Figures 7, 9 - 11
Worker. Measurements (mm) holotype in parentheses: HW 0.96 - 0.98 (0.96); HL 1.00 - 1.05 (1.00); SL 1.07 - 1.09 (1.08); EL 0.19 - 0.20 (0.19); MSL 0.11 - 0.13 (0.11). SL / HL 1.03 - 1.08 (1.08);
Number of ommatidia along long axis of eye ca. 12.
Very similar to P. nigrita and P. batak . Mesopleuron usually with a transverse groove. Posterior faces of propodeum and petiole constantly punctate. Dorsum of mesosoma usually with more than ten standing hairs, some of which are longer than width of antennal segment 2. Gastral tergites 1 and 2 each with more than ten long standing hairs.
Queen. Similar to P. batak in body size and distinctly punctate metapleuron (in P. nigrita metapleuron almost smooth). Specimens from Malay Pen. tend to be larger than those from Borneo (HW: 0.83 - 0.91 vs. 1.04 - 1.06 mm). Mesosoma dorsally and gastral tergites with numerous long standing hairs.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
MALAY PENINSULA. 2 w, Ulu Gombak, 24 - 29 x 1996, F. Ito; 10 w, Bunga Buah (ca. 1000 m alt.), nr Genting Highland, 6 vii 1999, Sk. Yamane. JAVA. 2 w, Cidaon, Ujung Kulon, 10 iii 1997, F. Ito. BORNEO. 5 w, Poring (550 - 700 m alt.), Sabah, 16 iii 1995, Sk. Yamane; 54 w, Poring (600 - 900 m alt.), Sabah, 1996 - 97, T. Kikuta; 3 w, 1 q, Sayap Kinabalu (ca. 1000 m alt.), 15 vii 1996, K. Eguchi (Eg 96 - BOR- 47); 6 w, same loc., 14 - 15 vii 1996, K. Eguchi & Sk. Yamane; 10 w, 3 q, G. Rara, Tawau, Sabah, 11 xii 1996, K. Eguchi (Eg 96 - BOR- 375); 11 w, 1 q, Tasek Merimbun, Brunei, 17 ii 1999, K. Eguchi (Eg 99 - BOR- 148).
ETYMOLOGY
The name refers to the presence of numerous standing hairs on the dorsum of the bodies of the queen and worker.
REMARKS
Diagnostic characteristics separating this species from two related species are given in the keys. Since the male has not been collected the status of this species is still inconclusive. This species nests in rotting wood in good forests.
