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Tetramorium fergusoni species group
Based on Agavekar et al. 2017.
Diagnosis
Twelve-segmented antennae; anterior clypeal margin complete and median portion with narrow but distinct lamelliform apron; eyes of moderate size; antennal scapes short, not surpassing posterior head margin; antennal scrobes absent; frontal carinae very short, almost absent; propodeum with very long spines; base of first gastral tergite not concave in dorsal view, without tubercles or teeth on each side; pilosity on dorsal surfaces of body predominantly erect with relatively short and thick hairs, some hairs flattened; sting appendage spatulate.
Notes
The Tetramorium fergusoni group is a monotypic group endemic to India with an interesting character set. The possession of 12-segmented antennae, a modified anterior clypeal margin, and a spatulate sting appendage is a unique combination not seen in another Tetramorium on a global scale. Due to its rather unusual morphology, it’s not possible to ascertain the affinities of this species to other Tetramorium groups.