Odontomachus scifictus Sorger & Zettel, 2011, sp.n.

Odontomachus scifictus sp.n.

(Figs. 7, 13, 19, 46)

Etymology: This name serves as an homage to early science fiction movies incorporating ants - the first author came across a poster of the movie "Empire of the Ants" (1977) directed by Bert I. Gordon that clearly depicts a giant, dangerously looking Odontomachus species and decided that such prominent display should be memorialized.

Type locality: Camiguin Island, municipality of Mambajao, W of Mambajao, near spring of Katibawasan, ca. 350 - 400 m a.s.l.

Type material: Holotype worker (USC): Camiguin: W Mambajao, Katibawasan spring area, 350 - 400 m, 13. and 15.III.2010, leg. H. Zettel & C. V. Pangantihon (515). Paratypes (70 workers; CSW, CZW, NHMW, UPLB, USC): same locality data as holotype, 65 ∑∑. W Mambajao, Benon, Saran - Kampanan, 500 - 800 m, 16. and 18.III. 2010, leg. H. Zettel & C. V. Pangantihon (516), 1 ∑. Mambajao, Yumbing, 28.X.2008, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P306), 1 ∑. Catarman, Mainit, Tuasan Falls, 23.X.2008, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P302), 3 ∑∑.

Description of worker: Measurements: holotype worker: CI 70, HL 3.32, HW 2.33, MdI 60, MdL 2.00, MsL 4.47, PnW 1.38, PtH 1.36, PtL 1.48, PtW 0.50, SI 141, SL 3.28, TL 14.50; paratype worker with smallest HW: CI 67, HL 2.93, HW 1.97, MdI 54, MdL 1.58, MsL 3.80, PnW 1.18, PtH 1.15, PtL 1.28, PtW 0.42, SI 151, SL 2.97, TL 12.63; paratype worker with largest HW: CI 71, HL 3.42, HW 2.42, MdI 59, MdL 2.00, MsL 4.80, SI 139, SL 3.37, PnW 1.43, PtH 1.38, PtL 1.60, PtW 0.52, TL 15.25.

Structures: Striation on head extending from frontal lobes to ocular ridge, rest of head smooth and shiny. Pronotum with fine, roughly round striation, closed circles or loops clearly visible in dorsal view; posterolateral parts without striation, smooth and shiny. Mesopleuron smooth and shiny, some fine transverse striation may occur to varying extent but always at least the central region smooth and shiny. S-shaped, long and acute petiolar spine, slightly bent backwards. Entire ant appearing very shiny / glossy.

Pilosity: Pubescence sparse, short.

Colour: Uniformly reddish brown.

Habitats: Collected in shaded, humid places mostly in degraded, dipterocarp forests. The type locality was near a stream.

Distribution (Fig. 46): Endemic to the Philippines and only known from the island of Camiguin.

Notes: Odontomachus scifictus sp.n. is very similar to O. philippinus, but differs in the extension of the smooth area on the mesopleuron reaching the meso-metapleural suture, and by the distinct tubercles of the petiole (petiole in anterodorsal aspect widest at tubercles). The distribution of O. scifictus sp.n. and O. philippinus are separated by another vicariant form, Odontomachus alius sp.n. See also notes for Odontomachus sp. 2 from Mindanao.