Diagnosis
One of the smallest species of Fijian Lordomyrma, in general appearance L. curvata is most similar to L. levifrons and L. polita . Like these species it has relatively large eyes, long propodeal spines and lobes, and a reddish-brown integument. Two characters that separate L. curvata from the aforementioned species are the upturned shape of the propodeal spines and the well-developed rugoreticulum present posterior to the eyes. While L. rugosa and L. striatella both possess rugoreticulate occipital corners, only in L. curvata are the antennal scrobes and area between the frontal carinae covered by a smooth and shining surface. The only other species that possesses strongly upcurved spines is L. stoneri , from which L. curvata can be readily differentiated by the rugoreticulate posterior corners of the head and substantially smaller size.
Measurement Table
HL
n = 3 min 3.32 0.72 0.59 0.83 0.71 0.22 1.25 0.93 1.05 max 3.86 0.73 0.62 0.86 0.73 0.25 1.30 0.97 1.10
Distribution & Biology
The three known collections of L. curvata are restricted to the island of Vanua Levu, two of which were taken by litter sifting. Thus far, L. curvata is the only species of Lordomyrma that is potentially endemic to Vanua Levu.
Distribution Table
| - | x | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Type specimens
Holotype. Worker, Kasavu Village, 16°42'S 179°39'E, 300m, Cakaudrove Prov., Vanua Levu, Fiji, 28.viii.2003 (A. Rakabula) (FNIC).
Paratype. 1 worker, same data as holotype (NMNH).
Citation of original description
Sarnat, E. M. (2006). Lordomyrma (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Fiji Islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 90: 9-42.
Synonyms
none
Classification
Vespoidea: Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Stenammini