First inventory of the aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha & Gerromorpha) of Langkawi Island, West Malaysia

国際ワークショップ：International Workshop on Tropical Island Biodiversity: Across Land and Sea, 日時：2007年9月25日～29日, 場所：シンガポール国立大学（シンガポール）およびティオマン島（マレーシア）, 共催：琉球大学21世紀COEプログラム, シンガポール国立大学生物科学科論文http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_579

Tracking the Expression of Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmission-Related Proteins and Neuroplasticity Markers after Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Excessive exposure to loud noise can damage the cochlea and create a hearing loss. These pathologies coincide with a range of CNS changes including reorganisation of frequency representation, alterations in the pattern of spontaneous activity and changed expression of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Moreover, damage to the cochlea is often accompanied by acoustic disorders such as hyperacusis and tinnitus, suggesting that one or more of these neuronal changes may be involved in these disorders, although the mechanisms remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that excessive noise exposure increases expression of markers of excitation and plasticity, and decreases expression of inhibitory markers over a 32-day recovery period. Adult rats (n = 25) were monaurally exposed to a loud noise (16 kHz, 1/10th octave band pass (115 dB SPL)) for 1-hour, or left as non-exposed controls (n = 5). Animals were euthanased at either 0, 4, 8, 16 or 32 days following acoustic trauma. We used Western Blots to quantify protein levels of GABAA receptor subunit α1 (GABAAα1), Glutamic-Acid Decarboxylase-67 (GAD-67), N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor subunit 2A (NR2A), Calbindin (Calb1) and Growth Associated Protein 43 (GAP-43) in the Auditory Cortex (AC), Inferior Colliculus (IC) and Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus (DCN). Compared to sham-exposed controls, noise-exposed animals had significantly (p<0.05): lower levels of GABAAα1 in the contralateral AC at day-16 and day-32, lower levels of GAD-67 in the ipsilateral DCN at day-4, lower levels of Calb1 in the ipsilateral DCN at day-0, lower levels of GABAAα1 in the ipsilateral AC at day-4 and day-32. GAP-43 was reduced in the ipsilateral AC for the duration of the experiment. These complex fluctuations in protein expression suggests that for at least a month following acoustic trauma the auditory system is adapting to a new pattern of sensory input

The Nuclear Protein Sge1 of Fusarium oxysporum Is Required for Parasitic Growth

Dimorphism or morphogenic conversion is exploited by several pathogenic fungi and is required for tissue invasion and/or survival in the host. We have identified a homolog of a master regulator of this morphological switch in the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. This non-dimorphic fungus causes vascular wilt disease in tomato by penetrating the plant roots and colonizing the vascular tissue. Gene knock-out and complementation studies established that the gene for this putative regulator, SGE1 (SIX Gene Expression 1), is essential for pathogenicity. In addition, microscopic analysis using fluorescent proteins revealed that Sge1 is localized in the nucleus, is not required for root colonization and penetration, but is required for parasitic growth. Furthermore, Sge1 is required for expression of genes encoding effectors that are secreted during infection. We propose that Sge1 is required in F. oxysporum and other non-dimorphic (plant) pathogenic fungi for parasitic growth

A perturbation-based balance training program for older adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Previous research investigating exercise as a means of falls prevention in older adults has shown mixed results. Lack of specificity of the intervention may be an important factor contributing to negative results. Change-in-support (CIS) balance reactions, which involve very rapid stepping or grasping movements of the limbs, play a critical role in preventing falls; hence, a training program that improves ability to execute effective CIS reactions could potentially have a profound effect in reducing risk of falling. This paper describes: 1) the development of a perturbation-based balance training program that targets specific previously-reported age-related impairments in CIS reactions, and 2) a study protocol to evaluate the efficacy of this new training program.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The training program involves use of unpredictable, multi-directional moving-platform perturbations to evoke stepping and grasping reactions. Perturbation magnitude is gradually increased over the course of the 6-week program, and concurrent cognitive and movement tasks are included during later sessions. The program was developed in accordance with well-established principles of motor learning, such as individualisation, specificity, overload, adaptation-progression and variability. Specific goals are to reduce the frequency of multiple-step responses, reduce the frequency of collisions between the stepping foot and stance leg, and increase the speed of grasping reactions. A randomised control trial will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the training program. A total of 30 community-dwelling older adults (age 64–80) with a recent history of instability or falling will be assigned to either the perturbation-based training or a control group (flexibility/relaxation training), using a stratified randomisation that controls for gender, age and baseline stepping/grasping performance. CIS reactions will be tested immediately before and after the six weeks of training, using platform perturbations as well as a distinctly different method of perturbation (waist pulls) in order to evaluate the generalisability of the training effects.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This study will determine whether perturbation-based balance training can help to reverse specific age-related impairments in balance-recovery reactions. These results will help to guide the development of more effective falls prevention programs, which may ultimately lead to reduced health-care costs and enhanced mobility, independence and quality of life.</p

A Systematic Analysis of Cell Cycle Regulators in Yeast Reveals That Most Factors Act Independently of Cell Size to Control Initiation of Division

Upstream events that trigger initiation of cell division, at a point called START in yeast, determine the overall rates of cell proliferation. The identity and complete sequence of those events remain unknown. Previous studies relied mainly on cell size changes to identify systematically genes required for the timely completion of START. Here, we evaluated panels of non-essential single gene deletion strains for altered DNA content by flow cytometry. This analysis revealed that most gene deletions that altered cell cycle progression did not change cell size. Our results highlight a strong requirement for ribosomal biogenesis and protein synthesis for initiation of cell division. We also identified numerous factors that have not been previously implicated in cell cycle control mechanisms. We found that CBS, which catalyzes the synthesis of cystathionine from serine and homocysteine, advances START in two ways: by promoting cell growth, which requires CBS's catalytic activity, and by a separate function, which does not require CBS's catalytic activity. CBS defects cause disease in humans, and in animals CBS has vital, non-catalytic, unknown roles. Hence, our results may be relevant for human biology. Taken together, these findings significantly expand the range of factors required for the timely initiation of cell division. The systematic identification of non-essential regulators of cell division we describe will be a valuable resource for analysis of cell cycle progression in yeast and other organisms

New species of Australian arid zone chelonine wasps from the genera Phanerotoma

Here we focus on the poorly studied braconid wasp subfamily Cheloninae for the arid zone of the Australian continent, using material, in part, resulting from comprehensive surveys of three arid zone reserves. The Bush Blitz programme is a multi-institutional project with the aim of documenting the diversity of the flora and fauna in Australia’s National Reserve System, with describing new species being a key focus of the programme. In total, 11 species from the genera Ascogaster and Phanerotoma are treated, with species’ delimitation based on both molecular and morphological data. Two species are redescribed (Phanerotoma behriae Zettel, 1988a and P. decticauda Zettel, 1988a) and nine species are described as new (Ascogaster brevivena sp. nov., A. ferruginegaster sp. nov., A. prolixogaster sp. nov., A. rubriscapa sp. nov., Phanerotoma bonbonensis sp. nov., P. bushblitz sp. nov., P. lutea sp. nov., P. nigriscapulata sp. nov. and P. witchelinaensis sp. nov.). Keys to the arid zone species of these two genera are provided, along with a species richness estimation of Australian chelonine wasps.Rebecca N. Kittel and Andrew D. Austi

Odontomachus schoedli Sorger & Zettel, 2011, sp.n.

&lt;p&gt;Odontomachus schoedli sp.n. (Figs. 4, 10, 16, 47)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Etymology: This species is named for our late colleague Stefan Sch&ouml;dl, former curator for Hymenoptera at the Natural History Museum Vienna, who collected a major part of the type series.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Type material: Holotype worker (UPLB): Luzon: Mountain Province: south of Sagada, Bagnen, slopes of Mt. Polis, 1600 m, 26.II.1999, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (23). Paratypes(24 workers (BMNH, CZW, NHMW, UPLB): same locality data as holotype, 13 &sum;&sum;, leg. H. Zettel (189), 6 &sum;&sum;. B e n g u e t: west of Baguio, at km 7 of Asin Road, 17.II. 1999, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (11), 2 &sum;&sum;, leg. H. Zettel (179), 2 &sum;&sum;; Baguio, leg. C.F. Baker, 1 &sum;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Description of worker: Measurements: holotype worker: CI 72, HL 2.95, HW 2.12, MdI 58, MdL 1.70, MsL 4.17, PnW 1.25, PtH 1.18, PtL 1.12, PtW 0.49, SI 146, SL 3.08, TL 16.25; paratype worker with smallest HW: CI 72, HL 2.98, HW 2.13, MdI 55, MdL 1.65, MsL 4.00, PnW 1.20, PtH 1.18, PtL 1.18, PtW 0.51, SI 144, SL 3.07, TL 12.75; paratype worker with largest HW: CI 73, HL 3.60, HW 2.62, MdI 59, MdL 2.13, MsL 5.93, PnW 1.52, PtH 1.48, PtL 1.53, PtW 0.56, SI 137, SL 3.58, TL 16.13.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Structures: Head striate; striation reaching occipital margin. Pronotum with fine, transverse striation. Mesopleuron with fine transverse striation. Petiole stout, with short spine, bent backwards only very slightly.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pilosity: Pubescence sparse, long.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Colour: Head and mesosoma medium brown, petiole and gaster dark brown.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Distribution (Fig. 47): Endemic to the Philippines: only in the north of Luzon: Mountain Province, Benguet.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Habitats: This species was collected at higher elevations in strongly degraded forests.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Notes: Odontomachus schoedli sp.n. is only known from the western mountain ranges of northern Luzon. In Benguet it is sympatric with O. infandus. Main differences between these two species are the striation of the pronotum, which is transverse in O. schoedli sp.n. but more or less longitudinal in O. infandus, and the shape of the petiole, which is remarkably short and with a very straight anterior face of the node (including spine) in O. schoedli sp.n., whereas it has a longer, curved spine in O. infandus (only weakly developed in the smallest specimens). The uniformly light chocolate brown colour of head and mesosoma of O. schoedli sp.n. is striking, but we have seen a few specimens of O. infandus from northern Luzon with the same colouration.&lt;/p&gt;Published as part of &lt;i&gt;Sorger, D. M. &amp; Zettel, H., 2011, On the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Philippine Islands: V. The genus Odontomachus Latreille, 1804., pp. 141-163 in Myrmecological News 14&lt;/i&gt; on page 15

Ranatra biroi Lundblad 1933

Ranatra biroi group sensu Lansbury, 1972 Diagnosis. Smaller species, body length: males 19–27, females 21–29; siphon moderate to long, ratio of siphon length: body length around 0.6–1.05; vertex in lateral view higher than eye, evenly round, without or with very low tubercle; ratio of eye width: interocular width 0.9–1.3; ratio of anterior pronotal length: posterior pronotal length 1.3–1.8; fore femur slender, flexor side with two teeth nearer to distal end, larger one proximal to smaller one, pre-apical teeth absent; metasternum with posterior margin usually convex (sometimes straight or slightly emarginated); operculum of female at most reaching apex of connexivum. Species included. Ranatra longipes Stål, 1861, R. biroi Lundblad, 1933, R. digitata Hafiz & Pradhan, 1949, R. natunaensis Lansbury, 1972, R. longipes celebensis Lansbury, 1972, R. thai Lansbury, 1972, R. flagellata Lansbury, 1972, R. libera Zettel, 1999, R. incisa Chen, Nieser & Ho, 2004, R. recta Chen, Nieser & Ho, 2004, R. rafflesi Tran & D. Polhemus, 2012, R. nieseri Tran & Nguyen, 2016, R. cardamomensis Zettel, Phauk, Kheam & Freitag, 2017, and at least two undescribed species (Tran & Zettel, in prep.).Published as part of Tran, A. D. & Zettel, H., 2021, Taxonomic review of the Ranatra gracilis group sensu Lansbury, 1972 (Nepomorpha: Nepidae), with descriptions of four new species, pp. 45-70 in Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 69 on page 48, DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2021-0005, http://zenodo.org/record/535167

Fig. 2 in Taxonomy of the Ranatra biroi group sensu Lansbury, 1972 (Nepomorpha: Nepidae), with descriptions of two new species

Fig. 2. Ranatra luzonensis, new species, male holotype. A, habitus; B, head, prothorax, and fore legs, dorsal view; C, head and prothorax, lateral view; D, antenna; E, metasternum; F, operculum; G, left paramere, lateral view. B, C same scale; E, F same scale.Published as part of Tran, A. D. & Zettel, H., 2021, Taxonomy of the Ranatra biroi group sensu Lansbury, 1972 (Nepomorpha: Nepidae), with descriptions of two new species, pp. 507-521 in Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 69 on page 512, DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2021-0068, http://zenodo.org/record/717461

Odontomachus simillimus Smith 1858

&lt;p&gt;Odontomachus simillimus Smith, 1858 (Figs. 43 - 45, 47)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Odontomachus simillimus Smith, 1858 (description of gyne; type locality: Fiji, also recorded from Sri Lanka).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Odontomachus simillimus: Wilson 1959: 499 and Brown 1976: 165-166 (synonymies). Odontomachus haematoda (misidentifications, nec haematoda Linnaeus, 1758 from Neotropis, see Wilson (1959) and Brown (1976)): Emery 1893: 262 (distribution: Manila); Wheeler &amp; Chapman 1925: 71 (distribution: Los Ba&ntilde;os, Laguna; Manila; Romblon; Port Cataingan, Masbate; Dumaguete, Negros); Wheeler 1929: 37 (distribution: Los Ba&ntilde;os, Laguna); Chapman &amp; Capco 1951: 43 (partim, general distribution); Baltazar 1966: 239 (distribution: Luzon; Laguna, Manila; Masbate, Negros Oriental, Romblon).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Material from the Philippines examined (183 workers, 15 gynes; CSW, CZW, FMNH, NHMW, UPLB, USC, ZMUC): Luzon: L a g u n a: Los Ba&ntilde;os, Mt. Makiling, 13.-18.XI.1992, leg. H. Zettel (1), 1 &sum;. Los Ba&ntilde;os, Mt. Makiling, 300 - 500 m, 8.-9.II.1996, leg. H. Zettel (74), 1 &sum;. Los Ba&ntilde;os, UPLB campus, 14.II.1999, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (3), 1 &sum;. Los Ba&ntilde;os, Mt. Makiling, UPLB - Mud Spring, 18.XI. 1999, leg. H. Zettel (207), 1 &sum;. Los Ba&ntilde;os, Mt. Makiling, Flat Stones [&quot;Rocks&quot;], 14.II.1999, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (4), 3 &sum;&sum;, 11.II.2002, leg. H. Zettel (308), 1 &sum;. C a m a r i n es N o r t e: Labo, Tulay na Lupa, Mt. Labo - Mt. Bayabas area, 17.-18. III.2004, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (382), 1 &sum;. Daet, Bicol NP, Nalisan, 26.II.2004, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (376), 1 &sum;. Camarines Sur: Lupi, Alanao, Bahi River, 14.XI.1999, leg. H. Zettel (205), 16&sum;&sum;, 3.III. 1999, leg. H. Zettel (191), 2 &sum;&sum;. Lupi, N Sipocot, Sooc, XII.1999-I.2000, leg. S. V. Zettel (5), 1 &sum;, 10.-12.III.2000, various collectors (246), 2 &sum;&sum;, 1.-9.IV.2000, various collectors (252), 1 &female;, 10 &sum;&sum;, 10.-21.IV.2000, various collectors (256), 1 &female;, 22.-29.IV.2000, various collectors (258), 29.II. 2004, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P47), 2 &sum;&sum;, 18.-23.II.2004, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (374), 1 &sum;, 31.III.2004, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P68), 1 &sum;, 1 &female;. Lupi, Sooc, Looban, 15.III.2004, leg. H. Zettel (381), 1 &sum;. Lupi, Sooc, Bicol NP, 100 m, 22.II.2008, leg. H. Zettel (508), 1 &sum;. 20 km E Naga, 3 km E Carolina, Mainit Spring (&quot;Hydro&quot;), 4.III. 1999, leg. H. Zettel (193), 1 &female;. A l b a y: 40 km N Legaspi, 1 km W Malilipot, Busai Falls, 23.II.1998, leg. H. Zettel (143), 1 &sum;. NE Legaspi, St. Domingo, Reyes, 20.III. 1998, leg. H. Zettel (163), 1 &sum;. S o r s o g o n: NE Irosin, N San Roque, Lake Bulusan, 630 m, 26.II.1998, leg. H. Zettel (146), 1 &sum;. Catanduanes: S of Summit, N Narsari, 9.III. 1999, at small creek, leg. H. Zettel (198), 1 &sum;. E San Andres, 11.-12.III.1999, leg. H. Zettel (200), 1 &female;, 12.III.1999, leg. F. Seyfert (26), 1 &sum;. (R o m b l o n P r o v.:) Sibuyan: E Magdiwang, W Silum, Lambigan Falls, 21.XI.1994, leg. H. Zettel (69), 2 &sum;&sum;. (R o m b l o n P r o v.:) Tablas: San Agustin, Dubduban, Busai Falls, 23.-25.XI.1994, leg. H. Zettel (70), 8 &sum;&sum;. Mindoro: M i n d o r o O r i e n t a l: Puerto Galera, S Big La Laguna, 25.XI.1993, leg. H. Zettel (33), 1 &sum;. S Puerto Galera, Big Tabinay River, 27.XI.1993, leg. H. Zettel (36), 1 &sum;. Baco, Hidden Paradise, 19.-20.XI. 1993, leg. H. Zettel (27), 1 &sum;. Cebu: Cebu City, Talamban, University of San Carlos campus, 12.-16.XI.2003, leg. C. V. Pangantihon, 2 &sum;&sum;, 19.IV.2004, leg. C. V. Pangantihon, 3 &sum;&sum;. Talamban, University of San Carlos campus, dormitory, 22.V.2005, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P154), 1 &female;. W Cebu City, Minglanilla, Camp 7, near creek and waterfall, 16.XI. 2003, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (358), 2 &sum;&sum;. S Badian, Matutinao, Kawasan Falls, 2-50 m, 23.-24.II.1997, leg. H. Zettel (116), 6 &sum;&sum;. Malapuyug, Monteneza, 0 - 10 m, 13.XI.2003, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P353), 2 &sum;&sum;. (C e b u P r o v.:) Bantayan: Atop-Atop, N Santa Fe, coast, 18. X.2004, leg. C.V. Pangantihon (P388), 1 &sum;. Siquijor: Lazi, Po-o River, 1.III.1997, leg. H. Zettel (121), 2 &sum;&sum;. Lazi, Po-o River, near Cambugahay Falls, 22.X.2004, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P392), 2 &sum;&sum;. Bandila-an NP, Lodge - Little Waterfall, 23.X.2004, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P395), 2 &sum;&sum;. Samar: W e s t e r n S a m a r: E Basey, Sohoton National Park, at Sohoton River, 29.1.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (2), 1 &sum;. Leyte: L e y t e P r o v.: N Tacloban, Babatngon, Busay Falls, 28.I.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (1), 9 &sum;&sum;, leg. H. Zettel (220), 1 &sum;. Baybay, ViSCA, along coast line, 12.II.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (15), 4 &sum;&sum;. Baybay, ViSCA campus, Mt. Pangasugan, 100 m, secondary forest, 31.I.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (4), 1 &sum;. Baybay, ViSCA, Mt. Pangasugan, above Forestry Department, 250 m, 11.II.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (14), 2 &female;&female;, 2 &sum;&sum;. Baybay, Mt. Pangasugan, along Lago-Lago River, 50 - 250 m, secondary forest, 1.II.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (5), 2 &sum;&sum;, 1 &female;. Baybay, Mt. Pangasugan, Calbiga-a River, 50 - 200 m, 12.II.2000, leg. H. Zettel (236), 1 &sum;, 50 - 100 m, 20.-21.III.2005, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (422), 1 &sum;. S o u t h e r n L e y t e: San Jos&eacute;, 14.I.1945, leg. E. Ray (90) (Chicago-NHM), 1 &sum;. N Maasin, at small stream E Lonoy, 20.XI.2003, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (362), 3 &female;&female;. Ibarra, Divisoria, near small creek, 21.XI. 2003, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (363), 1 &sum;. Camiguin: W Mambajao, Katibawasan spring area, 350 - 400 m, 13. and 15.III.2010, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (515), 1 &sum;. W Mambajao, Benon, between Saran and Kampanan, 500 - 800 m, 16. and 18.III.2010, leg. H. Zettel &amp; C. V. Pangantihon (516), 1 &sum;. (S u r i g a o d e l N o r t e P r o v.:) Dinagat: 6.8 km along round north of Dinagat proper, Busay, 3.II.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (6), 7 &sum;&sum;. (S u r i - g a o d e l N o r t e:) Bayagnan: southwest coast, 7. II.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (10), 22 &sum;&sum;. (S u r i g a o d e l N o r t e:) Hikdop: south and southwest coast, 5.II.2000, leg. S. Sch&ouml;dl (8), 23 &sum;&sum;, leg. H. Zettel (227), 2 &sum;&sum;. Mindanao: S u r i g a o d e l S u r: Tandag, San Antonio, 25. X.2010, leg. C.V. Pangantihon (P366), 1 &sum;. Tawi-Tawi: Bongao, Lapid Lapid, at Manalik Channel, 20.XI.1961, Noona Dan Expedition, 4 &sum;&sum;. (P a l a w a n P r o v.) Busuanga: 5 km NW Coron, Mabentangen Forest Reserve, 1.-7.II.1999, leg. H. Zettel (170), 7 &sum;&sum;. Palawan: Brooke's Point, Uring-Uring, 25.VIII.1961, Noona Dan Expedition, 3 &sum;&sum;, 1 &female;. Mantalingajan Range, Mt. Balabag, 2800 ft (= ca. 850 m a.s.l.), 4.V.1947, leg. F.G. Werner, Chicago-NHM - Philippine Zoological expedition 1946- 47, 1 &sum;. (Palawan Prov.:) Balabac: Dalawan Bay, 10. and 12.X.1961, Noona Dan Expedition, 2 &female;&female;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Material from other countries examined: 175 workers and 6 gynes (CZW, NHMW) from Sri Lanka, India (Nicobar Isl.), Malaysia (Peninsular), Indonesia (Nias, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and New Caledonia.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Description of worker: Measurements: worker with smallest HW: CI 83, HL 1.97, HW 1.63, MdI 53, MdL 1.05, MsL 2.43, SI 108, SL 1.77, PnW 0.87, PtH 0.75, PtL 0.64, PtW 0.38, TL 7.63; worker with largest HW: CI 82, HL 2.52, HW 2.07, MdI 53, MdL 1.33, MsL 2.93, PnW 1.13, PtH 0.89, PtL 0.99, PtW 0.52, SI 106, SL 2.20, TL 11.06.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Structures: Mandibles short and stout, with very fine denticles, sometimes completely edentate but always with three apical teeth (intercalary tooth slightly shorter than apical and subapical teeth). Apex of mandibles with some setae. Mandibles mostly smooth, some fine ridges / striae may occur, with fine white pubescence, hair pits distinct. Head in dorsal view rectangular, longer than wide, broadest at level of eyes which do not surpass outline of head. Dorsum of head striate, striation almost reaching nuchal carina (at dorsal margin, area of about the width of the scape, smooth). Eyes located dorsolaterally in first third of head. Mesosoma elongate in dorsal view, broadest at level of pronotum. Pronotum with round striation, often slightly oval or longitudinal in centre, but some entire circles always visible in dorsal view. Mesonotum and propodeum with transverse striation (slightly coarser on propodeum). Mesopleuron smooth in centre, some striation at margins. Metanotal spiracle inconspicuous, situated dorsolaterally. Petiole short and straight, conspicuously &quot;tear-shaped&quot; in frontal view, broad with short petiolar spine, posteriorly flat with transverse striation. Gaster rounded to oval; anterior part of first tergite evenly convex in lateral aspect, without impression; first tergite smooth, second with some reticulation, at least anteriorly.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pilosity: Fine white semi-appressed pubescence on entire body, very dense on appendages including petiole, on mesosoma, head and gaster distance between hairs approximately their length. Few standing setae on pronotum, several standing hairs on gaster increasing in length towards apex of abdomen. Some isolated hairs on head venter and one pair of standing setae on head dorsum.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Colour: Body, including all appendages, dark brown (almost black in some specimens).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Description of gyne: Measurements: gyne with smallest HW: CI 87, HL 2.27, HW 1.97, MdI 57, MdL 1.30, MsL 2.93, PnW 1.60, PtH 1.00, PtL 0.78, PtW 0.49, SI 107, SL 2.10, TL 9.88; gyne with largest HW: CI 85, HL 2.47, HW 2.10, MdI 54, MdL 1.33, MsL 3.13, PnW 1.65, PtH 1.02, PtL 0.88, PtW 0.61, SI 104, SL 2.18, TL 10.31.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Structures: Differs only in the following characters: pronotum with transverse striation, mesonotum with longitudinal striation, scutellum shiny, sexual female morph-specific characters (wing insertions, mesosoma and gaster bigger).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Notes: Odontomachus simillimus can be easily recognised even in the field by small size, dark colour, proportionally large head and short scape. In the Philippines, there is no other species with a short, truncate subapical tooth of the mandible (Fig. 43), and none with fine reticulation on visible part of gaster tergite 2 (but note that the anterior part of tergite 2 which is usually covered by tergite 1 is also reticulate in other species).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Odontomachus simillimus is surprisingly uniform over its large distribution area. It is distinguished from the second Old World species, O. troglodytes from Africa, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, by its smooth gaster tergite 1.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Distribution (Philippines: Fig. 47): Widely distributed from India to Polynesia (Wilson 1959, Brown 1976), &quot;undoubtedly many of the island records represent accidental introductions by man&quot; (Brown 1976: 87). No distribution limit in the Philippines; records from 21 islands (19 in this study).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Habitats: Odontomachus simillimus is a common species which also can be found in open or moderately to strongly disturbed habitats, like coastal areas, coconut groves, villages, and even lawns on university campuses. It usually does not enter dense forests, but can be occasionally found on banks of stream running through forests. According to collections by Chapman in eastern Negros, the species can be found from sea level up to an elevation of 900 m (Wheeler &amp; Chapman 1925).&lt;/p&gt;Published as part of &lt;i&gt;Sorger, D. M. &amp; Zettel, H., 2011, On the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Philippine Islands: V. The genus Odontomachus Latreille, 1804., pp. 141-163 in Myrmecological News 14&lt;/i&gt; on pages 158-16