Oecophylla annectens Wheeler new status

Type location Zaïre (Oecophylla longinoda variety annectens new variety, Wheeler, 1922a: 230, all forms) Avakubi

Wheeler's description was -

WORKER - very similar to the typical form but brown instead of ferruginous, the gaster sometimes slightly darker than the remainder of the body. Mandibles, except in the small workers, darker brown than the front, cheeks, and clypeus. Incrassated tips of antennal scapes with a dark brown spot; funiculi, knees, tarsi, and tips of tibiae pale yellow; pulvilli black.

FEMALE - brown, instead of green and brown like the typical longinoda, with darker brown markings on the thorax. Second and following gastric segments with the basal bands velvety black, so that the gaster is distinctly fasciate. Funiculi, tips of scapes, tibiae, tarsi, and vertex paler, more reddish brown. Wings slightly darker than in the typical form, with deeper brown margins to the veins.

MALE - darker brown than the worker. Mandibles, antennae, tarsi, and articulations of legs brownish yellow; last tarsal joint black. Wings distinctly paler than in the female.

Described from a long series of specimens from the following places: Avakubi (type locality), Kisangani [Stanleyville] and Niangara (Lang and Chapin); Malela (J.Bequaert).

The photomontage of a syntype major worker is collated from http://www.antweb.org/specimen.do?name=casent0903255.

The photomontage of cotypes is collated from The Smithsonian Institute images at http://ripley.si.edu/ent/nmnhtypedb/public/specimeninfopage.cfm?publicconsumption=1&typespecimenID=1037.

Oxford University Museum specimens

Oecophylla annectens B Taylor det.	Gabon Y Braet Gabon 13	23.vi-25.vii.2006 Pongara 00°34' N 09°19' E	Pointe Wingombe (malaise trap, one week) minor worker	1
Oecophylla annectens B Taylor det.	Gabon Y Braet Gabon 14	2.vii.2006 Pongara 00°34' N 09°19' E	Pointe Wingombe; under trees; sweep net	1
Oecophylla annectens B Taylor det.	Gabon Y Braet Gabon 15	9.vii.2006 Pongara 00°34' N 09°19' E	Kengéré road; under trees; sweep net	1

Minor from the Gabon, Pongara NP; collector Yves Braet (Gabon 14). Appears to match the major worker shown above.

Minor from the Gabon, Pongara NP; collector Yves Braet (Gabon 15). Appears to match the major worker shown above.

Minor from the Gabon, Pongara NP; collector Yves Braet (Gabon 13).  Exactly matches the minor worker shown above.