Leptogenys paraensis
| Leptogenys paraensis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Ponerinae |
| Tribe: | Ponerini |
| Genus: | Leptogenys |
| Species: | L. paraensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Leptogenys paraensis Lattke, 2011
| |
Nothing is known about the biology of Leptogenys paraensis.
Contents
Identification
Lattke (2011) - Eyes large and bulging, occupying one-third of cephalic lateral margin; hypostomal tooth almost as long as basal mandibular width; mandible elongate slightly sinusoidal, flattened, widening apicad; head, mesosoma, and petiole black; gaster ferruginous brown; petiolar node with an acutely pointed posterior spine.
A member of the unistimulosa species group. L. paraense is very similar in appearance to Leptogenys unistimulosa, including the color pattern, but differs in the apically widening mandibles, and slightly larger average size. The striae on the posterior nodal face of L. paraense are more developed than in L. unstimulosa but the small specimen base makes this an uncertain diagnostic character.
Keys including this Species
Distribution
Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil (type locality).
Distribution based on AntMaps
Distribution based on AntWeb specimens
Check data from AntWeb
Biology
The biology of Leptogenys paraensis is poorly known.
The Leptogenys genus page has more details about the general biology of ants in this genus, some of which is summarized in what follows. New World species have relatively small ranges, generally occur in humid forests and prey on isopods. Colonies may occur in high densities on a local scale, with up to 5 or 6 species present. Nest size tends to be small with just 20 or 30 individuals in a mature colony. Nests of most species may be found in rotten wood on the ground, usually within cavities in logs or large branches, and also beneath bark. Wood-soil and rock-soil interfaces are another common nesting location, as well as rock crevices, and a few species may nest directly in the soil. Reproduction is most commonly via ergatoid females and, in many species, may include egg-laying workers.
Castes
Queens and males are unknown.
Nomenclature
The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.
- paraensis. Leptogenys paraense Lattke, 2011: 215, fig. 71 (w.) BRAZIL.
Type Material
- Holotype, worker, Embrapa, Belém, Brazil, 10 July 1979, J.O. Schmidt, Bo28, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History; the top specimen of two point-mounted workers on a single pin.
- Paratype, 3 workers, Embrapa, Belém, Brazil, 10 July 1979, J.O. Schmidt, Bo28, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.
Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.
Description
Worker
Metrics, holotype (other specimens, n = 4): HL 1.75 (1.70–1.80); HW 1.85 (1.80–1.90); ML 1.45 (1.45 – 1.55); EL 0.55 (0.50 – 0.50); SL 2.40 (2.40 – 2.45); PW 1.25 (1.20–1.25); WL 3.40 (3.35–3.45); PH 1.55 (1.55–1.60); PL 1.00 (1.00–1.00); DPW 0.70 (0.70– 0.75) mm. CI 1.06 (1.03–1.12); MI 0.78 (0.76–0.83); OI 0.30 (0.26–0.28); SI 1.30 (1.29–1.33); LPI 1.55 (1.55 – 1.60); DPI 0.70 (0.70 – 0.75).
Head in full-face view wider anterad than posterad, posterior margin convex, lateral margin broadly convex, almost straight, lateral cephalic margin interrupted by compound eye. Median clypeal lobe shaped as broad triangular lobe, 4 setae on apex; lateral clypeal lobe rounded, not wider than one-third median clypeal width, gradually narrowing laterad. Clypeus posteriorly bordered by transverse sulcus running from antennal sclerite to just below eye. Cephalic dorsum mostly rugose; head ventrad of eyes strigulose. Scape surpassing posterior cephalic border by almost one-half its length, punctulate with decumbent pilosity and decumbent hairs; second and fourth antennal segments subequal in length, each two-thirds as long as length of third antennal segment. Mandibles elongate, and slender, slightly sinusoidal and crossing only at apex; flattened and widening apicad, becoming slender close to apex, apical half convex, dorsum smooth and shining with sparse punctulae; a small pre-apical denticle present. Hypostomal tooth shaped as curved triangular lobe, almost as long as basal mandibular width. PF: 4,4.
Mesosoma with broadly convex promesonotal margin in lateral view, mesonotum can form distinct convexity, separate from broadly convex propodeal margin. Propodeal declivity curved, with 3 – 6 transverse carinae, no teeth. Lateral pronotum longitudinally strigulose, pronotal dorsum strigulose-punctuate; strigae arching around pronotum; mesonotum transversely strigose; propodeal spiracle elongate, facing posteriorly. Metapleural-propodeal suture well-defined but shallow, mesometapleural suture well marked, scrobiculate. Ridge separates mesopleuron from mesosternum; mesosternal sculpture mostly effaced. Meso-, metapleuron and lateral propodeal face with oblique strigulae, colliculate microsculpturing present especially on meso- and metapleuron. Mesosternal lobe broadly triangular, metasternal lobe with rounded external margin, basal margin straight; lobe leans medially.
Petiole with convex anterior margin, and straight ascending dorsal margin in lateral view, both margins joined by convexity. Node apex with acutely sharp point that overhangs mostly convex posterior margin in lateral view. Node with anterior margin almost as wide as posterior margin in dorsal view, node length greater than width, excluding posterior spine. Node longitudinally strigose laterally; posterior face with transverse strigae. Postpetiole with vertical anterior margin that becomes convex dorsad in lateral view, constriction not strongly marked; gaster mostly smooth and shining with sparse piligerous punctae. Head, mesosoma, and node black; antennae, mandibles, and legs brown to dark brown; gaster ferruginous brown to brown. Body with abundant standing and decumbent hairs.
Etymology
The species name alludes to the Brazilian state of Pará, which contains the type locality.
