Crematogaster dalyi Forel 1902

Crematogaster dalyi Forel, 1902 (Fig. 5) Crematogaster (Oxygyne) dalyi Forel, 1902: 201. Type locality: India (Tamil Nadu: Coonoor) [Lectotype: MHNG]. [Images of CASENT0907510 lectotype worker examined]. Worker diagnosis: Crematogaster dalyi belongs to the ranavalonae group and can be distinguished from other groups by specific morphological characteristics, including a steeply raised pronotum, a smooth and shiny body surface, and short, appressed body setae. This group encompasses five species in India and C. dalyi is distinguishable by the following combination of features: abundant setae on the scape, in dorsal view markedly bilobed postpetiole that is more than twice as broad as it is long and short propodeal spines, the length of which is equal to or shorter than the diameter of propodeal spiracles. While Crematogaster dalyi looks quite similar to C. sikkimensis, a key distinguishing factor is the length of the propodeal spines—those of C. dalyi are considerably shorter. Material examined: INDIA, Kerala, Silent Valley National Park, 11.078055 N 76.419166 E, 550m, Hand picking, 06-1-2023, 8w., Rakeshwar Kapoor leg. (PUAC).