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| Crematogaster epispina Hosoishi, in Hosoishi & Pham, 2025. |
Abstract
A new species of the ant genus Crematogaster is described from the worker and queen castes. Crematogaster epispina sp. nov., belonging to the Crematogaster quadriruga group, is discovered in a dead twig on a tree in Vietnam. Crematogaster epispina sp. nov. is distinguished from other members by having the propodeal spines curving upward and propodeal spiracles touching the metapleural gland bulla. An updated key to the species of the C. quadriruga group is proposed.
Keywords: Asia, Cuc Phuong National Park, dead twig, Orthocrema, taxonomy
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| Crematogaster epispina sp. nov.: A–C, holotype worker (HW, 0.42; WL, 0.47) (KUECANT051); A, body in profile view; B, full-face view of head; C, body in dorsal view. D–F, paratype dealate queen (HW, 0.76; WL, 1.58) (KUECANT054); D, body in profile view; E,full-face view of head; F, body in dorsal view. <scale bar: 0.5 mm> |
Crematogaster epispina Hosoishi, sp. nov.
Diagnosis of worker. Antennal scape reaching posterolateral corners of the head. Propodeal spines thick and up-curved. Propodeal spiracle large and attached to the metapleural gland bulla. Subpetiolar process weakly developed. Subpostpetiolar process undeveloped, but venter of the postpetiole convex. Integument essentially smooth and shiny.
Diagnosis of queen. Antennal scape not reaching posterolateral corners of the head. Subpetiolar process low, with a ventral angle. Dorsal surface of the head smooth and shiny. Clypeus smooth.
Etymology. The species name refers to the upwardly directed propodeal spine of the species.
Shingo Hosoishi and Thai Hong Pham. 2025. Description of A New twig-nesting Species of the Crematogaster quadriruga group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Vietnam, with an updated key. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press, DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.08.003 [27 September 2025]
