Research Article |
Corresponding author: Herbert Zettel ( herbert.zettel@nhm-wien.ac.at ) Academic editor: Michael Ohl
© 2015 Herbert Zettel, Alice Laciny.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Zettel H, Laciny A (2015) Contributions to the taxonomy of the ant genus Echinopla Smith, 1857 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 62(1): 101-121. https://doi.org/10.3897/dez.62.5093
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Sixteen species of Echinopla Smith, 1857 distributed west of Weber’s Line are treated, including eight species described as new: E. madli sp. n. from southern Thailand and Borneo, E. wardi sp. n. from West Malaysia, E. fisheri sp. n., E. circulus sp. n., E. mezgeri sp. n., and E. subtilis sp. n. from Borneo, E. brevisetosa sp. n. and E. angustata sp. n. from the Philippines. Lectotypes are designated for E. lineata Mayr, 1862 and E. senilis Mayr, 1862, stat. rev., and differences between the two species are pointed out. New records are presented for E. melanarctos Smith, 1857 (West Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo), E. pallipes Smith, 1857 (Borneo), E. tritschleri Forel, 1901 (West Malaysia, Borneo), E. cherapunjiensis Bharti & Gul, 2012 (Laos, West Malaysia), E. lineata Mayr, 1862 (Singapore, Borneo), E. cf. pseudostriata Donisthorpe, 1943 (Philippines), and E. cf. vermiculata Emery, 1898 (Philippines).
ants, Formicidae , Echinopla , new species, new status, lectotype, new records, south-eastern Asia, Sumatra, Borneo, Philippines
Echinopla Smith, 1857 is among the small genera of camponotine ants. The 24 described species (
This study aims to add knowledge of sixteen species (including eight new species) from west of Weber’s Line, chiefly from the Asian mainland, from Borneo, and from the Philippine Islands. The taxonomy of Echinopla striata sensu lato is preliminarily excluded, because the treatment of this species (or species complex) should be based on larger samples to evaluate its geographic variation. In addition, taxonomic problems in two closely related species, E. pseudostriata Donisthorpe, 1943 (Philippines) and E. vermiculata Emery, 1898, are addressed.
Specimens were dry mounted on card squares or triangles. Examination of specimens was carried out with binocular microscopes; measurements were taken at magnifications up to 240×. Stacked digital images were taken with a Leica DFC camera attached to a Leica MZ16 binocular microscope with the help of Leica Application Suite V3, stacked with ZereneStacker 64-bit, and processed with Adobe Photoshop 7.0.
CAS California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, U.S.A.
MCB D. Mezger Collection, Balingen, Germany
NHMW Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria
NMM National Museum of the Philippines, Manila, the Philippines
UKL University of Koblenz-Landau (Campus Landau), Germany
WCD P.S. Ward Collection, Davis, California, U.S.A.
SCV D.M. Sorger Collection, Vienna, Austria
ZCV H. Zettel Collection, Vienna, Austria
TL Total length. Length of entire specimen measured in dorsal view with head stretched out, from anterior margin of mandible to apex of abdomen, or the added lengths of head (including mandibles), alitrunk, petiole, and gaster in specimens mounted otherwise.
HW1 Head width. Maximum width of head in full-face view including eyes.
HW2 Head width without eyes. Maximum width of head in full-face view excluding eyes.
HL Head length. Maximum length of head in full-face view, excluding mandibles, measured from anterior-most point of clypeus to posterior-most point of head vertex, parallel to midline, including cuticular protrusions if present.
EL Eye length. Maximum diameter of compound eye, measured in lateral view.
SL Scape length. Maximum length of antennal scape in dorsal view excluding basal neck and condyle.
SW Scape width. Maximum width of antennal scape, measured dorsally, usually within distal third of scape.
HaL Hair length. Length of the longest standing hair on scape, measured from apex to base.
PML Promesonotal length. Length of promesonotum, measured along midline dorsally from anterior-most point (excluding collar) to mesometanotal suture.
PMW Promesonotal width. Maximum width of promesonotum measured dorsally, including spines or tubercles if present.
PpL Propodeal length. Length of propodeum, measured dorsomedially from mesometanotal suture to posterior-most point.
PpW Propodeal width. Maximum width of propodeum measured dorsally.
PH Petiole height. Maximum height of the petiole in lateral view, measured from ventral-most point of petiolar sternum to dorsal apex, including spines or tubercles if present.
PL Petiole length. Maximum length of petiole in lateral view, measured from inflexion point of anterior constriction to posterior margin, perpendicular to axis of maximum height.
PW Petiole width. Maximum width of petiole in dorsal view, including spines or tubercles if present.
GL Gastral length. Maximum length of first gastral tergite measured dorsally from anterior-most point of first gastral segment to its posterior-most point (further tergites not included if protruding).
GW Gastral width. Maximum width of first gastral tergite measured dorsally, perpendicular to midline.
CI Cephalic index. HW1 / HL × 100.
SI Scape index. SL / HW1 × 100.
MI Mesosoma index. (PML + PpL) / PMW × 100.
The species are ordered by similarity according to the following scheme:
Five new species that have a polyporous surface, i.e. multiple closely set pores in the integument (see Fig.
Four described and one new species having “pedestals” on the mesonotum, i.e. socket-shaped protuberances of the integument bearing a long apical seta, surrounded by a subapical ring of short, horizontally projecting hairs (see Figs
Two new species with finely punctured gaster tergite 1, i.e. the dorsal gastral integument is matt with subtle sculpture, without pores, protuberances or rugae (see Figs
Notes on four described species with predominantly striate surface structure, i.e. the integument bears a sculpture of longitudinal, often parallel lines (see Fig.
Holotype (worker, NHMW) from Thailand, Satun Province, Thale Ban National Park, 10–16.III.1993, leg. Michael Madl. Paratype (worker, CAS) from Borneo, Sabah, Danum Valley, Field Centre, 525 m a.s.l., 4.963056°N; 117.802806°E, 16–26.VIII.2010, rainforest, Ant Course 2010, unknown collector.
3 workers (UKL, NHMW) from Borneo, Sabah, Poring Spring, lower montane mixed dipterocarp forest, > 650 m, Aporusa sp., fogging, 9–21.II.1993, leg. A. Floren (A50/F4, A51/F5).
(worker). Predominantly black, very small, stout species, TL = 3.9–4.6 mm. Surface polyporous, dorsal margins of mesosoma with sharp tubercles. Head wider than long (CI = 104–115). Mesosoma roughly one fourth longer than pronotal width (MI 120–131), with sharp and deep mesometanotal suture. Pronotum hardly wider than head, if eyes excluded. Propodeum shorter than promesonotum. Petiole dentate, with 1–2 sharp teeth and 0–2 smaller denticles laterally below lateral spine. Gaster tergite 1 with relatively small pores and wide, strongly shiny interspaces; on disk subcumbent pilosity very sparse. Standing setae on dorsal surface of trunk, on legs and scape relatively short. Setae on tibia abundant, surpassing base of distally following setae.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 4.3; HW1 1.17; HW2 1.10; HL 1.07; EL 0.23; SL 0.91; SW 0.12; HaL 0.15; PML 0.76; PMW 1.11; PpL 0.59; PpW 1.04; PH 0.45; PL 0.38; PW 1.03; GL 1.24; GW 1.22. Indices: CI 110; SI 78; MI 122.
Measurements of paratype worker: TL 3.9; HW1 1.15; HW2 1.07; HL 1.00; EL 0.22; SL 0.89; SW 0.12; HaL 0.18; PML 0.72; PMW 1.09; PpL 0.59; PpW 0.98; PH 0.45; PL 0.38; PW 0.96; GL 1.17; GW 1.15. Indices: CI 115; SI 77; MI 120.
Measurements of non-type workers: TL 4.4–4.6; HW1 1.11–1.20; HW2 1.00–1.11; HL 1.07–1.11; EL 0.22–0.25; SL 0.93–0.96; SW 0.13–0.14; HaL 0.11–0.13; PML 0.74–0.78; PMW 1.04–1.12; PpL 0.61–0.67; PpW 0.96–1.04; PH 0.46 (two measured); PL 0.36–0.38; PW 0.97–1.04; GL 1.26–1.37; GW 1.20–1.30. Indices: CI 104–108; SI 80–85; MI 129–131.
Structures: Head wider than long, subtrapezoidal, with slightly convex sides; dorsally and laterally polyporous, with closely set pores, posterolaterally with a few very small tubercles, matt; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye relatively small, moderately protruding, positioned slightly behind mid-length of head. Frons of type specimens with prominent median carina; frontal lobes chiefly horizontally oriented, completely covering antennal fossae in dorsal aspect, maximum distance of margins at mid-length, slightly greater than half of HW2. Clypeus of type specimens with prominent median carina, anterior margin weakly convex. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Antennal scape moderately long, weakly s-curved, steadily widened from base to apex; antennomeres 8–10 slightly wider than long.
Mesosoma stout, length only 1.2 times pronotum width in type specimens; propodeum shorter than promesonotum. Surface polyporous, with closely set pores, dorsal margins with sharp tubercles. Pronotum with strongly developed angles, about as wide as head excluding eyes. Promesonotal suture weak, indicated by a convex row of deeper pits. Mesometanotal suture sharp, narrow and deep. In dorsal aspect mesosoma with waist-like incision in front of propodeum. Legs moderately long; femora not much widened.
Petiole wide and stout, subtriangular in lateral, strongly transverse in dorsal aspect; surface structure as on mesosoma; sharp dorsal crest bearing four sharp teeth medially and another two pairs of small denticles laterally; lateral tooth strongly developed; below lateral tooth with two sharp teeth and 0–2 (asymmetrical) small denticles. Gaster tergite 1 as wide as long, strongly convex, and completely covering the following tergites; hind margin moderately convex, finely serrate; surface polyporous, interspaces smooth and shiny; distances of pores mostly slightly larger than their diameters.
Pilosity: Head (except ventral surface), mesosoma, and petiole with dense, appressed white pilosity and moderately long white standing setae. Gaster tergite 1 with very sparse appressed pilosity on disc, but relatively dense at sides; standing setae anteriorly much longer than posteriorly. White standing setae on scape about as long as the setae on head. Legs with fine appressed pilosity. Femora with some long standing setae on flexor side. Pilosity on tibiae and first tarsomeres oblique, relatively long and dense.
Colour: Trunk black, without metallic shimmer, appearing grey by whitish pilosity. Antenna with black scape and base of funiculus, distal part testaceous. Mandible basally black, distally testaceous; other mouthparts yellowish. Legs of type specimens testaceous, but forecoxa black, apices of femora, tibiae and first tarsomeres infuscated. Legs of non-type specimens predominantly blackish.
Echinopla madli sp. n. and the following four new species belong to a peculiar species group that is characterized by small body size (except E. fisheri sp. n.), black colour (lack of metallic lustre), and polyporous surface structures that resemble the pores of coral rocks (see
We studied five workers of E. madli sp. n. from three localities and noted a high variability. Whereas the paratype from Danum Valley (Sabah) largely agrees with the holotype from southern Thailand, further Sabah specimens from Poring Spring differ by largely black legs (except one callow worker), reduced median carinae on frons and clypeus, and some morphometric data (e.g., higher SI, lower CI). The examination of more material would be necessary to clarify the status of this population.
Dedicated to our colleague Michael Madl, Frauenkirchen, Austria, who collected the holotype specimen.
Holotype (worker, NHMW) from Malaysia, Johor, 13 km NE Kota Tinggi, 1°49’N; 103°50’E, 50 m a.s.l., 22.XI.1988, on low vegetation in second-growth rain forest, leg. Philip S. Ward (PSW09591-12; ANTWEB CASENT 0280337). Paratype (worker, ZCW) from West Malaysia, Pahang, 70 km SW Kuala Rompin, Endau Rompin National Park, Gunung Beremban, 600 m a.s.l., 13.IV.–3.V.2010, leg. Petr Čechovský.
(worker). Predominantly black, small species, TL = 3.8–4.3. Surface polyporous, dorsal margins of mesosoma with sharp tubercles. Head wider than long (CI = 110). Mesosoma roughly 1.25 times as long as pronotal width (MI 122–126), with sharp and deep incision in front of propodeum. Pronotal width equal to head width, if eyes excluded. Propodeum shorter than promesonotum. Petiole dentate, with three sharp teeth laterally below lateral spine. Gaster tergite 1 about one fourth longer than wide, anteriorly with relatively large pores and shiny interspaces; disk with dense subcumbent pilosity. Setae on dorsal surface, legs and scape relatively short. Setae on tibia reaching or surpassing base of distally following setae.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 3.8; HW1 1.11; HW2 1.02; HL 1.01; EL 0.23; SL 0.96; SW 0.12; HaL 0.16; PML 0.72; PMW 1.02; PpL 0.57; PpW 0.91; PH 0.45; PL 0.40; PW 0.91; GL 1.27; GW 1.11. Indices: CI 110; SI 80; MI 126.
Measurements of paratype worker: TL 4.3; HW1 1.17; HW2 1.11; HL 1.07; EL 0.23; SL 0.96; SW 0.12; HaL 0.14; PML 0.76; PMW 1.11; PpL 0.59; PpW 1.00; PH 0.51; PL 0.38; PW 1.03; GL 1.37; GW 1.24. Indices: CI 110; SI 81; MI 122.
Structures: Head wider than long, subtrapezoidal, with slightly convex sides; dorsally and laterally polyporous, with closely set pores, posterolaterally with a few minute tubercles, matt; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye relatively small, moderately protruding, positioned slightly behind mid-length of head. Frons with prominent median carina; frontal lobes chiefly horizontally oriented, largely covering antennal fossae in dorsal aspect, maximum distance of margins slightly behind mid-length, as great as half of HW2. Clypeus with distinct median carina, anterior margin almost straight. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Antennal scape moderately long, weakly s-curved, steadily widened from base to apex; antennomeres 8–10 approximately as wide as long.
Mesosoma stout, length ca. 1.25 times pronotum width; propodeum shorter than promesonotum. Surface polyporous, with closely set pores, dorsal margins with sharp tubercles. Pronotum with distinct lateral angles, as wide as head excluding eyes. Promesonotal suture weak, indicated by a convex row of deeper pits. Mesometanotal suture sharp and deep, medially narrow, laterally widened. In dorsal aspect mesosoma with waist-like incision in front of propodeum. Legs moderately long; femora not much widened.
Petiole wide and stout, subtriangular in lateral view, strongly transverse in dorsal aspect; surface structure as on mesosoma; sharp dorsal crest bearing four sharp teeth medially and one pair of small denticles laterally; lateral tooth strongly developed; below lateral tooth with one long and two short, sharp teeth. Gaster tergite 1 clearly longer than wide, completely covering the following tergites; hind margin moderately convex, finely serrate; surface polyporous, interspaces smooth and shiny; distances of pores mostly smaller than their diameters.
Pilosity: Entire trunk dorsally and laterally with dense, appressed white pilosity and moderately long white standing setae; only the standing setae on anterior part of gaster tergite 1 distinctly longer. White standing setae on scape about as long as the setae on head. Legs with fine appressed pilosity. Femora with some long standing setae on flexor side. Tibiae and first tarsomeres of middle and hind leg with rows of oblique white setae; their length as long as their distance.
Colour: Trunk black, without metallic shimmer, appearing grey by whitish pilosity. Antenna with black scape; funiculus basally black, becoming gradually paler towards testaceous apex. Mandible basally black, distally brown; other mouthparts yellowish. Legs chiefly blackish, but coxae of middle and hind legs brown, all trochanters dark testaceous, and tarsi distally reddish testaceous.
Echinopla wardi sp. n. is similar to E. australis Forel, 1901 from Australia, but this species has yellow legs and funiculus, relatively long pilosity, and pronotal width distinctly smaller than head width. Images of E. australis are presented by
Figures
Dedicated to Phil S. Ward (University of California) who collected the holotype and kindly donated it to NHMW.
Holotype (worker, NMM) and paratype (worker, ZCW) from the Philippines, Mindanao Island, Bukidnon Province, Malaybalay City, Kaamulan site, 650 m a.s.l., 15–20.III.2000, leg. H. Zettel.
(worker). Predominantly black, small, stout species, TL = 4.0. Surface polyporous, dorsal margins of mesosoma with sharp tubercles. Head wider than long (CI = 106–109). Mesosoma roughly 1.3 times as long as pronotal width, with sharp and deep incision in front of propodeum. Pronotal width subequal to head width, if eyes excluded. Propodeum slightly shorter than promesonotum. Petiole dentate, with one long tooth and two small denticles laterally below lateral tooth. Gaster tergite 1 anteriorly with relatively fine pores and very narrow interspaces. Setae on dorsal surface, legs and scape relatively short. Short setae on tibia not reaching base of distally following setae.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 4.0; HW1 1.09; HW2 0.99; HL 1.02; EL 0.23; SL 0.87; SW 0.11; HaL 0.08; PML 0.67; PMW 0.97; PpL 0.61; PpW 0.88; PH 0.50; PL 0.37; PW 0.98; GL 1.20; GW 1.17. Indices: CI 106; SI 80; MI 133.
Measurements of paratype worker: TL 3.9; HW1 1.11; HW2 0.98; HL 1.02; EL 0.22; SL 0.91; SW 0.12; HaL 0.09; PML 0.65; PMW 1.02; PpL 0.63; PpW 0.91; PH 0.46; PL 0.36; PW 0.98; GL 1.22; GW 1.20. Indices: CI 109; SI 82; MI 126.
Structures: Head wider than long, subtrapezoidal, with slightly convex sides; dorsally and laterally polyporous, with closely set pores, posterolaterally with a few minute tubercles, matt; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye relatively small, moderately protruding, positioned almost at mid-length of head (very slightly behind). Frons with prominent median carina; frontal lobes chiefly horizontally oriented, in dorsal aspect covering antennal fossae only in part, maximum distance of margins clearly behind mid-length, slightly greater than half of HW2. Clypeus with distinct median carina, anterior margin almost straight. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Antennal scape moderately long, almost straight, steadily widened from base to apex; antennomeres 8–10 approximately as wide as long.
Mesosoma stout, length roughly 1.3 times pronotum width; propodeum slightly shorter than promesonotum. Surface polyporous, with closely set pores, dorsal margins with sharp tubercles. Pronotum with distinct lateral angles, approximately as wide as head excluding eyes. Promesonotal suture very weak, indicated by a few deeper pits. Mesometanotal suture sharp, narrow and deep. In dorsal aspect mesosoma with waist-like incision in front of propodeum. Legs moderately long; femora not much widened.
Petiole wide and stout, subtriangular in lateral, strongly transverse in dorsal aspect; surface structure as on mesosoma; sharp dorsal crest bearing six sharp teeth of slightly varying length; lateral tooth strongly developed; below lateral tooth with one long tooth and two small denticles. Gaster tergite 1 slightly longer than wide, completely covering the following tergites; hind margin convex, finely serrate; surface polyporous, interspaces smooth and shiny; distances of pores everywhere clearly smaller than their diameters.
Pilosity: Entire trunk dorsally and laterally with dense, appressed white pilosity and moderately long white standing setae; standing setae on anterior part of gaster tergite 1 slightly longer. White standing setae on scape about as long as the setae on head. Legs with fine appressed pilosity. Femora with only 0–3 standing setae on flexor side. Tibiae and first tarsomeres of middle and hind leg with relatively few oblique white setae; on tibiae their length smaller than their distance.
Colour: Trunk black, without metallic shimmer, appearing grey by whitish pilosity. Antenna with black scape; funiculus reddish dark brown, paler towards apex. Mandible basally black, distally pale brown; other mouthparts yellowish. Legs: forecoxa black; middle and hind coxa and all trochanters pale testaceous; femora and hind tibia blackish brown; other tibiae and tarsi brown, paler towards apical tarsomeres.
Echinopla brevisetosa sp. n. is similar to E. wardi sp. n. from West Malaysia, but has a more slender mesosoma, a relatively longer propodeum and a differently structured petiole that bears one slender tooth and two small denticles below the lateral spine whereas the petiole of E. wardi sp. n. has three relatively strong teeth. Echinopla brevisetosa sp. n. differs distinctly from E. wardi sp. n. and E. madli sp. n. by the very short tibial setae.
From Latin adjectives brevis meaning short and setosus meaning bristly, and referring to the short pilosity of trunk, scape and legs.
Holotype (worker, NMM) from the Philippines, Negros Island, Negros Oriental Province, Valencia, Apolong, Casaroro Falls, slopes of Cuernos de Negros, 9–13.III.2005, leg. H. Zettel (420), in the National Museum of the Philippines, Manila; two paratypes (workers, ZCW) from the same locality, 3–4.III.2008, leg. H. Zettel (513).
(worker). Predominantly black, small, slender species, TL = 4.6–4.8. Surface polyporous, pronotum with one pair of sharp tubercles, otherwise tubercles on mesosoma hardly developed. Head longer than wide (CI = 93–94). Mesosoma almost twice as long as pronotal width, with sharp, narrow mesometanotal suture. Pronotal width distinctly smaller than head width, if eyes excluded. Propodeum slightly shorter than promesonotum. Petiole with one pair of dorsal spines, without dentition below prominent lateral spines. Gaster tergite 1 anteriorly with relatively large pores and very narrow interspaces. Setae on dorsal surface, legs and scape relatively short. Short setae on tibia not reaching base of distally following setae.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 4.6; HW1 1.10; HW2 0.93; HL 1.17; EL 0.23; SL 1.04; SW 0.13; HaL 0.11; PML 0.87; PMW 0.83; PpL 0.72; PpW 0.73; PH 0.50; PL 0.41; PW 0.83; GL 1.41; GW 1.15. Indices: CI 94; SI 95; MI 192.
Measurements of paratype workers: TL 4.8, 4.8; HW1 1.13, 1.16; HW2 0.98, 1.00; HL 1.22, 1.24; EL 0.25, 0.24; SL 1.11, 1.11; SW 0.14, 0.13; HaL 0.13, 0.10; PML 0.93, 0.93; PMW 0.87, 0.91; PpL 0.76, 0.76; PpW 0.76, 0.80; PH 0.55, 0.56; PL 0.42, 0.44; PW 0.87, 0.91; GL 1.54, 1.50; GW 1.24, 1.25. Indices: CI 93, 94; SI 98, 95; MI 195, 186.
Structures: Head longer than wide, subovate, with convex sides; dorsally and laterally polyporous, with closely set, relatively large pores, posterolaterally with a very few indistinct tubercles, matt; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye relatively small, strongly protruding, positioned slightly behind mid-length of head. Frons with prominent median carina; frontal lobes chiefly horizontally oriented, in dorsal aspect covering antennal fossae only in part, maximum distance of margins clearly behind mid-length, slightly greater than half of HW2. Clypeus with short, angularly elevated median carina, anterior margin straight. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Antennal scape moderately long, almost straight, steadily widened from base to apex; antennomeres 8–10 approximately as wide as long.
Mesosoma slender, length roughly 1.9 times pronotum width; propodeum much shorter than promesonotum. Surface polyporous, with closely set, relatively large pores, dorsal margins with very few small tubercles. Pronotum rounded, but with distinct lateral teeth, distinctly narrower than head excluding eyes. Promesonotal suture absent. Mesometanotal suture sharp, narrow and deep. “Waist” in front of propodeum weakly developed. Legs moderately long, relatively slender.
Petiole stout, moderately wide, subtriangular in lateral, transverse in dorsal aspect; surface structure as on mesosoma; dorsal apex not sharply crested, bearing one pair of sharp, rather long teeth and occasionally a small medial denticle; below strongly developed lateral teeth without further dentition. Gaster tergite 1 considerably longer than wide, completely covering the following tergites; hind margin convex, serration blunt, in one paratype almost absent; surface polyporous, interspaces smooth and shiny; distances of pores everywhere clearly smaller than their relatively large diameters.
Pilosity: Entire trunk dorsally and laterally with dense, appressed white pilosity and moderately long white and grey standing setae; some standing setae on clypeus and on anterior declivity of gaster tergite 1 longer. White standing setae on scape about as long as the setae on head. Legs with fine appressed pilosity. Femora with only 0–2 standing setae on flexor side. Tibiae and first tarsomeres of middle and hind leg with oblique white setae; on tibiae their length greater than their distance.
Colour: Trunk black, without metallic shimmer, appearing grey by whitish pilosity. Antenna black or very dark brown, funiculus slightly paler towards apex. Mandible basally black, distally brown; other mouthparts yellowish. Legs chiefly black to dark brown; middle and hind coxa, all trochanters, and bases of femora yellowish to pale testaceous; tarsi towards apical tarsomeres reddish brown.
Echinopla angustata sp. n. differs from the previous three species by the much more slender body. The tubercles on the mesosomal sides are poorly developed except for one prominent pair on the pronotum. The petiole has no teeth below the lateral spines, and the pits on gaster tergite 1 are relatively coarse.
From the Latin adjective angustatus meaning narrow and referring to the slender body.
Holotype (worker, CAS, CASENT 0214564-D01) from Malaysia, Sabah, Danum Valley, Nature Trail, 180 m a.s.l., 4.96072°N; 117.80014°E, in rainforest, 24.VII.2010, leg. B.L. Fisher.
(worker). Predominantly black, medium-sized, slender species, TL = 6.3. Surface polyporous, pronotum with one pair of sharp tubercles, otherwise tubercles on mesosoma hardly developed. Head very large, about as wide as long (CI = 101). Mesosoma about two thirds longer than wide (MI = 166), with sharp and very deep mesometanotal suture. Pronotal width much smaller than head width. Propodeum much shorter than promesonotum. Petiole longer than high, with three pairs of dorsal spines and three spines below the prominent lateral spines. Gaster tergite 1 with very fine, sparsely distributed pores, along hind margin with transverse impression. Setae on dorsal surface, legs and scape very long, mostly brown.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 6.3; HW1 1.58; HW2 1.41; HL 1.57; EL 0.27; SL 1.53; SW 0.18; HaL 0.27; PML 1.20; PMW 1.28; PpL 0.93; PpW 1.04; PH 0.54; PL 0.63; PW 1.17; GL 1.87; GW 1.61. Indices: CI 101; SI 97; MI 166.
Structures: Head very large compared to mesosoma, as long as wide, with convex sides and almost straight hind margin bearing a small medial lobe; dorsally and laterally polyporous, unevenly large pores, posteriorly and laterally larger and denser than in centre, shiny; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye small, slightly protruding, positioned near mid-length of head (slightly posteriorly). Frons with two short sections of a median carina; frontal lobes chiefly horizontally oriented, in full-face view covering antennal fossae only in part, maximum distance of margins near posterior end, smaller than half of HW2. Clypeus with median carina, anterior margin emarginated at middle. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Antennal scape moderately long, almost straight, steadily widened from base to apex; all antennomeres longer than wide.
Mesosoma slender, length roughly 1.7 times pronotum width; propodeum much shorter than promesonotum. Dorsal outline of both promesonotum and propodeum strongly convex, meeting at the deep incision of a sharp metanotal groove. Promesonotal suture only laterally indicated. Surface polyporous, with closely set, relatively large pores, dorsal margins with few small tubercles, on propodeum more numerous than on promesonotum. Pronotum angular, much narrower than head. “Waist” in front of propodeum well developed in dorsal aspect. Legs comparatively long and slender.
Petiole moderately wide, slender subtriangular in lateral, slightly transverse in dorsal aspect; surface sculpture on node as on the mesosoma, a broad posterior rim smooth; dorsal apex crested with three pairs of sharp, rather long teeth; each side bearing three teeth below a strongly developed lateral tooth. Gaster tergite 1 considerably longer than wide, completely covering the following tergites; hind margin convex, with indistinct serration and with shallow emargination at middle; along posterior margin a shallow but rather wide impression; surface polyporous, but pores extremely fine and sparse; interspaces smooth and shiny; distances of pores everywhere several times larger than their diameters.
Pilosity: Trunk dorsally and laterally with dense, appressed white pilosity, lacking only on centre of face and gaster tergite 1. Dorsal surface with very long brown standing setae. Standing setae on scape, femora, tibiae, and first tarsomeres also very long, brown or grey.
Colour: Trunk black, without metallic shimmer, mesosoma appearing grey by whitish pilosity. Antenna black. Mandible black, teeth dark reddish brown; other mouthparts pale yellowish. Legs chiefly black; middle and hind coxa, all trochanters, and femora except their apices reddish.
Echinopla fisheri sp. n. differs strongly from other species with polyporous surface structure by a very long, dark pilosity of the trunk, a deep metanotal suture that separates the strongly convex promesonotum and propodeum (Fig.
Dedicated to Brian L. Fisher (California Academy of Sciences) who discovered this extraordinary species.
1 worker (NHMW) from Indonesia, Sumatra, Aceh Province, Gunung Leuser National Park, Ketambe, 22.II.1990, leg. H. Schillhammer; 1 worker (NHMW) from West Malaysia, Kedah, Gunung Jerai, north of Sungai Petani, 700 m a.s.l., leg. M.A. Jäch; 15 workers, 2 dealate gynes (ZCW, NHMW) from West Malaysia, Kelantan, 30 km NW Gua Musang, Ulu Lalat, Kampong Sungai Om, 800–1000 m a.s.l., 21.VI.–14.VII.2010, leg. Petr Čechovský; 1 gyne (MCB) from Sabah, Danum Valley, Western Trail, 04°58’N; 117°48’E, 4.VI.2004, leg. D. Mezger (C 00619); 1 worker (UKL) from Borneo, Sabah, Deramakot Forest Reserve, Plot H196, ca. 5°27’N; 117°25’E, ca. 85 m, disturbed logged-over forest, 1998, leg. M. Gossner; 1 gyne (UKL) from Borneo, Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park, 04°08’N; 114°54’E, leg. D. Mezger (KE91).
Echinopla melanarctos is the type species of Echinopla. It can be easily recognized by its relatively large size (in workers TL ca. 6.5–8.2 mm, HW1 ca. 2.05–2.44 mm), very spiny appearance, long black hair, and entirely black colour (except palpi). The “spines” are slender, socket-shaped protuberances (“pedestals”) of the integument, their apex is truncate and bears a long seta, surrounded by a subapical ring of short, horizontally projecting hairs (bearing resemblance to the pappus of a dandelion seed). They are typical for a group of species also containing E. pallipes, E. circulus sp. n., E. tritschleri, and E. cherapunjiensis. In E. tritschleri, however, the ring of short setae is not horizontally projecting but oblique, therefore the pilosity is less obvious.
Due to the scarcity of specimens, hitherto little is known about the differences between workers and gynes in Echinopla. We were able to study both castes of E. melanarctos and noted the following differences: body of gynes larger (TL 8.8–9.7 vs. 6.5–8.2; HW1 2.41–2.70 vs. 2.05–2.44); eyes slightly larger; ocelli present; pedestals lower than in worker, on scutum and scutellum reduced to low tubercles; these parts with coarse, irregular rugae, scutum anteriorly with distinct, long median carina; short pilosity of dorsum less obvious; thoracic structures as typical for winged ant gynes (all examined specimens with wings broken off); scutellum laterally with a short lobe (not with a sharp projection as in some congeners).
Echinopla melanarctos was described from Singapore (
2 workers (syntypes?; NHMW) from unknown locality, G. Mayr Collection (see Notes); 1 worker (SCW) from Borneo, Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park, dipterocarp forest, 4°02’30”N; 114°52’15”E, 23–26.X.2009, leg. D.M. Sorger; 1 worker (MCB) from the same area, Camp 1, 4°02’29”N; 114°49’08”E, 3.VI.2006, leg. D. Mezger (C 001862); 1 worker (UKL) from Sabah, Poring Spring, lower montane mixed dipterocarp forest, > 650 m as.l., on Aporusa sp., 20.V.1992, fogging, leg. A. Floren; 1 worker (NHMW) from Sabah, Poring Spring, lower montane mixed dipterocarp forest, > 650 m a.s.l., on Xanthophyllum affinis, 21.V.1992, fogging, leg. A. Floren; 1 worker (UKL) from Borneo, Sabah, Poring Hot Spring, leg. A. Malsch.
Echinopla pallipes is similar to E. melanarctos, but smaller (TL ca. 6 mm), and has pale legs, lower tubercles on head and mesosoma and strongly reduced tubercles on gaster tergite 1 (only anteriorly present). It differs from E. tritschleri and E. cherapunjiensis by the posterior position of the eyes, and from E. circulus sp. n. by the sculpture of the gaster tergite 1 (comp. Figs
Besides the examined specimens from Sarawak, the specimen from Kalimantan Barat in the Indonesian part of Borneo, illustrated by
Holotype (worker, NHMW) from Borneo, Sarawak, Kelabit Highlands, Bareo – Arur Dalam, ca. 1000 m a.s.l., 26.II.1993, leg. M.A. Jäch (14); 4 paratypes (workers, NHMW, ZCW) same locality, leg. H. Zettel (11); 1 paratype (worker, NHMW) from Borneo, Sabah, Crocker Range National Park, Mawer Waterfall area, undergrowth, 17.VI.1996, unknown collector; 2 paratypes (workers, UKL) from Borneo, Sabah, Poring Hot Spring, 7.I.1998, leg. A. Malsch (8257).
(worker). Predominantly black species with yellowish legs (but tarsi black); relatively large, TL = 6.4–7.6 mm. Surface of head and mesosoma with numerous pedestals, each bearing one long standing black seta and a ring of short pale hairs directed horizontally. Gaster tergite 1 with similar pedestals at base, but their height strongly reduced towards posterior margin, so that they appear as low dimples; additionally with strong, circular ridges (Fig.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 7.6; HW1 2.29; HW2 2.07; HL 1.89; EL 0.31; SL 1.78; SW 0.20; HaL 0.55; PML 1.30; PMW 1.98; PpL 1.2; PpW 1.63; PH 0.63; PL 0.53; PW 1.11; GL 2,28; GW 2.38. Indices: CI 121; SI 78; MI 126.
Measurements of paratype workers: TL 6.4–7.8; HW1 2.04–2.23; HW2 1.80–2.07; HL 1.67–1.93; EL 0.29–0.31; SL 1.57–1.83; SW 0.18–0.21; HaL 0.46–0.58; PML 1.09–1.47; PMW 1.63–1.98; PpL 0.96–1.15; PpW 1.41–1.65; PH 0.55–0.62; PL 0.45–0.51; PW 0.90–1.06; GL 1.96–2.41; GW 2.12–2.32. Indices: CI 116–124; SI 77–84; MI 124–132.
Structures: Head wider than long, roundish, with convex sides; frons, vertex and tempora rugose-tuberculate, the high “pedestals” connected by low ridges; antennal scrobes, part of genae, and clypeus longitudinally rugose; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Ventrolateral ridge forming a distinct angle below eye. Compound eye small, but strongly protruding, positioned distinctly behind mid-length of head on a small socket. Frons with long median carina; frontal lobes obliquely elevated, completely covering antennal fossae in dorsal aspect; margins anteriorly slightly converging, their maximum distance near posterior end, distinctly greater than half of HW2. Clypeus subapically with transverse carina; median carina indistinct among longitudinal rugae. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Antennal scape moderately long, weakly s-curved, steadily widened from base to apex; antennomeres 8–10 slightly longer than wide.
Mesosoma very stout, length roughly 1.3 times pronotum width, dorsal outline regularly convex; propodeum distinctly shorter than promesonotum. Dorsal surface rugose-tuberculate as on vertex; sides irregularly rugose; posterior-most part of propodeum smooth and shiny. Pronotum rounded, distinctly narrower than head excluding eyes. Promesonotal and mesometanotal suture sharp, narrow and (laterally) deep, but both inconspicuous between “pedestals”; promesonotal suture evanescent in medial third. “Waist” in front of propodeum hardly developed. Legs moderately long; femora basally stout, strongly narrowed towards apex.
Petiole small, node square, without dorsal crest; surface smooth; lateral teeth moderately long, directed straight towards sides; dorsally between lateral teeth with two pairs of small denticles; anterior face of node separated from dorsal summit by a fine ridge that is medially evanescent; below strongly developed lateral teeth without further dentition. Gaster tergite 1 wider than long, completely covering the following tergites; hind margin convex, without serration; surface anteriorly with pedestals that are basally almost as high as those on mesosoma, but gradually becoming lower towards hind margin where they are only low tubercles; between these structures with coarse rugae that are more or less arranged in circles.
Pilosity: Trunk dorsally with very long, mostly black, but in some areas pale, standing setae that arise from the apices of tubercles. Short, pale pilosity rather inconspicuous (more conspicuous only on dorsum of mesosoma), often arranged in subapical rings of horizontally projecting hairs on pedestals. Scape also with very long standing setae. Legs without appressed pilosity, but all parts with numerous, black or white, oblique setae of varying length. Femora with rows of setae on flexor and extensor sides. Longest setae on middle and hind tibiae as long as those on scape.
Colour: Trunk black, without metallic shimmer; apex of abdomen testaceous. Antenna black or very dark brown, extreme base of scape and apex of last antennomere pale. Mandible basally black, distally brown; other mouthparts yellowish to testaceous. Legs chiefly testaceous; forecoxa black (but anteriorly testaceous in the specimen from the Crocker Range); tarsi partly infuscated.
Echinopla circulus sp. n. is very similar to E. pallipes, but clearly differs in the structure of gaster tergite 1 (compare Figs
From the Latin circulus for a small circle and referring to the concentric rugae on gaster tergite 1; used as a noun in apposition.
9 workers and 1 dealate gyne (ZCW, NHMW) from West Malaysia, Kelantan, 30 km NW Gua Musang, Ulu Lalat, Kampong Sungai Om, 800–1000 m a.s.l., 21.VI.–14.VII.2010, leg. Petr Čechovský; 2 dealate gynes (NHMW) from Borneo, Sabah, Crocker Range National Park, Gunung Emas Highland Resort, 1500–1700 m a.s.l., 6–18.VI.1998, unknown collector (2a); 3 workers (CAS, CASENT0202195–97) from Borneo, Sabah, Danum Valley, nature trail, 180 m a.s.l., 4.96072°N; 117.80014°E, 25.VIII.2010, rainforest, leg. B.L. Fisher; 1 worker (CAS) from the same locality, 16–26.VIII.2010, Ant Course 2010, unknown collector.
Echinopla tritschleri differs from the previous three species by the position of the eyes that are close to the mid-length of the head. The short hair of the mesosoma is less conspicuous than in E. pallipes and E. circulus sp. n. The sculpture of gaster tergite 1 is very characteristic: anteriorly with a few tubercles, sides and disc with punctures that flow together to form longitudinal lines, and posteriorly with punctures that flow together into transverse lines.
Gynes similar to workers but differing by the following characters: body much larger (TL 8.4–8.7 vs. 6.1–6.8; HW1 2.12–2.19 vs. 1.58–1.86); eyes slightly larger; ocelli present; scape wider; pedestals comparatively low and restricted to posterior of head, pronotum, propodeum, and base of gaster tergite 1; scutum and scutellum with coarse, irregular rugae, scutum anteriorly with short median carina; short pilosity of dorsum less obvious; thoracic structures as typical for winged ant gynes (all examined specimens with wings broken off); scutellum laterally with a short lobe.
2 workers (NHMW) from Laos, Luang Nam Tha Province, ca. 25 km SE Muang Sing, 900 m a.s.l., 14–15., 20–22.VI.1996, leg. H. Schillhammer (27, 34); 1 worker (ZCW) from West Malaysia, Perak. 40 km SE of Ipoh, Banjaran Titi Wangsa, Ringlet, 900 m a.s.l., 29.III.–15.IV.2004, leg. Petr Čechovský.
This species can be characterized by tuberculate sculpture of head and mesosoma, whereas the gaster tergite 1 is polyporous, by black trunk with yellowish legs, scape, and mouthparts, and by white pilosity. It shares the position of eyes with E. tritschleri but can be easily distinguished from this species by relatively low pedestals on head and mesosoma, the polyporous sculpture of tergite 1, the almost vertically positioned frontal lobes, and a longer and lower, polyporous petiolar node.
Holotype (worker, NHMW) from Sabah, Danum Valley, Western Trail, T#33, 04°58’N; 117°48’E, 21.VII.2004, leg. D. Mezger (C 003604).
(worker). Predominantly black species with partly yellowish legs; slender and rather small, TL = 5.3 mm. Trunk with extremely fine sculpture, only meso- and metapleura with coarse punctures. Head much longer than wide (CI = 86). Palp formula 5, 3. Mesosoma about twice as long as pronotal width (MI 205), with sharp, but shallow incision in front of propodeum. Pronotal width smaller than head width, if eyes excluded, with tooth-like lateral corners. Propodeum clearly shorter than promesonotum. Petiolar node stocky, without teeth, with obtuse lateral corners. Gaster tergite 1 much longer than wide, with very dense, extremely fine and shallow puncturation. Body almost without standing setae (some on clypeus and abdominal segments 5 and 6), but with dense, very short, appressed pubescence that gives the species a dull appearance.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 5.3; HW1 1.09; HW2 0.98; HL 1.28; EL 0.36; SL 1.11; SW 0.16; HaL not applicable; PML 0.98; PMW 0.89; PpL 0.85; PpW 0.76; PH 0.55; PL 0.51; PW 0.79; GL 1.50; GW 1.22. Indices: CI 86; SI 102; MI 205.
Structures: Head much long than wide, roundish, with convex sides, with inconspicuous lobe at middle of posterior margin; dorsally and laterally with fine punctures that are evanescent close to the midline, and larger only between antennal fossae and eyes; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye small, weakly protruding, positioned at mid-length of head. Frons with fine median carina; frontal lobes horizontal, partly covering antennal fossae in dorsal aspect, maximum distance near posterior end equalling half of HW2. Clypeus with median tumescence. Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Palp formula 5, 3. Antennal scape long, weakly s-curved, steadily widened from base to apex; antennomeres 8–10 approximately as long as wide.
Mesosoma very elongated and subcylindrical, length roughly twice pronotum width; dorsal outline shaped as two weakly convex curves separated by a weakly impressed mesometanotal suture. Propodeum abruptly declivitous and distinctly shorter than promesonotum. Dorsal surface smooth on major part of pronotum, relatively finely punctured on posterior parts; meso- and metapleura with coarse punctures. Pronotum with tooth-like angles, narrower than head excluding eyes. Promesonotal suture laterally indicated by a short row of punctures; mesometanotal suture narrow and shallow; metanotum recognizable as a narrow ovate depression. “Waist” in front of propodeum weakly developed. Legs long; femora slender.
Petiole relatively large and stout, with a distinct peduncle; node subtriangular in lateral view, spindle-shaped in dorsal view; surface punctured; lateral teeth obtuse, no further dentition. Gaster tergite 1 much longer than wide, completely covering the following tergites in dorsal aspect, very finely and densely punctured; hind margin convex, slightly depressed, without serration.
Pilosity: Body with dense, very short, appressed pubescence giving the species a dull appearance; long standing setae restricted to clypeus and abdominal segments 6 and 7; a few short oblique setae on other abdominal sternites.
Colour: Trunk dull black, without metallic shimmer; apex of abdomen testaceous. Antenna blackish brown, apex of scape and distal flagellomeres orange brown. Mandible basally black, distally reddish brown; palpi pale yellow. Legs black, but coxae and trochanters yellow, tarsi pale brownish towards apex.
Echinopla mezgeri sp. n. is a very peculiar species that resembles E. mistura (Smith, 1860). Echinopla mistura was described by a worker from Bacan Island (“Bachian”), Moluccas, in a new genus Mesoxena in the subfamily Ponerinae (
We dedicate this extraordinary species to Dirk Mezger (Balingen, Germany) who discovered it.
Holotype (worker, NHMW) from Sabah, Poring Spring, lower montane mixed dipterocarp forest, > 650 m a.s.l., on Aporusa sp., 13.IV.1992, fogging, leg. A. Floren (A62/F1); paratype (worker, NHMW), same locality and collection data, except 9.II.1993, leg. A. Floren (A51/F5).
(worker). Predominantly black, medium -sized, slender species, TL = 6.1–6.8. Dorsal surface of head and mesonotum with irregularly winding deep impressions, laterally with smaller fractions, tending to become polyporous. Head wider than long (CI = 106–115). Maxillary palpi exceptionally long. Mesosoma about one half longer than wide (MI = 151–156). Pronotum much narrower than head, laterally rounded. Propodeum much shorter than promesonotum; promesonotal suture distinct, medially forming an angle; metanotal suture straight, sharp and deep. Petiole polyporous, longer than high, with irregularly tuberculated dorsal crest and 1–2 teeth below prominent lateral spines. Gaster tergite 1 and visible hind margins of the following tergites 2–4 with very fine, dense puncturation, appearing matt. Setae on dorsal surface white, relatively short.
Measurements of holotype worker: TL 6.1; HW1 1.52; HW2 1.41; HL 1.33; EL 0.36; SL 1.45; SW 0.17; HaL 0.17; PML 1.04; PMW 1.20; PpL 0.76; PpW 0.91; PH 0.49; PL 0.55; PW 1.00; GL 1.72; GW 1.61. Indices: CI 115; SI 95; MI 151.
Measurements of paratype worker: TL 6.8; HW1 1.65; HW2 1.57; HL 1.57; EL 0.38; SL 1.52; SW 0.18; HaL 0.17; PML 1.13; PMW 1.28; PpL 0.87; PpW 1.00; PH 0.50; PL 0.62; PW 1.08; GL 1.72; GW 1.63. Indices: CI 106; SI 92; MI 156.
Structures: Head slightly wider than long, with convex sides and almost straight hind margin; dorsally with irregularly winding deep impressions, laterally and on clypeus with smaller fractions, tending to become polyporous; ventral surface smooth and shiny. Compound eye slightly protruding, positioned behind midlength of head. Frons with low median carina subdivided by a narrow impression; frontal lobes chiefly horizontally oriented, in full-face view covering most of antennal fossae, maximum distance of margins clearly smaller than half of HW2. Clypeus with low median carina, anterior almost straight (weakly convex). Mandibles striate, masticatory margin with five teeth. Palpi very long. Antennal scape relatively long, weakly s-curved, steadily widened from base to apex; all antennomeres longer than wide.
Mesosoma moderately slender, length slightly more than 1.5 times pronotum width; propodeum much shorter than promesonotum. Dorsal outline of promesonotum and propodeum almost forming a straight line (anteriorly and posteriorly slightly downcurved), interrupted by the incision of a sharp, narrow metanotal groove. Promesonotal suture complete medially forming a blunt angle. Surface as on head, but less conspicuous due to dense pilosity. Few small tubercles along dorsal margins, almost absent from mesonotum. Pronotum anterolaterally rounded, much narrower than head. “Waist” in front of propodeum well developed in dorsal aspect. Legs comparatively long and slender.
Petiole, longer than high, slender subtriangular in lateral, slightly transverse in dorsal aspect; surface sculpture polyporous; dorsal apex bluntly crested, with irregularly set tubercles; below moderately long, apically blunt lateral teeth with one or two smaller teeth. Gaster tergite 1 and visible hind margins of the following tergites 2–4 with very fine, dense puncturation, appearing mat. Gaster tergite 1 slightly longer than wide, with evenly convex, unmodified hind margin; insertions of setae appearing as small punctures.
Pilosity: Trunk dorsally and laterally with very dense, appressed white pilosity, but almost absent from centre of face. Dorsal surface with relatively short whitish standing setae, slightly longer on clypeus, propodeum and anterior part of gaster tergite 1. White standing setae on scape, femora, tibiae, and first tarsomeres relatively long.
Colour: Black, without metallic shimmer, mesosoma appearing grey by whitish pilosity. Gaster of holotype dark brown. Gaster tergites 2–4 with narrow whitish hind margin. Mandible basally black, distally reddish. Other mouthparts pale yellow. Apex of last antennomere, apices of middle and hind coxa, trochanters, and distal parts of tarsi orange coloured.
Echinopla subtilis sp. n. strongly differs from all hitherto described congeners by its sculpture. The dorsal surface of the head and mesosoma has irregularly winding deep impressions; they are best seen in the centre of the face where the pilosity is reduced (Fig.
The Latin adjective subtilis (= fine, subtle) refers to the fine sculpture of gaster tergite 1.
Lectotype (worker, present designation, NHMW) from “Batavia (Novara)” (
1 worker (NHMW) of unknown origin, leg. Ida Pfeiffer, det. G. Mayr; 1 worker (NHMW) from Java, leg. Vollenhoven, det. G. Mayr; 5 workers (ZCW) from Singapore, Singapore Zoo, 2.XI.2003, leg. H. Zettel; 8 workers (SCV, ZCW) from Borneo, Sarawak, Mulu National Park, Kerangas Forest behind Mulu Airport, 21.VII.2010, leg. D.M. Sorger; 1 worker (WCD) from Borneo, Sabah, Danum Valley Field Centre, 4.96462°N; 117.804000°E ± 70 m, 180 m a.s.l., 24.VIII.2010, leg. P.S. Ward (#16476); 5 workers (CAS), from same locality, 525 m a.s.l., 4.965611°N; 117.799806°E, 16–26.VIII.2010, rainforest, Ant Course 2010, various collectors; 1 workers (CAS), from same area, Danum Valley, West Trail, 225 m a.s.l., 4.963056°N; 117.802806°E, 16–26.VIII.2010, rainforest, Ant Course 2010, unknown collector.
TL 6.3; HW1 1.66; HW2 1.58; HL 1.57; EL 0.36; SL 1.39; SW 0.18; HaL 0.48; PML 1.17; PMW 1.50; PpL 1.04; PpW 1.20; PH 0.47; PL 0.51; PW 1.23; GL 1.65; GW 1.80. Indices: CI 106; SI 84; MI 148.
Echinopla lineata has some similarities with E. striata, especially in sculpture, but can be recognized by the combination of black colour (without metallic lustre), coarse longitudinal striation on head and mesosoma, fine longitudinal striation on gaster, long white setae, and relatively abundant short appressed hair that gives the specimens a dull appearance. See also notes on the similar E. senilis.
The collection of NHMW contains five historical specimens of E. lineata, one of which was erroneously labelled as E. senilis. Three specimens are considered as types, whereas one gyne from Java (see
The species was originally described from Java (
Lectotype (worker, present designation) from “Sambelong” (
TL 7.2; HW1 1.85; HW2 1.80; HL 1.67; EL 0.37; SL 1.72; SW 0.20; HaL 0.36; PML 1.30; PMW 1.63; PpL 1.13; PpW 1.28; PH 0.50; PL 0.55; PW 1.28; GL 1.96; GW 2.15. Indices: CI 110; SI 93; MI 149.
Although the collection of NHMW contains two specimens labelled as E. senilis, only one specimen fairly agrees with
Echinopla senilis is very similar to E. lineata. It was treated as a variety of E. lineata by
5 workers (ZCW) from the Philippines, Cebu Province, Cebu Island, Dalaguete, Mantalungon, 19.II.2012, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (CP406).
(all from the Philippines). 1 worker (CAS, CASENT0267357) from Luzon, Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, 747 m a.s.l., 14°05.859’N; 121°31.071’E, 14–22.V.2011, forest, PH0009, leg. H Wood et al.; 1 worker (NHMW) from Luzon, Nueva Viscaya Province, Santa Fe, Imugan, 1100–1200 m a.s.l., 10.XI.2002, leg. H. Zettel; 1 worker (ZCW) from Luzon, Quezon Province, Atimonan, near Old Zigzag Road, 24–30.III.1998, leg. Zettel (165); 1 worker (ZCW) from Luzon, Laguna Province, Los Baños, Mt. Makiling, 400–800 m, 27.XI.1999, leg. H. Zettel (211); 1 worker (ZCW) from Luzon, Camarines Norte Province, south of Daet, Basud, Nalisan, 13.III.2006, leg. H. Zettel, R. Gille & L. S. Vichozo (446); 1 worker (ZCW) from Luzon, Pampanga, Arayat, Mt. Arayat, 19–20.IV.2014, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P506); 1 worker (ZCW) from Mindoro, Mindoro Oriental Province, Roxas, San Vicente, Taugad Diit, Taugad Daka Forest, 27.IX.2014, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P513); 2 workers (ZCW) from Cebu Province, Cebu Island, Dalaguete, Mantalungon, 29–30.VIII.2010 and 19.II.2012, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P361, CP406).
The identity of this species is presently unclear.
We thank Carsten Brühl (University of Koblenz-Landau), Brian L. Fisher (California Academy of Sciences), Dirk Mezger (Balingen), Clister V. Pangantihon (Ateneo de Manila University), D. Magdalena Sorger (North Carolina State University), and Philip S. Ward (University of California) for making interesting specimens available; C. Brühl, D. Mezger and P.S. Ward also for donating holotypes to NHMW; Professor Himender Bharti (Punjabi University Patiala) for a re-examination of the holotype of E. cherapunjiensis; Dominique Zimmermann (Natural History Museum Vienna) for access to the NHMW collection; Harald Bruckner (Natural History Museum Vienna) for preparing Figure