Pseudomyrmex

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Pseudomyrmex
Temporal range: 48.6–0 Ma Eocene – Recent
Pseudomyrmex gracilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Pseudomyrmecinae
Genus: Pseudomyrmex
Lund, 1831
Type species
Formica gracilis, now Pseudomyrmex gracilis
Diversity
155 species
13 fossil species
(Species Checklist, Species by Country)

Pseudomyrmex gracilis casent0103874 profile 1.jpg

Pseudomyrmex gracilis

Pseudomyrmex gracilis casent0103874 dorsal 1.jpg

Specimen Label

Synonyms

Arboreal ants in the genus Pseudomyrmex are widely distributed in warm temperate and tropical regions of the New World, occurring from southern United States to Chile and Argentina. The genus is the largest genus in its subfamily, with more than 200 valid specific and infraspecific names. Nesting habits vary widely, with the majority of the species nesting nonspecifically in dead hollow twigs of various plants, but with a substantial minority being obligate inhabitants of specialized ant-plants such as Triplaris, Tachigali and swollen-thorn Acacia. The species living in domatia usually have a mutualistic relationship with their host, defending the plant from herbivores and plant competitors, and receiving shelter and sustenance in return (Janzen 1966; Benson 1985; Davidson et al. 1988; Ward 1991). (Ward 1990, 2017).

Photo Gallery

Identification

Workers of Pseudomyrmex may be recognized by their large compound eyes, closely set frontal carinae and antennal insertions, and short scapes. There is a distinct postpetiole and a well developed sting (Ward 1985).

It is relatively simple to determine you have Pseudomyrmex specimens when you collect these ants but it can be difficult to sort out what species you have found. Phil Ward has been steadily improving our understanding of this genus for decades. His lab webpage includes an indispensable set of identification resources (Ward Lab Pseudomyrmex species identification resources). If you are trying to identify Pseudomyrmex information on the Ward Lab webpages to understand the measurements and characters used in the keys. There are also keys (as noted below) from various Ward Pseudomyrmex revisions here on Antwiki, including a contemporary provisional key to the species groups and those species that stand apart from these groups:

Key to Pseudomyrmex species groups

Keys including this Genus

 

Keys to Species in this Genus

Distribution

Southern United States to south-central Chile and Argentina.

Distribution and Richness based on AntMaps

Species by Region

Number of species within biogeographic regions, along with the total number of species for each region.

Afrotropical Region Australasian Region Indo-Australian Region Malagasy Region Nearctic Region Neotropical Region Oriental Region Palaearctic Region
Species 0 0 1 0 11 156 0 0
Total Species 2841 1736 3045 932 835 4379 1741 2862

Fossils

Fossils are known from: Dominican amber, Dominican Republic (Burdigalian, Early Miocene), Florissant, Colorado, United States (Late Eocene), Kishenehn Formation shale, Montana, United States (Lutetian, Middle Eocene).

Biology

Probably the best known “plant-ants” are the members of the Pseudomyrmex ferrugineus group that occupy and protect swollen-thorn acacias (Vachellia spp.) of Mexico and Central America (Wheeler 1942; Janzen 1966, 1967, 1973; Kautz et al. 2009; Heil et al. 2009, 2014). These ants were revised taxonomically more than twenty years ago, with the consequent recognition of ten species (Ward 1993). Since that time no additional species of obligate acacia-ants have been discovered, but recent studies have revealed that two undescribed species of generalist twig-nesting Pseudomyrmex are nested phylogenetically within the P. ferrugineus group (Kautz et al. 2009; Chomicki et al. 2015; Ward & Branstetter, 2017).

Association with Other Organisms

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Species Uncertain

  • An unknown species is a host for the fungus Hormiscium myrmecophilum (a parasite) (Quevillon, 2018) (encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest).
  • An unknown species is a host for the strepsipteran Apocephalus glabriventris (a parasite) (Quevillon, 2018) (encounter mode secondary; indirect transmission; transmission outside nest).

All Associate Records for Genus

Click here to show/hide associate data.
Taxon Relationship Associate Type Associate Taxon Associate Relationship Locality Source Notes
Pseudomyrmex host fungus Hormiscium myrmecophilum parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Pseudomyrmex host strepsipteran Apocephalus glabriventris parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode secondary; indirect transmission; transmission outside nest
Pseudomyrmex acanthobius virgo host strepsipteran Stichotrema beckeri parasite Cook, 2019
Pseudomyrmex ejectus host ant Pseudomyrmex leptosus workerless inquiline
Pseudomyrmex ejectus prey syrphid fly Rhopalosyrphus ramulorum predator Quevillon, 2018
Pseudomyrmex elongatulus host eupelmid wasp Anastatus reduvii parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Pseudomyrmex elongatulus host eupelmid wasp Anastatus reduvii parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Pseudomyrmex elongatulus xenobiont ant Tapinoma litorale xenobiont
Pseudomyrmex elongatus host ant Pseudomyrmex filiformis temporary parasite Ward, 1996
Pseudomyrmex filiformis host ant Pseudomyrmex (sp. PSW-14) temporary parasite Ward, 1996
Pseudomyrmex filiformis host ant Pseudomyrmex elongatus temporary parasite Ward, 1996
Pseudomyrmex filiformis host ant Pseudomyrmex holmgreni temporary parasite Ward, 1996
Pseudomyrmex holmgreni host ant Pseudomyrmex filiformis temporary parasite Ward, 1996
Pseudomyrmex inquilinus workerless inquiline ant Pseudomyrmex host ''Pseudomyrmex'' species PSW-64
Pseudomyrmex leptosus workerless inquiline ant Pseudomyrmex ejectus host Ward, 1985; Klein, 1987
Pseudomyrmex pallidus host ant Pseudomyrmex seminole temporary parasite Ward, 1985
Pseudomyrmex seminole temporary parasite ant Pseudomyrmex pallidus host Ward, 1985
Pseudomyrmex simplex prey syrphid fly Rhopalosyrphus ramulorum predator Quevillon, 2018
Pseudomyrmex termitarius host fungus Ophiocordyceps australis parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest

Flight Period

All Flight Records for Genus

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Taxon Month Source Notes
Pseudomyrmex apache Apr antkeeping.info
Pseudomyrmex caeciliae May antkeeping.info
Pseudomyrmex ejectus May • Jun • Jul antkeeping.info
Pseudomyrmex gracilis Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov antkeeping.info

Life History Traits

  • Mean colony size: 200-10021 (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Compound colony type: inquilinism (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Nest site: arboreal (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Diet class: herbivore; omnivore (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Foraging stratum: arboreal (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Foraging behaviour: solitary (Greer et al., 2021)

Castes

Morphology

Worker Morphology

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• Antennal segment count: 12 • Antennal club: absent • Palp formula: 6,4; 6,3; 5,4; 5,3; 4,3 • Total dental count: 5-10(1-2) • Spur formula: 2 (1 simple, 1 barbulate-pectinate), 2 (1 simple, 1 pectinate); 2 simple, 2 (1 simple, 1 pectinate); 1 simple, 2 (1 simple, 1 pectinate); 1 simple, 1 pectinate • Eyes: >100 ommatidia • Scrobes: absent • Pronotal Spines: absent • Mesonotal Spines: absent • Propodeal Spines: absent • Petiolar Spines: absent • Caste: none or weak • Sting: present • Metaplural Gland: present • Cocoon: absent

Karyotype

Species Uncertain

  • Pseudomyrmex sp. nr. simplex: 2n = 43, karyotype = 7M+36A (Brazil) (Sposito et al., 2006) (code PSW156).
  • Pseudomyrmex sp. nr. simplex: 2n = 50, karyotype = 2M+48A (Brazil) (Sposito et al., 2006) (code PSW156).
  • Pseudomyrmex sp. PSW154: 2n = 44, karyotype = 6M+38A (Brazil) (Sposito et al., 2006).

All Karyotype Records for Genus

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Taxon Haploid Diploid Karyotype Locality Source Notes
Pseudomyrmex 43 7M+36A Brazil Sposito et al., 2006 code PSW156
Pseudomyrmex 44 6M+38A Brazil Sposito et al., 2006
Pseudomyrmex 50 2M+48A Brazil Sposito et al., 2006 code PSW156
Pseudomyrmex gracilis 70 70A Brazil Sposito et al., 2006
Pseudomyrmex holmgreni 50 6M+44A or 2M+48A Brazil Sposito et al., 2006
Pseudomyrmex penetrator 24 22M+2A French Guiana Mariano et al., 2011
Pseudomyrmex penetrator 24 24M Brazil Sposito et al., 2006
Pseudomyrmex schuppi 24 5M+19A Brazil Sposito et al., 2006

Phylogeny

Pseudomyrmecinae

some Tetraponera  (87 species, 7 fossil species)

some Tetraponera

some Tetraponera

Myrcidris  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Pseudomyrmex  (155 species, 13 fossil species)

See Phylogeny of Pseudomyrmecinae for details.

Nomenclature

The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.

  • PSEUDOMYRMEX [Pseudomyrmecinae]
    • Pseudomyrmex Lund, 1831b: 106. Type-species: Formica gracilis, by subsequent designation of Smith, M.R. 1952a: 98.
    • Pseudomyrmex senior synonym of Pseudomyrma (and its junior synonyms Leptalea and Myrmex): Smith, M.R. 1952a: 98.
    • Pseudomyrmex senior synonym of Apedunculata, Clavanoda, Latinoda, Ornatinoda, Triangulinoda: Ward, 1990: 469.
  • APEDUNCULATA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Apedunculata Enzmann, E.V. 1944: 62 [as "branch" of Pseudomyrma]. Type-species: Pseudomyrma sericea, by original designation.
    • Apedunculata junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Ward, 1990: 469.
  • CLAVANODA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Clavanoda Enzmann, E.V. 1944: 61 [as "branch" of Pseudomyrma]. Type-species: Formica gracilis, by original designation.
    • Clavanoda junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Ward, 1990: 469. [Pseudomyrmex and Clavanoda share the same type-species; synonymy is therefore absolute.]
  • LATINODA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Latinoda Enzmann, E.V. 1944: 62 [as "branch" of Pseudomyrma]. Type-species: Pseudomyrma latinoda, by original designation.
    • Latinoda junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Ward, 1990: 469.
  • LEPTALEA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Leptalea Erichson, 1839: 309. Type-species: Formica gracilis, by subsequent designation of Wheeler, W.M. 1911f: 166.
  • [Leptalaea Spinola, 1851b: 52 and Spinola, 1853: 68; unavailable names, incorrect subsequent spellings.]
    • Leptalea junior synonym of Pseudomyrma: Smith, F. 1858b: 153; Roger, 1863b: 24.
    • Leptalea junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Smith, M.R. 1952a: 98. [Pseudomyrmex and Leptalea share the same type-species; synonymy is therefore absolute.]
  • ORNATINODA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Ornatinoda Enzmann, E.V. 1944: 61 [as "branch" of Pseudomyrma]. Type-species: Formica tenuis, by original designation.
    • Ornatinoda junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Ward, 1990: 469.
  • PSEUDOMYRMA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Pseudomyrma Guérin-Méneville, 1844a: 427 [as subgenus of Formica]. Type-species: Pseudomyrma bicolor, by monotypy.
    • Pseudomyrma senior synonym of Leptalea, Myrmex: Smith, F. 1858b: 153; Roger, 1863b: 24.
    • Pseudomyrma junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Smith, M.R. 1952a: 98.
  • TRIANGULINODA [junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex]
    • Triangulinoda Enzmann, E.V. 1944: 61 [as "branch" of Pseudomyrma]. Type-species: Pseudomyrma spinicola, by original designation.
    • Triangulinoda junior synonym of Pseudomyrmex: Ward, 1990: 469.

Diagnosis, worker Monomorphic, varying greatly in size (worker HW 0.45-2.86). Basal and masticatory margins of mandibles distinct, the former bearing a proximal tooth and 1 (rarely 2) mesial tooth (teeth); masticatory margin with 5 - 10 teeth or denticles. Venter of mandible with a sharp ridge or escarpment, preceding the masticatory margin, which terminates at the apico-basal tooth; corresponding ridge behind basal margin weak or absent. Palp formula: 6,4; with reductions to 6,3; 5 ,4; 5,3; and 4,3. Distal margin of labrum with a broad, v-shaped cleft; labrum without prominent teeth or protuberances. Upper (anterodorsal) surface of median clypeal lobe discontinuous and (at least laterally) truncate. Antennae 12-segmented. Median lobes of antennal sclerites slightly to moderately expanded laterally, the basal condyles of the antennae correspondingly exposed (ASI 0.40-0.74). Frontal carinae often rather closely contiguous, but not always so (FCI 0.01-0.13). Compound eyes relatively large, and elongate (012 <0.65). Ocelli (3) always present. Metanotal groove varying from distinctly impressed to entirely absent. Petiolar node varying in shape , distinct anterior peduncle present or absent. Mid and hind basitarsal sulcus always absent. Median connection of spiracular plates (of sting apparatus) sclerotized.

Diagnosis, queen Deciduously winged, agreeing with most worker characters, except for caste-specific differences in mesosomal morphology. Mandibles and median clypeal lobe occasionally modified from the condition seen in worker. Forewing with two cubital cells.

Diagnosis, male Basal and masticatory margins of mandibles distinct, former one-half or less the length of the latter; basal margin lacking teeth entirely; masticatory margin with 6-18 teeth or denticles, those preceding the pre apical tooth often quite small in size. Palp formula and labrum as in workers. Anterior margin of median clypeal lobe varying from broadly convex to medially angulate; upper (anterodorsal) surface non-truncate. Antennae 12-segmented. Median lobes of antennal sclerites little developed; frontal carinae absent or obsolete. Antennal sclerites often (but not always) remote from the posteromedial margin of the clypeus (i.e. separated by notably more than the maximum diameter of the antennal fossa). Paramere usually with posterodorsal lobe and mesial dorsoventral lobe, and frequently other adornments. Internal face of inner valve (aedeagus) typically with a flat, plate-like structure separated from the dorsal margin by a membranous groove or strip. Wing venation generally as in queen; some males of P. viduus group exhibit intra- and inter-individual variation in the number of cubital cells (1-2). Male pupa with unique antennal configuration: the antennae pass ventrally over the mandibles, and are frequently (but not in the P.gracilis group, P. sericeus group, and a few other species) curled in a semi-circular position.

References

  • Smith, M. R. 1952a. The correct name for the group of ants formerly known as Pseudomyrma (Hymenoptera). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 54: 97-98 (page 98, Type-species: Formica gracilis, by subsequent designation; Pseudomyrmex senior synonym of Pseudomyrma (and its junior synonyms Leptalea and Myrmex); Pseudomyrmex in Pseudomyrmecinae)
  • Ward, P. S. 1985b. The Nearctic species of the genus Pseudomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Quaest. Entomol. 21: 209-246 (page 215, Key to Nearctic species)
  • 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 407, Key to species (oculatus-group))
  • 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 430, Key to species (suptilissimus-group))
  • Ward, P. S. 1990. The ant subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): generic revision and relationship to other formicids. Syst. Entomol. 15: 449-489 (page 469, Pseudomyrmex senior synonym of Apedunculata, Clavanoda, Latinoda, Ornatinoda, and Triangulinoda)
  • Ward, P. S. 1992. Ants of the genus Pseudomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Dominican amber, with a synopsis of the extant Antillean species. Psyche (Camb.) 99: 55-85 (page 76, Dominican Amber fauna)
  • Ward, P. S. 1993. Systematic studies on Pseudomyrmex acacia-ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae). J. Hym. Res. 2: 117-168 (page 117, Acacia-associated taxa)
  • Ward, P.S. 2017. A review of the Pseudomyrmex ferrugineus and Pseudomyrmex goeldii species groups: acacia-ants and relatives (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa. 4227:524–542. (doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4227.4.3).
  • Ward P S, Branstetter MG. 2017. The acacia ants revisited: convergent evolution and biogeographic context in an iconic ant/plant mutualism. Proc. R. Soc. B284: 20162569.
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