, 24°56’ S, 46°13’ E, 65 m, ground nest in spiny forest/thicket, coll’n codes BLF5460 and BLF5490, 7Feb2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Rés. Berenty, Forêt Bealoka, 14.6 km 329° NNW Amboasary, 24°57’ S, 46°16’ E, 35 m, ground nest “gallery forest”, coll’n code BLF5382, 3–8Feb2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Ampanihy, 24°41.62’ S, 44°44.82’E, 250 m, urban/garden, coll’n codes BLF15975, BLF15982, BLF15991, 10Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Rés. Berenty, Forêt Malaza, 8.6 km 314° NW Amboasary, 25°00’ S, 46°18’ E, 40 m, “gallery forest”, coll’n code BLF5419, 6Feb2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Betioky, 23°43.27’ S, 44°22.81’ E, 270 m, urban/garden, coll’n code BLF16035, 11Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Rés. Cap Sainte Marie, 14.9 km 261° W Marovato, 25°36’ S, 45°09’ E, 160 m, ground nest in spiny forest/thicket, coll’n codes BLF5695 and BLF5748, 13–19Feb2002, (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Col du Manangotry, 24°45’ S, 16°48’ E, 600 m, coll’n code BLF601, 6Jul1992 (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Ehazoara Conyon, 26 km E Betioky, 23°41’ S, 44°38’ E, 175 m, ground forager in tropical dry forest, coll’n code BLF1510-1, 27Apr1997 (B.L. Fisher); Toliara, Ejada, 24°21.03’ S, 44°30.96’ E, 250 m, urban/garden, coll’n codes BLF15999, BLF16009, BLF16011, BLF16018, BLF16025, 10Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, P.N. Kirindy Mite, 16.3 km 127° SE Belo sur Mer, 20°48’S, 44°09’E, 80 m, ground nest tropical dry forest, coll’n codes BLF4744, BLF 4727, BLF4753, 6–10Dec2001 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Kirindy, 15.5 km 64° ENE Marofandilia, 20°03’S, 44°40’E, 100 m, ground nest tropical dry forest, coll’n codes BLF4607 and BLF4613, 28Nov–3Dec2001 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, 4 km N Isaka-Ivondro, 24°46’S, 46°52’E, 180 m, ground foragers roadside, coll’n code PSW11804-1, 3Feb1993 (P.S. Wa rd); Toliara, S.F. Mandena, 8.4 km NNE 30° Tolagnaro, 24°57.1’S, 47°00.1’E, 20 m, ground forest “littoral rainforest”, coll’n code BLF2050, 20Nov1998 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Mahafaly Plateau, 6.2 km 74° ENE Itampolo, 24°19’S, 43°69’E, 80 m, ground nest in spiny forest/thicket, coll’n code BLF5845, 21–25Feb2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Forêt Mahavelo, Isantoria Riv., 5.2 km 44° NE Ifotaka, 24°46’ S, 46°09’ E, 110 m, ground nest in spiny forest/thicket, 28Jan–1Feb2002 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Forét Mandena, 24°57.16’S, 47°00.15’E, 20 m, littoral rainforest, coll’n code BLF15666, 5Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, 48 km ENE Morondava, 20°04’S, 44°39’E, 30 m, tropical dry forest, 4–6Jan1991 (D.M. Olsen); Toliara, Tsihombe, 25°19.10’S, 45°29.02’E, 30 m, coll’n codes BLF15951, BLF15959, 10Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, P.N. Tsimanampetsotsa, Bemananateza 23.0 km 131°SE Behaloka, 24°00’S, 43°53’ E, 90 m, ground nest spiny forest/ thicket, coll’n codes BLF6265, BLF6268, BLF6280, 22–26Mar2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Forêt Vohidava, 24° 14.446 S, 46°17.27’ E, 500 m, dry forest, coll’n code BLF15851, 6–8Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Tuléar, P.N. Andohehala, Tsimela, 24°56.21’ S, 46°37.60’ E, 177 m, transition forest, coll’n code MG-20-52, 15-28Jan2004 (Rin’Ha, Irwin); Tuléar, Andohehala, N.P., Tsimelahy, 24°56.21’ S, 46°37.60’ E, 180 m, coll’n code MA-02-20-16, 15–26Feb2001 (M. Irwin et al.); Tuléar, Berenty Special Reserve, 25°00.40’ S, 46°18.20’ E, “gallery forest”, 27Dec2007, 7–17Jan2003, 24Mar–3Apr2003 (Rin’Ha, Irwin); Tuléar, Reserve Berenty, 25°01’ S, 46°18’ E, 25 m, ground foragers in tropical dry forest, coll’n code BLF603-1, 10Dec1992 (B.L. Fisher).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/644B87DBFFCEFFB27EB2FB9FF929FDBD	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Boudinot, Brendon E.;Fisher, Brian L.	Boudinot, Brendon E., Fisher, Brian L. (2013): A taxonomic revision of the Meranoplus F. Smith of Madagascar (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) with keys to species and diagnosis of the males. Zootaxa 3635 (4): 301-339, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3635.4.1
644B87DBFFC7FFB67EB2FDEFF86AF8E6.text	644B87DBFFC7FFB67EB2FDEFF86AF8E6.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Meranoplus radamae Forel 1891	<div><p>Meranoplus radamae Forel, 1891</p><p>(Figs. 9, 14, 16–18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 32, 48–56, 65)</p><p>Meranoplus radamae Forel, 1891: 148, pl. 4, fig. 10. Lectotype worker, here designated, MADAGASCAR: Imerina (Central Madagascar) (M. Hildebrandt) (MHNG: CASENT0101239) [examined].</p><p>Description</p><p>Worker. HL 0.86–1.04, HW 0.79–0.92, HLA 0.32–0.38, CW 0.29–0.36, CDD 0.08–0.10, SL 0.60–0.72, EL 0.18–0.22, EW 0.13–0.16, PML 0.58–0.76, PWA 0.73–0.92, PWP 0.43–0.55, SPL 0.16–0.22, WL 0.86– 1.1.05, PTL 0.18–0.25, PTH 0.38–0.46, PPL 0.19–0.26, PPH 0.32–0.42, ATW 1.01–1.24, ATL 1.09–1.40, CI 88.7–93.8, SI 70.5–79.4, OMI 55.9–62.7, CDI 22.4–34.2, SEI 290–350, PMI 121.3–134.3, PWI 54.0–62.5, CS 0.8–1.0, EYE 36.2–40.5 (19 measured).</p><p>Coloration variable: dark orange, orange brown or yellowish brown with yellow abdominal segments IV–VII. Head longer than broad (CI 92–95). Mandibles striate. Face longitudinally rugose to dilutely costate; area anterior to nuchal carina areolate to rugose. Area around eyes areolate to rugose or costate beneath and behind. Frontal carinae concealing dorsal margin of eyes in full face view. Scrobal carina weak to nearly absent. Anterior margin of clypeus with weakly bilobed lamina; lobes relatively close set (CDI 22–36). Middle portion of clypeus costate to rugose laterally; smooth and shining medially. Setae on face subdecumbent to erect; of mixed lengths; longest setae about twice as long as shortest.</p><p>Promesonotal shield longer than broad (PMI 120–134). Lateral margins of promesonotum tapering to midline posteriorly; posterolateral denticles comparatively close-set (PWI 54–63). Dorsum of promesonotum areolate to dilutely rugose. Setae on promesonotal shield subdecumbent to erect; of mixed lengths; longest setae about 1.25 as long as shortest. Lateral face of pronotum rugose anteriorly; posterior portion shining, variably smooth to weakly areolate; setiferous nodules mostly hidden by sculpture. Lateral face of mesonotum smooth and shining to somewhat roughened. Anapleural and mesometapleural sutures present. Mesopleuron shining; with or without weak areolate sculpture or costae on katepisternum. Metapleuron shining with or without weak areolation; smooth anterodorsal metapleural bulla. Lateral face of propodeum shining, roughened with rugae dorsal to spiracle. Propodeal spines long, thorn-shaped (0.16–0.22), with both dorsolateral and dorsomedian costae reaching notopropodeal suture. Posterior face of propodeum with costae in dorsal region.</p><p>Petiole cuneate in profile although sometimes with bulge posteriorly near apex; without pedicel. Subpetiolar process dentiform. Anterior and posterior faces of petiole smooth and shining. Postpetiole nodiform; without distinct posterodorsal angle. Dorsal face of postpetiole areolate to rugose; lateral face rugose; posterior face areolate to rugose. Fourth abdominal tergite (ATIV) can be small (ATW/WL 1.13–1.33, ATL/WL 1.15–1.48). ATIV base variably rugose and rough to shining between setiferous punctures. ATIV with fine areolate sculpture, which may be weak, between stellate setiferous punctures. ATIV setae of mixed lengths; short setae subdecumbent; long setae suberect; longest setae 1.25–1.5 times as long as shortest setae.</p><p>Queen. HL 1.09–1.15, HW 1.05–1.10, HLA 0.35–0.38, CW 0.37–0.41, CDD 0.10–0.13, SL 0.70–0.74, EL 0.26–0.29, EW 0.21, SPL 0.19–0.23, WL 1.39–1.49, PTL 0.27–0.31, PTH 0.47–0.49, PPL 0.24–0.30, PPH 0.47–0.52, ATW 1.47–1.58, ATL 1.68–1.92, CI 92.1–96.1, SI 68.0–70.3, OMI 72.6–78.5, CDI 25.9–32.8, SEI 253–283, CS 1.1, EYE 43.3–44.8 (6 measured).</p><p>Light brown to pale yellowish orange.</p><p>Small (WL 1.4–1.5). Head longer than broad (CI 92–97). Mandibles striate; ridges may be evenly curved or wavy. Face areolate to longitudinally rugose; area posterior to ocelli areolate to transversely rugose. Area above and below eyes areolate; areolate to rugose behind eyes. Scrobal carina distinct to indistinct; broadest in anterior half. Anterior margin of clypeus with bilobed lamina; lobes relatively close-set (CDI 26–33). Middle portion of clypeus rugose to costate laterally, smooth medially; lateral ridges may meet anteriorly. Eyes large (EYE 43–53). Maximum eye length ¾ length of malar area (OMI 73–79). Scapes long (SI 67–70). Face with setae of mixed lengths; longest setae 1.25–2 times as long as shortest setae.</p><p>Pronotum with anterolateral angles; dorsolaterally ecarinate. Pronotal dorsum variably areolate to rugose. Scutum smooth to rugose on anterior half; always with some rugae on posterior half. Scutellum areolate to longitudinally rugose. Lateral face of pronotum areolate to sub-areolate on anterior portion; shining, roughened, sometimes with rugae on posterior portion. Katepisternum smooth and shining, with longitudinal costae often extending from anapleural suture to mesometapleural suture. Anepisternum shining ventrally; rugose dorsally. Metapleuron and lateral face of propodeum rugose, with variable shining area anterodorsal to metapleural bulla. Propodeal spines long, thorn-like (SPL 0.19–0.23). Wings as in Meranoplus male diagnosis.</p><p>Petiole cuneate in profile, without pedicel. Postpetiole nodiform, without distinct posterodorsal angle. Subpostpetiolar process well-developed; robust to thin. Dorsal face of postpetiole areolate to rugose; lateral face rugose-costate; posterior face areolate with interstices punctate to longitudinally rugose. Fourth abdominal tergum (ATIV) with sides convex in dorsal view; long (ATL/WL 1.20–1.29). Base of ATIV rough to smooth, with variably developed rugae; setiferous punctures strong near base, increasing in stellation posteriorly; ATIV with weak fine areolation between setiferous punctures. ATIV setae of mixed lengths: short setae subdecumbent, shortest setae about ½ length of longest setae; long setae erect, varying in density.</p><p>Male. HL 0.52–0.63, HW 0.55–0.60, HLA 0.06–0.09, SL 0.15–0.18, EL 0.24–0.26, EW 0.19–0.23, WL 0.70–1.20, PTL 0.19–0.25, PTH 0.20–0.22, PPL 0.15–0.19, PPH 0.19–0.22, ATW 0.79–1.01, ATL 0.83–0.96, CI 96.3–106.4, SI 27.0–29.7, OMI 301–428, SEI 61–69, CS 0.5–0.6, EYE 75.9–80.5 (3 measured).</p><p>Body piceous brown, appendages light brown.</p><p>Small (WL 0.7–1.2, CS 0.5–0.6). Head longer than broad or broader than long (CI 96–106). Mandibles variably developed: short and spatulate with edentate masticatory margin to longer, bladelike, with apical tooth. Frontal carinae distinct to indistinct. In full-face view, posterior margin of head not raised above ocelli greater than distance between lateral ocelli. Head variably rugose with foveate sculpture. Scapes short (SI 27–30). Eyes large (EYE 76–81), greater than three times as long as malar area (OMI 300–430). Ocelli about the size of the antennal socket. Majority of setae on body shorter than eye length, subdecumbent to erect, uniformly straight to evenly curved.</p><p>Notauli distinct; may continue to posterior margin of scutum after converging. Parapsidal lines distinct, impressed or not. Scutum smooth and shining, albeit undulating with coarse setiferous punctures. Scutellum shining at least medially; roughened laterally. Katepisternum smooth and shining. Anepisternum smooth and shining; posterior half variably rough and rugose to smooth and shining. Lower half of metapleuron with a shining patch of variable size; dorsal half rugose. Posterior face of propodeum with longitudinal costae laterally; variably foveate to smooth.</p><p>Petiole and postpetiole shape variable (PTI 87–114, PPI 72–95). Petiole and postpetiole sessile; apex of petiolar node node acute to rounded; postpetiole subglobose. Petiolar sternum occasionally with setae. Postpetiolar sternum setose. Fourth abdominal tergum shining, with weak, fine areolate sculpture and with stellate setiferous punctures. Fourth abdominal sternum shining.</p><p>Foramen genitale constricted; basal ring broadening posteriorly; basimere longer than tall; basimere dorsomedian margin folded ventrally; basimere ventromedian margin dorsally curved, cupping the volsella; telomere arrowhead-shaped with a ventral membrane basally; setae of cuspis numerous, subequal in length to the apex of the telomere in ventral view; basal setose region of cuspis triangular; ventral margin of cuspis edentate, evenly curved; digitus long, thin, narrowing to apex which is evenly ventrally curved; valviceps of penisvalva strongly rounded with an apicoventral lobe; valvura apex subrectangular, narrow; ventral margin of penisvalva slightly concave to straight in basal half, otherwise straight and serrate, with teeth short and pointed anteriorly.</p><p>Diagnosis</p><p>Worker. Workers of this species are immediately differentiable from M. mayri by the absence of promesonotal spines. The following characters diagnose this species within the M. nanus group: posterolateral denticles close-set (PWI &lt;64); meso- and metatibial spurs present; dorsomedian costa of propodeal spine present, extending to promesonotum; postpetiole posterior face never smooth and shining.</p><p>Gyne. Within the Malagasy Meranoplus fauna, gynes of M. radamae may be identified by the following characters: stellate setiferous punctures present on fourth abdominal tergum; propodeal spines thorn-like; smooth area behind eyes interrupted by rugae, or ruga behind eye terminates at ventrolateral mandibular condyle; eye length about ¾ length of malar area (OMI mean 75); never bicolored nor dark brown.</p><p>Male. Males of M. radamae may be separated from those of M. mayri by the presence of the following characters: posterior margin of head not visible in full face view; small (WL 0.70–1.20); eyes large (EYE 76–81); maximum eye length greater than or equal to three times length of malar area (OMI 301–428); head comparatively small (CS 0.5–0.6); apex of penisvalva evenly rounded; penisvalva with apicoventral lobe; ventral margin of penisvalva serrate, without long spine-like teeth.</p><p>Comments</p><p>Meranoplus radamae is restricted to the grasslands and woodlands of the High Plateau, and the spiny forests of southern Madagascar. Specimens are known from 370–1550 m above sea level, and nests have been collected under stones in grassland and from ground nests. A few collections have been made in southern rainforest sites, but these may represent local adaptation to disturbed habitats. It is interesting to note that the southern rainforest collections of M. radamae, at R.S. Kalambatitra and Mount Vasiha, have reduced sculpturation on the face and promesonotal shield; these characters are represented in extreme form by the distinct M. sylvarius described here.</p><p>Material examined</p><p>MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo, Ambatolaona, 18°55.68’ S, 47.52.97° E, 1382 m, urban/garden, coll’n codes BLF16883, BLF16899, 19Feb2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antananarivo, Angavokely, 18°56’ S, 47°45’ E, 10Feb1992 (B. Pettersson); 29.5 km WNW Tolanaro, Vasiha Mt., 24°55’37” S, 46°44’49” E, 300 m, sifted leaf litter in rainforest, 6–7Feb1995 (K.C. Emberton et al.); Antananarivo, Ankalalahana, 19.00659° S, 47.11220° E, 1375 m, Uapaca woodland, coll’n codes BLF26350, BLF26357, BLF26360, BLF26366, BLF2637, BLF26391, 29–31Mar2010 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antananarivo, Antsahadinta, 19°00.76’ S, 47°27.40’ E, 1403 m, urban garden, coll’n codes BLF17519, BLF17522, 8May2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Antananarivo, Arivonimamo, Navoatra, 18.97799° S, 47.11929° E, 1373 m, Uapaca woodland, coll’n code ARA915, 6–8May2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Antananarivo, Manalalondo, Antaponimanadala, 19.25531° S, 47.17710° E, 1984 m, savanna grassland, coll’n code ARA1053, 13–16May2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, Ambositra, Antapia, 20.71971° S, 47.08685° E, 1495 m, Uapaca woodland, coll’n code ARA600, 3–5Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, Ambositra, Mampiarika, 20.73456° S, 47.08355° E, 1480 m, Uapaca woodland, coll’n code ARA468, Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, Ambositra, Mampiarika, 20.73568° S, 47.08384° E, 1464 m, Uapaca woodland, coll’n code ARA469, 1–3Feb2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, Forêt Atsirakambiaty 7.6 km 285° WNW Itremo, 20°35.6’ S, 46°33.8’ E, 1550 m, under stone in grassland, coll’n codes BLF7206, BLF7226, 22–26Jan2003 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Fianarantsoa, Itremo, Ampangabe, 20.6119° S, 46.60688° E, 1414 m, savanna woodland, coll’n code ARA791, 21–23Mar2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Fianarantsoa, Itremo, Antohatsahomby, 20.55436° S, 46.58438° E, 1640 m, Uapaca woodland, coll’n code ARA611, 18Mar2010 (A. Ravelomanana); Mahajanga, Ambohimanga, 18°45.67’ S, 47.33.86’ E, 1361 m, disturbed montane rainforest, coll’n code BLF17326, 26Apr2007 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, R.S. Kalambatitra, 23.4185° S, 46.4583° E, 1365 m, grassland, coll’n codes BLF21500, BLF21538, BLF21535, 8Feb2009 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Forêt Vohidava 88.9 km N Amboasary, 24°14’26” S, 46°17’16” E, 500 m, coll’n codes BLF15846, BLF15847, BLF15849, BLF15850, BLF15692, BLF15738, 9Dec2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.); Toliara, Vohibasia Forest, 59 km E Sakaraha, 22°28’ S, 44°51’ E, 750 m, sifted litter in tropical dry forest, coll’n code BLF1310, 13Jan1996 (B.L. Fisher et al.).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/644B87DBFFC7FFB67EB2FDEFF86AF8E6	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Boudinot, Brendon E.;Fisher, Brian L.	Boudinot, Brendon E., Fisher, Brian L. (2013): A taxonomic revision of the Meranoplus F. Smith of Madagascar (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) with keys to species and diagnosis of the males. Zootaxa 3635 (4): 301-339, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3635.4.1
644B87DBFFFDFF8C7EB2FF14FC4EFA36.text	644B87DBFFFDFF8C7EB2FF14FC4EFA36.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Meranoplus sylvarius Boudinot & Fisher	<div><p>Meranoplus sylvarius Boudinot &amp; Fisher sp. n.</p><p>(Figs. 10, 23, 28, 29, 57–62, 66)</p><p>Holotype worker, MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa, Vevembe, 22°47.46’ S, 47°10.91’ E, 600 m, rainforest transition to montane forest, collection code BLF14131, 23–24Apr2006 (B.L. Fisher et al.) (CASC: CASENT017529). Paratype gyne with same data as holotype worker (CASC: CASENT0317567).</p><p>Paratype workers with same data as holotype worker (BMNH: CASENT0317527; CASC: CASENT0317536, CASENT0317566, CASENT0070611, CASENT0317528, CASENT0317540–CASENT0317542, CASENT0317557–CASENT0317559, CASENT0317544, CASENT0317547, CASENT0317548, CASENT0317548–CASENT0317552, CASENT0317554–CASENT0317556; MHNG: CASENT0317538; MCZ: CASENT0317543; USNM: CASENT0317549; NHMB: CASENT0317553).</p><p>Description</p><p>Worker (holotype in parentheses). HL 1.03–1.13 (1.06), HW 0.90–1.02 (0.96), HLA 0.37–0.41 (0.39), CW 0.36–0.38 (0.38), CDD 0.09–0.11 (0.11), SL 0.73–0.80 (0.78), EL 0.22–0.23 (0.23), EW 0.15–0.16 (0.16), PML 0.72–0.80 (0.76), PWA 0.88–0.98 (0.94), PWP 0.47–0.53 (0.48), SPL 0.19–0.22 (0.21), WL 1.04–1.17 (1.12), PTL 0.23–0.25 (0.25), PTH 0.43–0.49 (0.46), PPL 0.23–0.24 (0.24), PPH 0.40–0.45 (0.42), ATW 1.23–1.34 (1.32), ATL 1.27–1.48 (1.42), CI 87.4–90.6 (90.1), SI 77.7–81.3 (81.1), OMI 58.3–59.6 (59.4), CDI 23.9–-31.2 (27.3), SEI 324–355 (336), PMI 122.7–124.4 (122.8), PWI 51.5–55.3 (51.5), CS 1.0–1.1 (1.0), EYE 37.7–40.4 (38.5) (7 measured).</p><p>Chocolate brown to almost black.</p><p>Head longer than broad (CI 77–82). Mandibles with nearly parallel striation. Face with dilute costae which veer away from posterior margin of head; area anterior to nuchal carina without rugae or areolation. Area around eyes costate; costae in malar area somewhat rugose. Frontal carinae comparatively narrow, not concealing margin of eyes in full-face view. Scrobal carina weakly developed; anterior half bulging. Anterior margin of clypeus with weakly bilobed lamina; lobes close-set (CDI 24–31). Middle portion of clypeus shining and weakly costate; lateral thirds of middle portion with about two costae; middle third without costae. Eyes large (EYE 35–41). Maximum length of eye distinctly less than ¾ length of malar area (OMI 55–60). Face with erect to subdecumbent setae of various lengths. Setae ventrally and anterior to the eye mostly subdecumbent.</p><p>Promesonotal shield longer than broad (PMI 122–125); posterolateral corners close-set (PWI 51–55). Dorsum of promesonotum with dilute costae, mostly concentrated in anterior half; interstices with setae raised on tiny nodules. Promesonotal shield setae decumbent to suberect, of mixed lengths. Lateral face of pronotum with weak rugae; setae raised on nodules. Lateral face of mesonotum smooth and shining. Katepi-anepisternal suture present; mesopleural-mesonotal suture present; mesopleural-metapleural suture absent to present. Mesopleuron smooth and strongly shining, with very dilute (1 to 4), very weak indications of raised sculpture other than in posteroventral area. Metapleural lobes well-developed. Propodeal spines thornlike; dorsomedian carina absent; dorsolateral carina extends dorsolaterally to promesonotum. Posterior face of propodeum smooth and shining; very weak costae may be present in top third, which otherwise has setae raised on nodules.</p><p>Petiole cuneate in profile, without pedicel. Anteroventral process of petiole a simple denticle. Postpetiole nodiform, about as tall as long (PTI 50–55). Sub-post-petiolar process well-developed, with a strong inflection between posterior half of sternum. Dorsal face of postpetiole with weak to indistinct rugae; lateral face with weak to indistinct rugae; posterior face smooth and shining except for nodulose setae and transverse costae near extreme base. Fourth abdominal tergum (ATIV) comparatively small (ATW/WL 1.15–1.23, ATL/HL 1.20–1.33). ATIV shining, with fine areolate sculpture between stellate setiferous punctures; smooth near base of tergum. Setae of ATIV of mixed lengths; shortest subdecumbent and longer than width of metafemora; longest setae about twice as long as shortest.</p><p>Queen (paratype). HL 1.22, HW 1.17, HLA 0.41, CW 0.44, CDD 0.13, SL 0.82, EL 0.29, EW 0.22, SPL 0.20, WL 1.61, PTL 0.31, PTH 0.56, PPL 0.29, PPH 0.56, ATW 1.82, ATL 1.89, CI 95.2, SI 70.6, OMI 71.4, CDI 29.1, SEI 285, CS 1.2, EYE 42.4.</p><p>Color: chocolate brown.</p><p>Large (WL 1.61). Head longer than broad (CI 95). Mandibles with more-or-less parallel striae. Face with weakly rugose costae which continue to the posterior margin of the head. Area above eye areolate; behind and beneath eye costate. Scrobal carina weakly bulging in anterior half. Anterior margin of clypeus with two welldeveloped, close-set laminar lobes (CDI 29). Middle portion of clypeus with strong costae in lateral thirds; middle third without sculpture. Eyes large (EYE 42). Maximum eye length about ¾ length of malar area (OMI 71). Scapes long (SI 71). Face with erect to subdecumbent setae; longest setae about 1.5 length of shortest setae.</p><p>Mesosoma longer than tall. Anterolateral corners of pronotum angled; dorsolateral margin of pronotum ecarinate. Mesosomal dorsum with little sculpture: pronotum smooth medially, rugose laterally; scutum smooth and shining in anterior half, with dilute rugae in posterior half; scutellum with transverse rugae branching more frequently in lateral portions. Mesosomal dorsum with subdecumbent to erect setae of mixed lengths. Lateral face of pronotum rugose anteriorly; with setae raised on strong nodules. Katepisternum mostly smooth and shining; without costae extending longitudinally margin to margin. Anteroventral portion of anepisternum smooth and shining; dorsal portion with longitudinal rugae, interstices roughened. Metapleuron roughened with rugae; area anteroventral to propodeal spiracle smooth and shining. Propodeal spines thorn-like, long (SPL 0.20). Meso and metatibial spurs absent. Wings unknown.</p><p>Petiole cuneate in profile; subpetiolar process dentiform. Postpetiole nodiform; sternal process large. Dorsal and lateral faces of postpetiole rugose; posterior face roughened near base and with dilute longitudinal costae. Forth abdominal tergum (ATIV) with sides convex; nearly as broad as long (ATW/GL 0.96). ATIV with fine, weak areolate sculpture between stellate setiferous punctures; weak, dilute costae present in basal region. ATIV with subdecumbent short setae; suberect setae about 1.5-2 times as long as shorter setae.</p><p>Diagnosis</p><p>Worker. The absence of meso- and metatibial spurs is unique in the Malagasy fauna. This new species may be separated from M. radamae by the absence of a dorsomedial costa extending from the base of the propodeal spine to the promesonotum.</p><p>Gyne. The combination of stellate setiferous punctures, comparatively large size (WL 1.61), dark chocolatebrown color, malar area about ¾ the length of the eye (OMI 71.4), long scapes (SI 70.6), uniquely identify gynes of this species in the Malagasy fauna.</p><p>Comments</p><p>The type series of M. sylvarius is designated from a large nest collection from the rainforest/montane forest of Vevembe, the only known locale of this species. Restriction to moist forest habitat is unique for Malagasy Meranoplus .</p><p>Although not collected in sympatry with M. radamae, M. sylvarius is morphologically distinct enough to support the hypothesis of reproductive isolation. The lack of meso- and metatibial spurs is unique in the Malagasy Meranoplus fauna. Although M. radamae shows much geographic variation in its sculpturation, the trends of sculpture reduction across body parts never move in synchrony to such extremes, suggesting that the almost complete reduction of sculpture on specimens of M. sylvarius would be highly unlikely under circumstances of gene flow.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/644B87DBFFFDFF8C7EB2FF14FC4EFA36	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Boudinot, Brendon E.;Fisher, Brian L.	Boudinot, Brendon E., Fisher, Brian L. (2013): A taxonomic revision of the Meranoplus F. Smith of Madagascar (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) with keys to species and diagnosis of the males. Zootaxa 3635 (4): 301-339, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3635.4.1
