Lepisiota validiuscula (Emery) new status

Type location Somalia (Acantholepis capensis Mayr, var. validiuscula n. var., Emery, 1897e: 602, worker) Ueb, E Ruspolii - see below .

Emery's (1897e) description is on

TL 2.8-3.3 mm; somewhat stockier than capensis type; propodeal prominences more pronounced; scape surpasses occiput by ca 1/2 its own length; longer coarser and more abundant erect pilosity; dark brown, appendages brown, scape ochreous-yellow
Wheeler (1922) had validiscula a larger more robust form, with abundant, erect, dark brown pilosity; Santschi 1937d) noted it appeared to have a matt appearance.

Of validiscula, in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe, Arnold (1920a) noted - "Generally distributed and very common. Nesting usually under stones; an industrious attendant on Aphididae and Coccidae".

Nigeria specimens (as Acantholepis species T¹, Taylor, 1978: 37). WORKER. Size variable; TL 3.08-2.86 mm, HL 0.67, HW 0.61, SL 0.92, PW 0.44
Colour black or dark red-brown, with yellow tarsi. Sculpturation of fine striations on the pronotum, of rugae on the mesonotum and propodeum. Erect hairs stout, dark, moderately abundant on body and head. Propodeal prominences dentate but not spinose. Petiole spines moderately developed and straight.
This form appears to match the capensis variety validiscula (type location Somalia) as described by Wheeler (1922).
Occasionally found on cocoa, probably nests in the soil and will build tents of vegetable matter around Pseudococcids.

The photomontage of the (presumably) type worker is collated from http://www.antweb.org/specimen.do?name=casent0905155

Oxford University Museum specimens

Lepisiota tenuipilis B Taylor det.

Benin S Tchibozo

28.ii.2007 06°55’32.8 N 02°29’13 E

Forêt de Gbèvozoumè Lisière fourmis (forest edge/ border ants)

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The photomontage is of a specimen from Benin; Collection details - Forêt de Gbèvozoumè, 06°55’32.8 N 02°29’13 E; lisière fourmis (forest edge/ border ants); 28.ii.2007; S Tchibozo.