Revision of the ant genus Proceratium Roger (Hymenoptera, Proceratiinae) in Fiji

By

Hita Garcia, Francisco, 1975-
Sarnat, Eli M.
Economo, Evan

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2015

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

475

Pages

97-112

Subjects

endemic , identification key , Melanesia , Oceania , Proceratium silaceum clade , South Pacific , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.475.8761

 

Abstract

The Fiji archipelago harbours a surprisingly diverse and endemic ant fauna, despite its isolated and remote location in the South Pacific. The ant genus Proceratium is present on Fiji with three endemic species, of which P. oceanicum De Andrade, 2003 and P. relictum Mann, 1921 were previously known. In this study we describe the third species: P. vinaka sp. n. All three species are members of the widespread and species-rich P. silaceum clade. In order to integrate the new species into the current taxonomic system, we present an illustrated identification key to the worker caste of the three Fijian species. In addition, we provide a detailed description of P. vinaka, as well as species accounts for the other two species, which include diagnoses, taxonomic discussions, specimen photographs, and a distribution map.