Corresponding author: Paul A. Lenhart (
Academic editor: Wojciech Pulawski
El género
O género
Current taxonomy of
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Male/Female | |
Male/Female | |
Male/Female | |
Female1 | |
Male1/Female | |
Female | |
Female | |
Male/Female | |
Male1 |
Species limits among
We examined 345 workers and 11 males of
American Museum of Natural History
California Academy of Sciences Entomological Collection
Cornell University Insect Collection
Field Museum of Natural History
Florida State Collection of Arthropods
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
Museo Entomológico Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Museo Civico di Storia Naturale ‘Giacomo Doria’
Museo de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel
Paul Alvarado Lenhart personal collection
Pontifica Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Catholic Zoology Museum
Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History
William and Emma Mackay Collection at the University of Texas at El Paso
Morphological characters were selected after extensive examination of the material. Previous authors (
Measurements were made with an ocular micrometer using a Wild stereomicroscope at 64×. A subset of 91 worker specimens including available types were measured totaling 21
A measure of gaster length is not as consistent as other measurements because of differential expansion or contraction of the gastral segments in individual specimens, resulting in a larger range of variation. However, gaster length is useful for a measure of the approximate overall body length which is helpful when identifying
Photomicrographs (
Standard myrmecological morphometric parameters were generally selected to best characterize the observed differences and included:
Mandibular length. The straight-line length of the mandible from the mandibular apex to the articulation with the clypeus.
Scape length. Maximum length of first antennal segment not including the articular boss and condyle.
First funicular segment length. Maximum length of second antennal segment, for males only.
Second funicular segment length. Maximum length of third antennal segment, for males only.
Head length. Midline measured from the distal edge of the clypeus at the median (not including clypeal teeth) to the occipital margin of the head at its median (not including ocelli in males).
Head width. Maximum width of the head in full-face view including eyes.
Eye length. Maximum length of the eye measured along its longer vertical axis.
Eye width. Maximum width of the eye measured along its shorter horizontal axis.
Ocelli diameter. Maximum diameter of the medial ocellus, for males only.
Weber’s length. Distance measured between the anterior margin of the pronotum to the posterior margin of the metapleural bulla in lateral view.
Forewing length. Maximum length of the forewing measured from the base of the costal vein to the wing apex, for males only.
Hindwing length. Maximum length of the hindwing measured from the base of the costal vein to the wing apex, for males only.
Petiole length. The maximum measurable longitudinal distance between the anterior and posterior extensions of the petiolar node in lateral view.
Petiole height. Height of the petiole measured laterally from the median of the subpetiolar process viewed laterally to the median of the dorsum of the petiole.
Petiole width. Maximum width of the petiole measured in dorsal view.
Gaster length. Maximum longitudinal distance from articulation with petiolar helcium to distal edge of hypopygidium (subgenital plate in males) measured in lateral view.
Hind femur length. Maximum length of the posterior femur measured from its basal articulation with the trochanter to its apex at the articulation with the tibia.
Total body length (sum of MDL, HL, WL, PL, GL).
Label data were used from all specimens to plot distributions. These data were combined with localities derived from literature (
Family
Size (TBL > 2.5cm) can easily distinguish
Features of
Abundant setae; black integument, ranges from smooth and shiny with no microsculpturing, to finely micropunctate or scaled depending on species (
Integument: smooth and nitid; reddish to dark brown/black. Head: Mandibles greatly reduced, rounded, spoon shaped, lacking teeth; palps elongated, maxillary palps 4 segmented, labial palps 3 segmented; labrum reduced, rounded to truncate, emarginated distal margin in
A basic description of the larva of
"
Males are born throughout most of the year in tropical species (
New colonies are founded by fission, a process in which a beta female is fertilized in the natal nest (
Colonies vary in size depending upon species.
The nest consists of large chambers and tunnels in the soil possibly with an earthen mound and can be 0.10–1.2m deep (
Workers lower in the hierarchy forage individually for food items on the substrate and do not recruit other nestmates to assist with food transport (
Despite their large size and strong venom,
Anatomy has been described several times.
For subduing large live prey and defense (
Several studies of the cytogenetics of
1 | Antero-inferior corner of pronotum with distinct tooth-like process (Fig. 1D) | 2 |
– | Antero-inferior corner of pronotum without tooth-like process (Fig. 1E) | 4 |
2 | Head (Fig. 12B), sides of petiole and terga 1 and 2 of gaster smooth and polished, integument with bluish luster (Fig. 12A); southeastern coast of Brazil | |
– | Head, lateral sides of the petiole and terga 1 and 2 of gaster finely micro-punctate/scaled (Fig. 12B) | 3 |
3 | Total body length under 3 cm; Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil | |
– | Total body length over 3 cm; Brazil, Peru, and Guyana | |
4 | Body covered in bristle-like setae which are not flagellate (Fig. 1C); Pará, Brazil | |
– | Body covered in fine and flagellate setae (Fig. 1B) | 5 |
5 | Appressed golden yellow pubescence present on frons (Fig. 1A); Colombia south to Perú to northern Brazil | |
– | Pubescence absent from frons or not golden yellow | 6 |
6 | Sides of head, lateral sides of the petiole and terga 1 and 2 of gaster finely micro-punctate/scaled (Fig. 12B); in profile antero-dorsal edge of petiole bulging (Fig. 1G); northeast Brazil | |
– | Sides of head, sides of the petiole and terga 1 and 2 of gaster smooth, shiny and polished with no microsculpturing, integument with bluish luster (Fig. 12A); in profile petiole with even dorsal corners (Fig. 1F); eastern Bolivia, northern Paraguay and southwestern Brazil |
(couplets 1 and 2 are included to easily separate males of other genera which are likely confused with
1 | Total body length less than 15 mm | |
– | Total body length greater than 15 mm | 2 |
2 | Subpetiolar process in form of spine; pronotum heavily sculptured; palp formula 5:3 |
|
– | Subpetiolar process without spine; pronotum shiny, microsculptured; palp formula 4:3 | 3 |
3 | Ocelli protruding on occipital margin of head (Fig. 4A–D) | 4 |
– | Ocelli not protruding on occipital margin of head (Fig. 4E); Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil | |
4 | Setae on funiculus long and erect (Fig. 4F, G) | 5 |
– | Setae on funiculus short, stiff and subdecumbent, or minute pubescence present (Fig. 4H, I, J) | 6 |
5 | Digitus volsellaris with toothless lobe at distal end (Fig. 10C); Brazil, Peru, and Guyana | |
– | Digitus volsellaris without lobe at distal end (Fig. 10A); northeast Brazil | |
6 | Pygidium terminating in narrow, elongate spine (Fig. 4M); penis valve of aedeagus wedge-shaped in lateral view (Fig. 11E); Colombia south to Perú to north western Brazil | |
– | Pygidium terminating in short, broad, triangular angle (Fig. 4N); penis valve of aedeagus with distal flange and triangular ventral lobe (Fig. 11B); Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil |
1 | Esquina antero-inferior del pronoto con proceso en forma de diente distinto (Fig. 1D) | 2 |
– | Esquina antero-inferior del pronoto sin proceso en forma de diente (Fig. 1E) | 4 |
2 | Cabeza, lados laterales del pecíolo, y tergos 1 y 2 del gáster lisos y brillantes, con reflexiones azules (Fig. 12A) | |
– | Cabeza, lados laterales del pecíolo, y las tergos 1 y 2 del gáster finamente punteados o con escamas finas (Fig. 12B), a veces con reflexiones azules | 3 |
3 | Largo total menos de 3 cms | |
– | Largo total más de 3cms | |
4 | Cuerpo cubierto con pelos gruesos, no flagelados (Fig. 1C) | |
– | Cuerpo cubierto con pelos finos y flagelados (Fig. 1B) | 5 |
5 | Frente con pubescencia recostada y amarillo-dorada (Fig. 1A) | |
– | Frente sin pubescencia recostada y amarilla | 6 |
6 | Lados de la cabeza, lados del pecíolo y tergos 1 y 2 del gáster finamente punteados o con escamas finas (Fig. 12B); pecíolo (en perfil) con el borde anterior-dorsal hinchado (Fig. 1G) | |
– | Lados de la cabeza, lados del pecíolo y tergos 1 y 2 del gáster lisos, y brillantes, sin escultura fina, con reflexiones azules (Fig. 12A); pecíolo (en perfil) con esquinas dorsales al mismo nivel (Fig. 1F) |
1 | Largo total menos de 15 mm | |
– | Largo total más de 15 mm | 2 |
2 | Proceso subpetiolar en forma de espina; pronoto fuertemente esculturado; formula palpal 5:3 |
|
– | Proceso subpetiolar no en forma de espina; pronoto liso, microesculturado; formula palpal 4:3 | 3 |
3 | Ocelos muy hinchados en el margen occipital de la cabeza (Fig. 4A–D) | 4 |
– | Ocelos no muy hinchados en el margen occipital de la cabeza (Fig. 4E) | |
4 | Funículo con pelos alargados y rectos (Fig. 4F, G) | 5 |
– | Funículo con pelos cortos, rígidos, y subdecumbentes, o con pubescencia diminuta (Fig. 4H, I, J) | 6 |
5 | Lóbulo del digito del volsela sin dientes en el ápice (Fig. 10C) | |
– | Digito del volsela sin lóbulo en el ápice (Fig. 10A) | |
6 | Pigidio terminando en un espina, alargada y delgada (Fig. 4M); válvula peneal del aedeago en forma de cuña (Visto en perfil) (Fig. 11E) | |
– | Pigidio terminando en una espina corta y ancha, en forma de triángulo (Fig. 4N); válvula peneal del aedeago con una reborde distal y un lóbulo triangular ventral (Fig. 11B) |
1 | Esquina antero-inferior do pronoto com processo em forma de dente distinto (Fig. 1D) | 2 |
– | Esquina antero-inferior do pronoto sem processo em forma de dente (Fig. 1E) | 4 |
2 | Cabeça, lados laterais do pecíolo, e tergas 1 e 2 do gáster lisos e brilhantes, com reflexões azuis (Fig. 12A) | |
– | Cabeza, lados laterais do pecíolo, e tergas 1 e 2 do gáster finamente ponteado ou com escamas finas (Fig. 12B) | 3 |
3 | Comprido total menos 3 cms | |
– | Comprido total mais de 3 cms | |
4 | Corpo cobrido com cogumelos em forma de cerdas, que não são flagelados (Fig. 1C) | |
– | Corpo cobrido com cogumelos finos e flagelados (Fig. 1B) | 5 |
5 | Frons com pubescencia prendida e amarela-dourada (Fig. 1A) | |
– | Frons sem pubescencia amarelo prendido | 6 |
6 | Lados da cabeça, lados do pecíolo e tergas 1 e 2 do gáster finamente ponteados ou com escamas finas (Fig. 12B); pecíolo (em perfil) com o margem anterior-dorsal hinchado (Fig. 1G) | |
– | Lados da cabeça, lados do pecíolo e tergas 1 e 2 do gáster lisos e brilhantes, sem escultura fina, com reflexões azuis (Fig. 12A); pecíolo (em perfil) com esquinas dorsais ao mesmo nível (Fig. 1F) |
1 | Comprido total menos de 15mm | |
– | Comprido total mais de 15 mm | 2 |
2 | Proceso subpetiolar em forma de espinha; pronoto fortemente esculturado; formula palpular 5:3 |
|
– | Processo subpetiolar não em forma de espinha; pronoto liso, microesculturado; formula para palpular 4:3 | 3 |
3 | Ocelos na margem occipital da cabeça muito inchados (Fig. 4A–D) | 4 |
– | Ocelos na margem occipital da cabeça não muito inchados (Fig. 4E) | |
4 | Funículo com cogumelos alongados e retos (Fig. 4F, G) | 5 |
– | Funículo com cogumelos curtos, rígidos, e subdecumbentes, ou com pubescencia minuta (Fig. 4H, I, J) | 6 |
5 | Lóbulo do dígito do volsela sem dentes no ápice (Fig. 10C) | |
– | Dígito do volsela sem lóbulo no ápice (Fig. 10A) | |
6 | Pigidio acabado numa espinha, alongada e delgada (Fig. 4M); válvula penal do aedeago em forma de cunha (visto em perfil) (Fig. 11 E) | |
– | Pigidio acabado numa espinha apara e alarga, em forma de triângulo (Fig. 4N); válvula penal do aedeago com um reborde distal e um lóbulo triangular ventral (Fig. 11B) |
This species is most easily recognized by the antero-inferior corner of pronotum having a distinct tooth-like process (
Measurements (mm) (n=21) TBL: 23.42–29.31 (26.21); MDL: 3.59 – 4.31 (3.88); HL: 4.51–5.64 (4.99); HW: 4.31–5.74 (4.89); SL: 4.31–5.02 (4.73); WL: 6.25–7.69 (7.12); PL: 1.79–2.26 (2.03); PH: 2.56–3.28 (2.90); PW: 1.59–1.95 (1.75); GL: 7.28–9.64 (8.20); HFL: 5.54–6.66 (6.16). A description of the external morphology of the worker is given by
"
A description of the external morphology of the male is given in
"
Basal ring with thick dorso-anterior loop structures, reduced; parameres short, broad, rounded, small lobe on dorsal edge, emarginated ventro-basal edge (
Features of
Wings of known males.
ARGENTINA, MISIONES: Iguazú (1 w, 4–10.x.1927, RC and EM Shannon, USNM); Iguazú Falls (2 w, 20–22.i.1920, CUIC); Loreto (1 w, N Kusnezov, USNM); Loreto malaise trap in subtropical wet forest (3 w, i.2001, P Fidalgo, FSCA); Parque Nacional Iguazú (3 w, 24.xii.1988, DH and AC Kistner, LACM); Parque Nacional Iguazú Cantera old gravel pit at forest edge 200m (18 w, 8.xii.1990–6.i.1991, S and J Peck, FMNH); Parque Nacional Iguazú Puerto Canoas hill forest 200m (30 w, 8.xii.1990–6.i.1991, S and J Peck, FMNH); Parque Nacional Iguazú Puerto Canoas river forest 180m (35 w, 2 m, 8.xii.1990–6.i.1991, S and J Peck, FMNH); Puerto Iguazú 100m (1 w, 25.xi–8.xii.1983, A Bordón, MCZC); Santo Pipó (1 w, N. Kusnezov, MCZC); locality not specified (1 w, USNM).BOLIVIA, SANTA CRUZ: Ayacucho (1 w, 13.x.1987, P Bettella, LACM); Buena Vista (1 w, 8.iv.1950, LE Pena, CUIC); Buena Vista (1 w, 20.ii.1999, L Stange, FSCA); Lomas de Arena Biol. Park (4 w, 10.ii.1999, LA Stange, FSCA); Velasco, Santa Cruz de la Sierra (1 w, J Steinbach, MCZC); Santa Cruz de la Sierra (1 w, 23.iv.1989, G Morales, LACM). BRAZIL, GOIAS: Anápolis (1 w, 12.ii.1936, G Fairchild, MCZC); 24 km E Formoso (1 w, 29.v.1956, FS Truzal, LACM); (1 w, 30.iv.1956, FS Truxal, LACM); Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros (1 w, 29.xi.1989, J Cuellar, LACM); Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros 18–24km N of Alto Paraiso 1400–1500m (1 w, 2–5.x.1985, SE Miller, LACM), Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, 18–24km N of Alto Paraiso 1400–1500m(1 w, 22.iv.1956, FS Truxal, LACM); MATO GROSSO: Rio das Mortes nr. São Felix do Araguaia (1 w, 1944, JV Ca, MCZC); MATO GROSSO DO SUL: 24 km W Campo Grande loose on ground (1 w, 7.xi.1989, WP Mackay, CWEM); 6 km SE Campo Grande nest in soil (2 w, 8.xi.1989, WP Mackay, CWEM); 8 km SE Ponta Purá, loose on ground (2 w, 15.xi.1989, WP Mackay, CWEM); 3 km NW Taunay, loose on ground (1 w, 17.xi.1989, WP Mackay, CWEM); Urucum, Corumbá (1 w,23–29.xii.1919, CUIC); SÃO PAULO: Corumbataí, loose on ground(1 w, 6.xi.1989, WP Mackay, CWEM); RIO GRANDE DO SUL: Passo Fundo (1 w,10.iii.1939, PA Berry, USNM). PARAGUAY, ALTO PARANÁ: Villa Encarnación (1 w, 10.i.1905, CASC); GUAIRÁ: Rogue González (1 w, 14.i.1995, B. Garcete and Alex Wild, LACM).
Measurements (mm) (n=15) TBL: 31.62–36.02 (34.34); MDL: 4.59–5.35 (4.92); HL: 5.89–6.65 (6.31); HW: 5.74–6.27 (6.00); SL: 5.95–6.43 (6.30); WL: 8.71–9.94 (9.35); PL: 2.72–3.06 (2.81); PH: 3.08–3.67 (3.59); PW: 1.85–2.07 (1.98); GL: 9.43–12.24 (10.94); HFL: 8.10–9.3 (8.74). A description of the external morphology of the worker is given in
"
Males of this species are easily recognized by their funiculus which is covered in long standing setae (
A description of the external morphology of the male is given in
"
Basal ring with wide dorso-anterior loop structures, dorsal depression on basal ring posterior to cleft between dorso-anterior loops, ridge extending from anterior of depression to center; parameres long, narrow, rounded spade-shape, emarginated ventro-basal edge (
A record from Rio de Janeiro (from the CASC) is puzzling as it is disjunct from the known range of
BRAZIL
Distinguished from other speciesby the following combination of character states: conspicuous bristle-like setae covering the entire body but most pronounced on the dorsum of the head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster (
Measurements (mm) (n=5) TBL: 30.39–31.83 (31.08); MDL: 4.20–4.51 (4.38); HL: 5.64–6.05 (5.86); HW: 5.02–5.33 (5.19); SL: 6.05–6.36 (6.22); EL: 1.23–1.33 (1.27); EL: 0.72–0.97 (0.84); WL: 7.89–8.71 (8.36); PL: 2.5–2.56 (2.52); PH: 2.87–3.18 (3.05); PW: 1.33–1.54 (1.47); GL: 9.69–10.15 (9.95); HFL: 7.89–8.41 (8.14). (See
Unknown.
Known only from the type locality (
Holotype worker (MCZC) BRAZIL
This species can easily be recognized by the golden luster of its conspicuous long, flagellate hairs especially on the frons. In addition this species has the following combination of character states: pronotal corner rounded without tooth-like process (
Measurements (mm) (n=16) TBL: 30.85–34.75 (32.83); MDL: 4.61–5.33 (4.89); HL: 5.48–6.87 (6.12); HW: 5.23–5.84 (5.57); SL: 5.54–6.56 (6.23); WL: 7.84–9.33 (8.51); PL: 2.46–2.82 (2.64); PH: 2.77–3.59 (3.28); PW: 1.44–1.85 (1.67); GL: 9.02–12.20 (10.67); HFL: 7.48–8.87 (8.36).A description of the external morphology of the worker is given in
"
Distinguished from other
Previously undescribed. Measurements (mm) (n=2) TBL: 19.78, 21.12; HL: 2.10, 2.26; HW: 2.67, 2.77; SL: 0.92, 0.92; EL: 1.49, 1.59; EW: 0.923, 0.923; WL: 6.66, 6.66; FWL: 17.43, 15.38; HWL: 13.12, 11.48; PL: 1.90, 2.05; PH: 1.38, 1.54; PW: 0.97, 1.03; GL: 9.12, 10.15; HFL:5.23, 5.54. (See
Doubt was raised by
BRAZIL, AMAZONAS: Uypiranga Rio Negro, 14 km from Manaus, 81 m (1 w, x.1941, A Rabaut, AMNH); Tabatingo (2 w, MCZC, CUIC); União Rio Madeira (1 w,iii.1921 or 1922, WM Mann, USNM); RONDÔNIA: Porto Velho, Rio Madeira (1 w, Mann and Baker, USNM). COLOMBIA, AMAZONAS: 18 km N Leticia (1 w, 25.ii.1974, Sand J Peck, MCZC); Leticia (1 w, x.1977, F Castaño, CWEM); Leticia, Rio Tacana, loose on ground (1 w, 3.viii.2002, L Mejia, UNAB); 5 km N Zaragoza (1 w, 18.ix.1988, F. Fernández, CWEM); El Encanto, (9 w, 25.viii.1920, CUIC, LACM, MCZC, AMNH);, La Sombra to El Encanto, (2 w, 23.viii.1920, CUIC, AMNH). ECUADOR,PASTAZA: Moretecocha Ex. Barrido plataforma (1 w, 1–7.vi.1996, J Naranjo,QCAZ). PERÚ, AMAZONAS: Km 292–296 E of Montenegro Olmos-Maranón Hwy 700–800m (3 w, 21.i.1964, PCHutchison and JK Wright, CASC); Montenegro, Bagua 350m (3 w, 29.ix–2.x.1963, Wygodzinsky, AMNH); MADRE DE DIOS: Cueva de Castillo nr. Tingo María 600 m(3 w, 7.viii.1982, JM Wilson, LACM, 1 w, 31.x.1970, J Schuster, LACM); Tingo María670 m(1 w, Weyrauch, MCZC); Tingo María 2200 ft. (1 w, 8.x.1946, JC Pallister, AMNH) (3 w, 12.x.1946, JC Pallister, AMNH, 1 w, 28.x.1946, JC Pallister, AMNH, 1 w, 23.v.1947, JC Pallister, AMNH, 1 w, 1.vi.1947, JC Pallister, AMNH, 1 w, xii.1949, HA Allard, USNM, 2 w, 27.ix.1952, NA Wells, CASC); Tingo María, Monson Valley (1 w, 18.ix.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 3 w, 23.ix.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 8.x.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 2 w, 10.x.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 19.x.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w,21.x.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 m, 2.xi.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 3.xi.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 9.xii.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 m, 11.xii.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 3 w, 15.xii.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 23.xii.1954, EI Schlinger and ES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 13–17.ix.1956, C Gregoire, USNM, 1 w, 11.viii.1960, DA Young, USNM, 1 w,16.v.1964, CE andES Ross, CASC, 1 w, 9–12.iii.1967, WL Brown, MCZC); Parque Nacional de Tingo María, Cueva de las Lechuzas tropical rainforest window trap (1 w, 8–16.i.1983, A Newton and M Thayer, MCZC); Parque Nacional de Tingo María, Cueva de las Lechuzas, sweeping(1 w, 11.viii.1985, JF Cornell, LACM); 14 km N Tingo María (1 w, 7.ii.1984, WN Mathis, USNM); Parque Nacional de Tingo María, 6 km W Tingo María (1 w, 9.ii.1984, WN Mathis, USNM); 12km SW Tingo María (1 w, 12–15.viii.1985, JF Cornell, LACM); Parque Nacional de Tingo María, 660 m (3 w, 11–17.iv.1987, JE Eger, FSCA); Tambello Chico Canyon, 13km S Tingo María, 800 m (1 w, vi.1983, CM Stevens, FSCA); LORETO: Amazon Camp Rio Momón, nr. Iquitos, 97.5 m (1 w, 1–10.xii.1982, ES Ross, CASC); Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies, 70 km NE Iquitos, extracted from nest, lowland tropical wetforest (1 w, 9.vii.2002, RC Morgan, CASC); Amazon Safari Camp Nr. Iquitos (1 w, 25.vi.1980, CL Hogue, LACM); Aventurama Camp Rio Napo/Rio Yagua (2 w, one infected with fungus, CL Hogue, LACM); Boquerón 500m(5 w, 7–14.vii.1965, J Schunke, LACM); Explornapo Camp 100mi NE Iquitos (1 w, 15.vii.1990, S Dunkle, FSCA); Rio Napo at Sucusnui (1 w, 13.vii.1985, CL Hogue, LACM); PASCO: Río Iscozazin (1 w, 8–19.vii.1961, FS Truxal, LACM); SAN MARTIN: Tarapoto (9 w, A Vasquez, AMNH); UCAYALI: Balta Rio Curanja (2 w, vii.1966, A Gardner, FSCA); department not specified, Upper Rio Huallaga (1 w, 29.x.1925, H. Bassler, AMNH, 1 w, 30.x.1925, H. Bassler, AMNH, 1 w, xi.1930, H Bassler, AMNH); DEPARTMENT NOT SPECIFIED, Upper Rio Marañon (2 w, Orton, CASC, MCZC), Rio Marañon (1 w, 10.vii.1930, AMNH); Rio Santiago (1 w, 15.ix.1923, AMNH, 1 w, 17.xi.1923, AMNH); Middle Rio Ucayali (3 w, 1.x.1929, H Bassler, AMNH).
This species can be recognized by the following combination of character states: anterior inferior pronotal corner with tooth-like process (
Measurements (mm) (n=5) TBL: 27.01–30.39 (28.64); MDL: 3.79–4.31 (3.97); HL: 4.92–5.64 (5.34); HW: 5.02–5.13 (5.07); SL: 5.23–5.64 (5.42); WL: 7.33–8.20 (7.84); PL: 2.25–2.51 (2.39); PH: 3.18–3.28 (3.26); PW: 1.54–1.90 (1.72); GL: 8.00–10.05 (9.10); HFL: 6.87–7.28 (7.18). A description of the external morphology of the worker is given in
"
Unknown.
This species inhabits fragments of Atlantic rainforest in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo, across the border into Minas Gerais, the southern portion of Bahia and São Paulo (
BRAZIL, BAHIA: Itabuna, Itapebi 177 m(1 w, ii.1999, JRM Santos, CASC); ESPIRTIO SANTO: Santa Tereza (1 w, 24.xi.1954, A Ruschi, MCZC); MINAS GERAIS: Ataléia (1 w, 27.i.1994, I Cardoso, LACM).
Measurements (mm) (n=12) TBL: 29.42–32.34 (30.99); MDL: 4.10–5.48 (4.71); HL: 5.13–6.30 (5.65); HW: 5.13–5.64 (5.39); SL: 5.43–6.05 (5.72); WL: 7.53–8.61 (8.20); PL: 2.26–2.67 (2.41); PH: 2.82–3.38 (3.17); PW: 1.54–1.90 (1.76); GL: 8.61–11.99 (10.06); HFL: 7.18–8.00 (7.60). A description of the morphology of the worker is given in
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Unknown.
BRAZIL, MATO GROSSO DO SUL: Corumbá (1 w, MCZC); Urucum, Corumbá (3 w, 23–29.xii.1919, LACM, CUIC); RONDÔNIA: 7 km NW Costa Marques (1 w, 16.xi.1986, R Wilkerson, FSCA); Schmitt Ranch (1 w, ix.1996, R. Rogers, PALC). BOLIVIA, SANTA CRUZ: Perseverancia (1 w, 18.iii.1990, P Bettella, LACM). PARAGUAY, BOQUERÓN: Enciso (1 w, T. del Sinne, CWEM).
This species is recognized by its finely micro-sculptured integument which is not shiny (
Measurements (mm) (n=17) TBL: 28.09–33.73 (30.60); MDL: 4.10–5.05 (4.53); HL: 5.23–6.04 (5.58); HW: 5.33–5.97 (5.56); SL: 5.54–6.12 (5.80); WL: 7.38–9.03 (8.20); PL: 2.26–2.68 (2.50); PH: 3.06–3.52 (3.26); PW: 1.64–1.99 (1.80); GL: 8.20–11.93 (9.80); HFL: 7.18–8.11 (7.65). A description of the worker is given in
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Males of this species are distinguished by the long fine setae of the second funicular segment (
Total length 21mm (
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To this
Basal ring with wide, thin dorso-anterior loop structures; parameres distinctly long, narrow, rounded end, emarginated ventro-basal edge (
Schematic drawing of generalized
We also agree with the synonymy of
BRAZIL, ALAGOAS: Pedra (1 w, viii.1939, A Muller, AMNH); CEARÁ: Tianguá (1 w, 6.iv.1972, JS Bowman, MCZC); PARÁ: Óbidos (1 w, ii.1981, CWEM); Rio Tapajoz region (1 w, viii.1983, CWEM); Santarém (1 w, 20.v.1984, CWEM); PARAIBA: Independencia (1 w, 1 m, Mann and Heath, USNM, 2 w, LACM); João Pessoa (4 w, 21.iv.1975, J Kesselring, CASC, 1 w, i.1976, BA Bkaul, CWEM); João Pessoa forest of Gargau primary forest on ground 45m(1 w, 22.i.1981, G Ekis, MCZC); RIO GRANDE DO NORTE: Baixa Verde (2 w, WM Mann, USNM, 1 w, gift of Wheeler, MCZC); Ceara-Mirim (1 w, 1 m, WM Mann, USNM); Natal (6 w, WM Mann, AMNH, LACM, MCZC, USNM); São José do Bonfim (1 w, 22.iii.1945, HT Dalinat, LACM);state not specified, North Piari (1 w, vi–vii.1944, L Parker, MCZC).
Unknown.
Specimens of this species are distinct in several respects. The combination of a bicolored body and head possessing bulging compound eyes and ocelli (
Measurements (mm) (n=3) TBL: 16.14–17.09 (16.58); HL: 1.90–2.05 (1.98); HW: 2.36–2.51 (2.44); SL: 0.62–0.72 (0.65); EL: 1.23–1.38 (1.32); EW: 0.72–0.82 (0.79); WL: 5.54–6.05 (5.77); FWL: 13.33–13.63 (13.43); HWL: 9.93–10.46 (10.25); PL: 1.44–1.54 (1.49); PH: 1.13–1.23 (1.16); PW: 0.92–1.13 (1.04); GL: 6.66–7.18 (6.94); HFL: 4.20–4.92 (4.54). Integument: smooth and shining; head, mesosoma and petiole dark brown to black; gaster light brown. Head: Mandibles reduced, rounded, lacking teeth, rounded lobe on ventro-basal edge, high lateral ridge running along axis; palps elongated; labrum reduced, deeply emarginated on distal margin, covered with setae. Clypeus large, triangular, bulging medially, covered in appressed to subdecumbent setae; anterior tentorial pits large; frontal carinae reduced to slight ridge along antennal socket; antennal sockets close, located at posterior apex of clypeus. Antennae: black; funiculus covered in minute, dense, stiff subdecumbent setae (
Worker head, oblique antero-lateral view illustrating microsculpturing difference.
Distribution map of
Known only from type locality; Campo Grande, Brazil (
We have compared male specimens of
Namedin honor of the late Roy Snelling who made considerable contributions to the field and spirit of myrmecology.
Holotype deposited in MZSP, BRAZIL, Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, 12 Oct 1989, W.P. Mackay #12404, 2 paratypes, same locality, 8 Oct 1989, #12359 collected at house light (deposited in the CWEM and MCZC).
A synthesis of our understanding of
Worker characters, though seemingly indistinct upon first inspection, allow relatively easy identification of
Despite the work presented here, many questions still remain in terms of
We would like to give a special acknowledgment to the late Roy Snelling, who never failed in providing advice and discussions on ant taxonomy. Our indebted appreciation is also given to two anonymous reviewers whose dedication and care improved the quality of this manuscript. We would like to thank all the institutions and individuals that loaned us specimens including James Carpenter (AMNH), Brian Fisher (CASC), E. Hoebeke (CUIC), James Boone (FMNH), Jim Wiley (FSCA), Roy Snelling (LACM), C. Garcia (UNAB), Roberto Poggi (MCSN), Carlos Roberto Brandão, (MZSP), Stefan Cover (MCZC), Daniel Burckhardt and Lisabelle Zürcher (NHMB), Juan Vieira and David Donoso, (QCAZ) and Ted Schultz and David Furth (USNM), as well as Thibaut Delsinne who donated the first Paraguayan specimen of