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Pseudomyrmex alustratus
| Pseudomyrmex alustratus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Pseudomyrmecinae |
| Genus: | Pseudomyrmex |
| Species: | P. alustratus |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudomyrmex alustratus Ward, 1989
| |
Little is known about this species and is only known from a small number of specimens.
Identification
Ward (1989) - This species evidently is related closely to Pseudomyrmex elongatus, from which it differs primarily in size (HW > 0.68). The head is even more densely punctate and opaque than in most P. elongatus workers, the basal face of the propodeum tends to be relatively longer (compare PDI values), and the subpetiolar process is perhaps a little better developed than in P. elongatus. The punctate opaque head, elongate eyes (REL2 > 0.76), relatively broad fore femur, and high, rounded petiole (PLI > 0.82), distinguish P. alustratus from Pseudomyrmex cubaensis, the only species with which it overlaps substantially in size.
Distribution
Latitudinal Distribution Pattern
Latitudinal Range: -16.16666667° to -16.16666667°.
| North Temperate |
North Subtropical |
Tropical | South Subtropical |
South Temperate |
- Source: AntMaps
Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Ecuador, Peru (type locality).
Distribution based on AntMaps
Distribution based on AntWeb specimens
Check data from AntWeb
Countries Occupied
| Number of countries occupied by this species based on AntWiki Regional Taxon Lists. In general, fewer countries occupied indicates a narrower range, while more countries indicates a more widespread species. |
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Estimated Abundance
| Relative abundance based on number of AntMaps records per species (this species within the purple bar). Fewer records (to the left) indicates a less abundant/encountered species while more records (to the right) indicates more abundant/encountered species. |
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Biology
Ward (1989) - Essentially nothing is known about the biology of P. alustratus. Two workers from Sotileja, Peru were foraging on Ochroma.
Castes
Nomenclature
The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.
- alustratus. Pseudomyrmex alustratus Ward, 1989: 409, fig. 13 (w.q.) PERU.
Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.
Description
Worker
measurements (n=9). —HL 0.96-1.04, HW 0.69-0.75, MFC 0.0l8-0.024, CI 0.70-0.76, OI 0.55-0.58, REL 0.55-0.58, REL2 0.76-0.80, OOI 0.13-0.53, VI 0.80-0.86, FCI 0.024-0.034, SI 0.45-0.46, SI2 0.58-0.60, FI 0.47-0.53, POI 1.32-1.58, MPI 0.040-0.055, NI 0.59-0.64, PLI 0.83-0.92, PWI 0.63-0.71, PPWI 1.18-1.43.
diagnosis. Medium-sized species (HW 0.69-0.75), with elongate head and eyes (CI 0.70-0.76, REL2 0.76-0.80); sides of head slightly convex, occipital margin weakly concave in full-face view; second and third funicular segments broader than long (FLI 1.49-1.69, n=5). Fore femur relatively broad; metanotal groove of moderate depth but not long; basal face of propodeum flat to slightly convex, not notably raised above level of mesonotum, longer than the declivitous face into which it rounds rather suddenly (the basal and declivitous faces of the propodeum form a distinct obtuse angle in some individuals). Petiolar node relatively short and high, with a conspicuous, rounded subpetiolar process; postpetiole broader than long.
Mandibles striate with scattered punctures. Head and pronotum densely punctate and opaque (weakly sublucid in the centre of the pronotum); remainder of mesosoma punctate or coriarious-imbricate, and subopaque. Petiole, postpetiole, and gaster subopaque to weakly shining, with numerous fine piligerous punctures. Fine erect pilosity and appressed pubescence common over most of the body, including the mesosoma dorsum. Medium brown, apices of appendages (antennae, legs) lighter in color; mandibles pale luteous.
Type Material
Holotype worker. PERU, Junin: Chanchamayo, Anashirone River, 16.vii.l 963, C.A. Portocarrero #A47 (Kempf No. 4060) (Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo). HW 0.73, HL 1 .03, EL 0.59, PL 0.42, PH 0.35.
Paratypes. Five workers, same data as holotype (The Natural History Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Museum of Comparative Zoology, MZSP). Seven workers, one dealate queen, same locality as holotype, 22.viii.l 963, C.A. Portocarrero #73 (Kempf No. 4072) (Museo de Historia Natural, MZSP, Philip S. Ward Collection).
References
- Ward, P. S. 1989a. Systematic studies on pseudomyrmecine ants: revision of the Pseudomyrmex oculatus and P. subtilissimus species groups, with taxonomic comments on other species. Quaest. Entomol. 25: 393-468 (page 409, fig. 13 worker, queen described)
References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics
- Brandao, C.R.F. 1991. Adendos ao catalogo abreviado das formigas da regiao neotropical (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Rev. Bras. Entomol. 35: 319-412.
- Fernández, F. and S. Sendoya. 2004. Lista de las hormigas neotropicales. Biota Colombiana Volume 5, Number 1.
- Ward P. S. 1990. The Ant Subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Generic Revision and Relationship to Other Formicids. Systematic Entomology 15: 449-489
- Ward, P. S. 1989. Systematic Studies on Pseudomyrmecine Ants: Revision of the Pseudomyrmex Oculatus and P. Subtilissimus Species Groups with Taxonomic Comments on Other Species. Questiones Entomologicae 25: 393-468