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We describe three new species of the Neotropical ant genus Leptanilloides: Leptanilloides gracilis sp. n. based on workers from Mexico and Guatemala, Leptanilloides erinys sp. n. based on workers and a gyne from Ecuador, and Leptanilloides femoralis sp. n. based on workers from Venezuela. The description of Leptanilloides gracilis is a northern extension of the known range of the genus, now numbering eleven described species. We also describe and discuss three unassociated male morphotypes from Central America. We report the occurrence of a metatibial gland in Leptanilloides and a fused promesonotal connection (suture) in some species. We provide a modified, detailed diagnosis of the genus and a revised key to the worker caste of the known species.
dorylomorphs, doryline section, army ants, taxonomy, systematics, metatibial gland, morphology
Leptanilloides Mann, 1923 is a genus of rarely collected Neotropical ants with army ant-like habits, convergently similar to the Old World genus Leptanilla Emery, 1870. Little is known about their biology (
Below we describe three new species, mostly collected by leaf litter sifting and extraction with the Winkler apparatus, with the exception of the type series of Leptanilloides erinys, where workers were initially collected from the forest floor by sifting and later extensive search revealed an entire colony. The newly described species are incorporated into a key to all the known species of Leptanilloides. In addition we describe three male morphotypes from Central America. These are males from Malaise trap samples and thus unassociated with workers. We expect future molecular work to associate males and workers, although we hypothesize the association of one of the male morphotypes with Leptanilloides gracilis based on geographic overlap. We also provide evidence for the occurrence of metatibial glands in Leptanilloides, discuss the structure of the promesonotal suture, and give a detailed diagnosis of the genus based on the worker caste.
MethodsMeasurements were made using a Wild M5A stereomicroscope at 50× magnifications with a dual-axis Nikon micrometer wired to a digital readout. Color photographs were prepared using a Leica MZ 16 stereomicroscope with a JVC digital video camera. The scanning electron micrographs were prepared using a Zeiss/LEO 1450VP SEM at the California Academy of Sciences. All images were processed using Syncroscopy Automontage and Zerene Systems Zerene Stacker software and cleaned and adjusted using Adobe Photoshop.
The description of wing venation is based on an unpublished scheme by Bolton (pers. comm.), including description of veins as tubular, nebulous, and spectral. Recommendations for illustration of veins follow
In lists of material examined and other reporting of specimen data an error term may occur after latitude and longitude values. This error term is the sum of GPS error and spatial extent of the sampling area around the point where latitude and longitude were recorded.
The following measurements and indices are used:
HW head width: maximum width in full face view. HW for males includes eyes (workers are eyeless).
HL head length: maximum length along midline in full face view, measured medially from the anteriormost part of the head (anterior edge of frontal lobes) to the center of posterior margin. Excavation of posterior head margin reduces HL.
SL scape length: maximum length measured without condyle and neck.
LAII, LAIII, LAIV, LAXIII (male only): length of second, third, fourth and terminal (13th) antennal segments, respectively.
EL eye length (male only): measured in full face view, maximum length of eye parallel to midline.
MH mesosoma height: in lateral view, maximum height measured from the lowermost point of mesopleuron (in front of middle coxa) to dorsal edge of mesosoma, measured perpendicular to long axis of mesosoma.
ML mesosoma length: in lateral view, maximum longitudinal distance from farthest point on anterior face of pronotum, excluding the neck, to posteroventral corner of mesosoma.
PrW pronotal width: maximum width in dorsal view.
PW petiole width: maximum width of abdominal segment II in dorsal view.
PL petiole length: maximum length of abdominal segment II in dorsal view, measuring only the length of the petiolar posttergite.
AIIIW third abdominal tergite width: maximum width in dorsal view.
AIIIL third abdominal tergite length: maximum length in dorsal view measured medially, measuring only the length of the posttergite, excluding pretergite III (helcium).
AIVW fourth abdominal tergite width: maximum width in dorsal view.
AIVL fourth abdominal tergite length: maximum length in dorsal view measured medially, excluding pretergite.
FFeW front femur width: maximum width in lateral view.
All leg measurements below are taken as maximum length measured along extensor (outer) surface:
FFeL fore femur length.
HFeL hind femur length.
HTiL hind tibia length.
CI cephalic index: HW/HL×100.
MI mesosomal index: MH/ML×100.
PI petiolar index: PW/PL×100.
All measurements are given in mm.
Depositories
AMNH American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA.
BMNH Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.
CASC California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
EAPZ Escuela Agricola Panamericana, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
ECOSCE Colección Entomológica de El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad San Cristóbal, Chiapas, Mexico.
FMNH Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA.
LACM Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, CA, USA.
MCZC Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
MIZA Museo del Instituto de Zoologia Agricola, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela.
MLBC Marek Borowiec personal collection, Davis, CA, USA.
MZSP Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
NMNH Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA.
QCAZ Museo de Zoología de la Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
UCDC The Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
UVGC Colleción de Artrópodos, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
ResultsDuring our study we have had a chance to examine type material of most species of Leptanilloidinae and carry out a detailed SEM study of Leptanilloides erinys, Leptanilloides gracilis, Leptanilloides femoralis and Leptanilloides nubecula. We have found that, contrary to previous studies (
The metatibial gland was first recognized and considered a synapomorphy of dorylomorph ants (=doryline section) by
Scanning electron micrographs of selected characters. A–B, E Leptanilloides nubecula worker (CASENT0234587) A apex of hind tibia showing metatibial gland pore plate (pl) and tibial spur (s) B pore plate of metatibial gland showing pores (p) C–D Leptanilloides erinys worker (CASENT0234584) C apex of hind tibia showing metatibial gland pore plate (pl) and tibial spur (s) D pore plate (pl) of metatibial gland magnified E pronotum (prn) and mesonotum (msn) in dorsal view showing partly fused promesonotal connection F Leptanilloides gracilis (CASENT0234585) pronotum (prn) and mesonotum (msn) in dorsal view showing complete promesonotal connection.
The promesonotal connection has also been described as universally unfused and flexible in workers of the genus (
Given the new morphological findings, coupled with comparative character investigation (Marek Borowiec, unpublished) for other dorylomorph lineages, we feel it useful to provide a detailed and revised definition of Leptanilloides based on the worker caste.
The known leptanilloidine males show substantial variation (see
Diagnosis of Leptanilloides based on worker caste
Antennae with 12 segments.
Apical antennal segment slender, not swollen; round in cross-section.
Clypeus with well developed, translucent lamella (apron).
Lateroclypeal teeth (same as “genal” teeth in
Parafrontal ridges absent or weakly developed.
Preocular grooves absent.
Frontal carinae vertical, very reduced and fused, completely exposing antennal sockets.
Antennal scrobes absent.
Maxillary palps two-segmented, except in gracilis, where apparently weakly fused and forming one segment; labial palps two-segmented (palp formula 1, 2 or 2, 2) (in situ count in gracilis, femoralis and legionaria, also reported by
Mandibles subtriangular, edentate or with small, blunt teeth on both masticatory and basal margins.
Eyes absent.
Ocelli absent.
True occipital margin concealed behind vertex in full face view.
Ventrolateral margins of head with carina encircling the foramen only.
Head ventrally with carina complete around foramen magnum, evenly rounded.
Pronotal flange not separated from collar by distinct ridge.
Promesonotal connection complete and apparently flexible (biconstricta, caracola, erinys, femoralis, gracilis, improvisa, sculpturata) or partly to almost completely fused and not flexible (legionaria, mckennae, nomada, nubecula).
Propleura and mesopleura distinctly separated, the connection continuous with promesonotal portion.
Mesometapleural sulcus usually visible, weakly impressed and running towards metanotal sulcus, anepisternum not delineated dorsally or posteriorly.
Transverse mesopleural sulcus absent.
Posterior head, mesosoma, petiole and abdominal segment III immarginate.
Petiole laterally above spiracle immarginate.
Petiole anterodorsally immarginate.
Helcium narrow, posterior face of petiole and anterior face of abdominal segment III well-developed.
Abdominal segment III smaller or much smaller than succeeding segment IV, which is constricted at the presegmental portion.
Abdominal segment III anterodorsally immarginate.
Abdominal segment IV not conspicuously the largest segment.
Abdominal tergite IV not folding over sternite, and anterior portions of sternite and tergite are equally well visible in lateral view.
Cinctus of abdominal segment IV simple, not cross-ribbed.
Girdling constriction posterior to abdominal segment IV present on sternites V and VI
Abdominal tergite VII (pygidium) reduced and short, unarmed.
Abdominal sternite VII (hypopygium) unarmed.
Mid tibia with one simple spur, hind tibia with single pectinate spur (most species) or both tibiae with two simple spurs (only gracilis) (spur formula 1s, 1p or 2s, 2s).
Middle and hind basitarsus not widening distally, circular in cross-section.
Posterior flange of hind coxa not produced as raised lamella.
Metatibial gland present, reduced (observed in erinys and nubecula).
Metabasitarsal sulcus absent.
Pretarsal claws simple.
Although originally the genus Asphinctanilloides had been differentiated from Leptanilloides by several characters (
| 1 | Abdominal segment III (postpetiole) in lateral view much smaller than adjoining fourth abdominal segment (Figure 2A). Spiracle of segment III shifted posteriad on anteromedian side of tergite (Figure 2A). Body size relatively large, HL 0.68–0.75 | 2 |
| – | Abdominal segment III in lateral view nearly as high as abdominal segment IV (Figure 2B–D). Spiracle of segment III situated forward on the tergite (Figures 2B–D). Body size relatively small, HL 0.31–0.50 | 5 |
| 2 | Head subquadrate, CI 85–88; lateral margins nearly straight and parallel (Figure 2E). Propodeal declivity short and vertical, propodeum with dorsal and posterior faces clearly differentiated (Figure 2A) (Ecuador) | Leptanilloides nomada |
| – | Head subrectangular, CI 75–83; lateral margins convex (Figure 2F). Propodeal declivity usually rounded without clear distinction between dorsal and posterior face (cf. Figure 2B, Figure 4 in |
3 |
| 3 | Head sculpture less dense, at most 10–12 shallow foveolae across face at midlength. Lateral margins of the head distinctly convex. Posterior margin of the head slightly concave (Figure 2F) (Colombia) | Leptanilloides legionaria |
| – | Head sculpture more dense, with at least 15 foveolae across face at midlength. Lateral margins of the head slightly convex. Posterior margin of the head deeply concave. (cf. Figure 2F, Figure 3 in |
4 |
| 4 | Legs shorter, HW/HTiL×100 > 78. Hypostomal teeth present (Figure 2H) (Ecuador) | Leptanilloides nubecula |
| – | Legs longer, HW/HTiL×100 < 78. Hypostomal teeth absent (Figure 2I) (Costa Rica) | Leptanilloides mckennae |
| 5 | Lateroclypeal teeth absent. Masticatory margin of mandibles edentate (Figure 5 in |
Leptanilloides caracola |
| – | Lateroclypeal teeth present. Masticatory margin of mandibles with teeth (Figure 4D) | 6 |
| 6 | In lateral view, sternite of abdominal segment III (postpetiole) distinctly bulging anteriorly, making the sternal portion of the segment deeper than tergite (Figure 2D). Abdominal segment IV narrowly attached to the preceding segment III, and broadly to succeeding segment V, so that there is a contrast between widths of anterior and posterior articulation of the segment IV in lateral view (Colombia, Bolivia) | Leptanilloides biconstricta |
| – | In lateral view, sternite of abdominal segment III rather evenly rounded, and making the sternal and tergal portions subequal (Figures 2B, 2C). Abdominal segment IV relatively broadly attached to the preceding segment III, so that there is little contrast between widths of anterior and posterior articulations of segment IV in lateral view (Figures 4E, 5E) | 7 |
| 7 | In lateral view, petiolar sternite distinctly bulging medially (Figure 2C) | 8 |
| – | In lateral view, petiolar sternite bulging anteriorly (Figures 2B, 2D) | 9 |
| 8 | Hind tibia with two very small, simple spurs, without pectinate spur clearly visible under 50× magnification (Figure 2J). Petiolar spiracle opening in an excavation distinctly larger than propodeal spiracle (Figure 5G, 5H). Flange over the metapleural gland opening sharply pointed posteriorly (Figure 5G) (Mexico, Guatemala) | Leptanilloides gracilis |
| – | Hind tibia with a large pectinate spur, clearly discernable under 50× magnification. Petiolar spiracle not in excavation, similar and subequal to or smaller in diameter than propodeal spiracle (Figures 4G, 4H). Flange over metapleural gland opening rounded posteriorly (Figure 4G) (Venezuela) | Leptanilloides femoralis |
| 9 | Smaller species, HW < 0.30. Slender with narrow head, CI < 70 (Figure 2G) (Colombia) | Leptanilloides sculpturata |
| – | Larger species, HW > 0.30. Head broader, CI > 70 | 10 |
| 10 | Size larger, HW = 0.38 on single known specimen. Petiolar sternite conspicuously excavated anteroventrally in lateral view (Figure 2B). Flange over metapleural gland opening rounded posteriorly (Figure 22 in |
Leptanilloides improvisa |
| – | Smaller, HW < 0.35. Petiolar sternite not conspicuously excavated anteroventrally in lateral view (Figure 3E, 3J). Flange over metapleural gland opening sharply pointed posteriorly (Figure 3J) (Ecuador) | Leptanilloides erinys |
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Figures 1C–D, 3A–LHolotype worker: ECUADOR, Napo: Yanayacu Biological Station, −0.60°, −77.88°, 2200m, secondary cloud forest, 9 December 2009 (M. L. Borowiec #MLB091209.01) [unique specimen identifier CASENT0234603] [QCAZ]. Paratype gyne and workers: about a hundred specimens with the same data as holotype, point-mounted and in alcohol [AMNH, BMNH, CASC, FMNH, LACM, MCZC, MZSP, NMNH, QCAZ, UCDC].
Non-type material examined: 6 workers with the same data as holotype, except collection date 1 December 2009, sifted leaf litter (M. L. Borowiec #MLB091209.04) [MLBC].
Worker measurements (holotype): HW 0.31, HL 0.41, SL 0.20, MH 0.19, ML 0.50, PrW 0.22, PW 0.11, PL 0.15, AIIIW 0.20, AIIIL 0.16, AIVW 0.33, AIVL 0.24, FFeW 0.09, FFeL 0.23, HFeL 0.22, HTiL 0.26, CI 76, PI 75, MI 38.
Worker measurements and indices (11 measured): HW 0.31–0.32, HL 0.41–0.43, SL 0.19–0.21, MH 0.18–0.20, ML 0.49–0.53, PrW 0.20–0.23, PW 0.12–0.14, PL 0.15–0.17, AIIIW 0.19–0.22, AIIIL 0.14–0.18, AIVW 0.31–0.33, AIVL 0.21–0.25, FFeW 0.09–0.10, FFeL 0.23–0.25, HFeL 0.23–0.24, HTiL 0.26–0.28, CI 74–78, PI 74–82, MI 36–41.
Worker can be distinguished by combination of relatively small size, promesonotal articulation complete and articulated, abdominal segment III large relative to petiole, presence of lateroclypeal teeth, relatively heavy sculpturing, parafrontal ridges absent, flange overhanging metapleural gland opening pointed posteriorly. It is most similar to Leptanilloides sculpturata from Colombia, but can be distinguished by significantly larger size (HW ≥0.31 in erinys versus 0.20–0.26 in sculpturata), relatively broader head (CI >70 vs. 58–67) and shorter petiole (PI >74 vs. PI=70 measured in holotype). Leptanilloides erinys also differs in weaker sculpturation of head dorsum, with small foveolae separated by about their diameter (Figure 1G), while in Leptanilloides sculpturata the foveolae are separated by much less than their diameter, often contiguous (Figure 7 in
With characters of Leptanilloides (see Diagnosis of Leptanilloides based on worker caste, above). Head elongate and subquadrate with lateral margins nearly straight and parallel. Posterior corners rounded and posterior border weakly concave. Parafrontal ridge absent. Clypeus laterally with blunt tooth pointing outwards. Mandible short, masticatory margin with three distinct blunt teeth basally and basal margin crenulate. Basal and masticatory margin distinct, but separated by a rounded angle. Palp formula unknown. Scape short and clavate. Antennal joints submoniliform, gradually increasing in size toward apex but not forming an antennal club. Mesosoma long, slender and flattened. Pronotum with a flexible promesonotal suture. Metanotal groove absent. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal declivity very short and rounding into the dorsal face. Propodeal spiracle round, situated posteriorly on the sclerite. Metapleural gland flange conspicuous, translucent and posteriorly pointed. Femur not conspicuously enlarged, relatively slender. Mid tibia with one simple and hind tibia with one pectinate spur. Metatibial gland absent. Petiole smaller than abdominal segment III (postpetiole) in dorsal view. Petiole rectangular, uniformly wide across its length in dorsal view and with straight sides and abdominal segment III dilating posteriorly. In lateral view, petiolar tergite posteriorly sloping, without well differentiated posterior face and without long tubulated portion posteriorly. Petiolar sternite bulging anteriorly. Abdominal sternite III evenly rounded. Metasoma relatively robust. Abdominal segments IV–VI subequal in length in dorsal view and separated by strong constrictions. Segment VII (pygidium) small and mostly concealed by the preceding segment, U-shaped.
Head with abundant deep punctures and smooth interspaces on average about equal to puncture diameter, except on sides where punctures sparser, separated by more than their diameter. Mesosoma and abdomen more finely and sparsely punctate. Laterally on lower pronotum, entire mesopleuron, propodeum and petiole fine microreticulate sculpture present. Head, body and appendages with abundant, rather coarse, short and erect hairs. Body color yellowish to brownish.
Gyne measurements and indices (1 measured): HW 0.41, HL 0.46, SL 0.20, MH 0.24, ML 0.63, PrW 0.25, PW 0.24, PL 0.20, AIIIW 0.40, AIIIL 0.23, AIVW 0.45, AIVL 0.35, FFeW 0.11, FFeL 0.26, HFeL 0.27, HTiL 0.30, CI 88, PI 118, MI 38.
Subdichthadiigyne. Head rectangular, lateral borders weakly convex and posterior border distinctly concave. Compound eyes present and comprised of about ten weakly defined ommatidia, situated behind head midlength. Mandible subtriangular, masticatory margin crenulate, basal margin edentate. Clypeal apron present, small. Wingless, without any wing sclerites or wing buds. Petiole enlarged, taller than in worker and wider than long in dorsal view. Abdominal segment III broadly attached to following segments, tergosternal fusion not assessed. Petiolar and abdominal segment III spiracles located as in workers. Girdling constriction of abdominal segments IV–VI weakly developed and conspicuous only on segment IV. Tergite of abdominal segment VII (pygidium) large, not U-shaped and mostly concealed by preceding segment as in workers. Promesonotal connection present, articulated. Entire body covered with dense pubescence, more erect than in worker.
unknown.
A–D lateral view focusing on propodeum, petiole and abdominal segment III A Leptanilloides nomada worker (CASENT0234620) B Leptanilloides improvisa holotype worker (MCZ type 35284) C Leptanilloides femoralis holotype worker (CASENT0106180) D Leptanilloides biconstricta paralectotype worker (NMNH type 25705) E–G head in full-face view E Leptanilloides nomada worker (CASENT0234620) F Leptanilloides legionaria worker (CASENT0234619) G Leptanilloides sculpturata holotype worker (USNM ENT 00533059) H, I ventrolateral view of head capsule focusing on hypostoma H Leptanilloides nubecula worker (CASENT0234621) I Leptanilloides mckennae paratype worker (INBIOCRI001281144) J hind leg of Leptanilloides gracilis worker (CASENT0612940).
Leptanilloides erinys, new species A–C paratype gyne (CASENT0234616) A head in full-face view, B: body in lateral view C body in dorsal view. D–F paratype worker (CASENT0234596) D head in full-face view E body in lateral view F body in dorsal view G–L paratype worker (CASENT0234584) G head in full-face view H body in lateral view I body in dorsal view J propodeum and anterior petiole in lateral view K mesosoma in lateral view L mesosoma in dorsal view.
This species was collected in montane cloud forest habitat. Workers were first located in sifted leaf litter. After scraping leaf litter and removing root mat in an area of about 3m2, a colony was discovered ca. 5cm below ground in a single soil cavity adjacent to a root. In a mass of workers a single gyne could be seen, as well as many slender larvae. The gyne did not have an extended gaster, there were no eggs visible in the nest, and all the larvae were of approximately the same size, suggesting synchronized brood production.
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Figures 2C, 4A–IHolotype worker: VENEZUELA, Aragua: Pico Periquito, PN Henri Pittier, 10.339°, −67.706°, 1500m, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood) 17 August 2008 (P. S. Ward #16198.06) [unique specimen identifier CASENT0106180] [MIZA]. Paratype workers: 22 workers with the same data as holotype, point-mounted and in alcohol [AMNH, BMNH, CASC, FMNH, LACM, MCZC, MIZA, MZSP, NMNH, QCAZ, UCDC].
Worker measurements (holotype): HW 0.25, HL 0.32, SL 0.14, MH 0.12, ML 0.42, PrW 0.15, PW 0.09, PL 0.12, AIIIW 0.13, AIIIL 0.11, AIVW 0.22, AIVL 0.18, FFeW 0.09, FFeL 0.19, HFeL 0.19, HTiL 0.22, CI 78, PI 75, MI 29.
Measurements in mm and indices (7 measured): HW 0.23–0.25, HL 0.32–0.34, SL 0.14–0.16, MH 0.12–0.14, ML 0.41–0.44, PrW 0.15–0.17, PW 0.08–0.10, PL 0.12, AIIIW 0.12–0.14, AIIIL 0.11–0.14, AIVW 0.22–0.23, AIVL 0.17–0.19, FFeW 0.08–0.09, FFeL 0.18–0.19, HFeL 0.19–0.20, HTiL 0.20–0.22, CI 71–78, PI 67–80, MI 29–32.
Worker relatively slender and small compared to most species in the genus, promesonotal connection complete and articulated, abdominal segment III (postpetiole) large relative to petiole, lateroclypeal teeth present, sculpturing moderate, parafrontal ridges present, flange overhanging metapleural gland opening rounded posteriorly. In general habitus and size it is most similar to Leptanilloides gracilis but can be distinguished by the small opening of petiolar spiracle (situated in large depression in gracilis), the pointed flange over the metapleural gland (rounded in gracilis), single pectinate spur on hind tibia (two simple spurs in gracilis), and relatively broader femur (FFeW 0.08–0.09 in femoralis, 0.06–0.07 in gracilis). Both femoralis and gracilis are similar to biconstricta from Bolivia and improvisa from Ecuador, but can be distinguished by the distinctly bulging sternite of the petiole, with the bulge most prominent medially (versus indistinctly broadened anteriorly in biconstricta and improvisa).
With characters of Leptanilloides (see Diagnosis of Leptanilloides based on worker caste, above). Head elongate and rectangular with lateral margins nearly straight and parallel. Posterior corners rounded and posterior border concave. Parafrontal ridge distinct. Clypeus laterally with blunt tooth distinctly pointing outwards. Mandible short, masticatory margin with small teeth and basal margin crenulate. Basal and masticatory margins distinct, but separated by a rounded angle. Maxillary palp two-segmented. Labial palp two-segmented (in situ count). Scape short and clavate. Antennal joints submoniliform, gradually increasing in size toward apex but not forming an antennal club. Mesosoma long, slender and flattened. Pronotum with a flexible promesonotal suture. Metanotal groove absent. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal declivity very short and rounding into the dorsal face. Propodeal spiracle round, situated posteriorly on the sclerite. Metapleural gland flange conspicuous, translucent and posteriorly blunt. Femur enlarged, broad. Mid tibia with one simple and hind tibia with one pectinate spur. Petiole smaller than abdominal segment III (postpetiole) in dorsal view. Petiole rectangular, uniformly wide across its length in dorsal view and with straight sides and abdominal segment III dilating posteriorly. In lateral view, petiolar tergite with differentiated anterior and posterior faces, posterior tubulated portion short. Petiolar sternite distinctly bulging medially. Abdominal sternite III evenly rounded. Metasoma long and slender. Abdominal segments IV–VI subequal in length in dorsal view and separated by strong constrictions. Pygidium small and mostly concealed by the preceding segment, U-shaped.
Head with abundant punctures with smooth interspaces on average equaling puncture diameter, except on sides where punctures sparser. Mesosoma and abdomen more finely and sparsely punctate. Laterally on mesopleuron, propodeum and petiole fine microreticulate sculpture present. Head, body and appendages with abundant, rather coarse, short and erect hairs. Body color yellowish.
Unknown.
Leptanilloides femoralis, new species A–C holotype worker (CASENT0106180) A head in full-face view B body in lateral view C body in dorsal view D–I paratype worker (CASENT0234586) D head in full-face view E body in lateral view F body in dorsal view G propodeum and anterior petiole in lateral view H mesosoma in lateral view I mesosoma in dorsal view.
Leptanilloides femoralis is known to occur in montane cloud forest habitat. The single collection was from a Winkler sample of sifted litter and rotten wood from the forest floor.
This species is superficially very similar to Leptanilloides gracilis and at first sight might be considered an allopatric population of that species. However, molecular data obtained for ten nuclear gene regions from both morphotypes shows a very large amount of sequence divergence, making it extremely unlikely that the ants belong to the same species (Phil Ward, unpublished data).
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Figures 1F, 2J, 5A–IHolotype worker: MEXICO, Chiapas: Sierra Morena, 16.15224°, −93.60068° ±50m, 1330m, 12 May 2008 (Project LLAMA Wa-A-01-2-22) [unique specimen identifier CASENT0234574] [MCZC]. Paratype workers: 10 workers with the same data as holotype [AMNH, BMNH, CASC, EAPZ, ECOSCE, FMNH, LACM, MZSP, NMNH, UCDC, UVGC].
Non-type material examined: workers: MEXICO, Chiapas: Sierra Morena, 16.15971°, −93.60512° ±50m, 1360m, 12 May 2008 (Project LLAMA Wa-A-01-1-24); workers: GUATEMALA, Suchitepéquez: 4km S Vol. Atitlán, 14.55288°, −91.19316° ±50m, 1750m, 15 June 2009 (Project LLAMA, Wa-B-09-2-43).
Worker measurements (holotype): HW 0.25, HL 0.33, SL 0.15, MH 0.15, ML 0.44, PrW 0.17, PW 0.10, PL 0.13, AIIIW 0.15, AIIIL 0.12, AIVW 0.24, AIVL 0.19, FFeW 0.07, FFeL 0.19, HFeL 0.18, HTiL 0.21, CI 77, PI 76, MI 34.
Worker measurements (11 measured): HW 0.23–0.25, HL 0.31–0.33, SL 0.14–0.15, MH 0.12–0.15, ML 0.40–0.44, PrW 0.14–0.17, PW 0.09–0.10, PL 0.12–0.14, AIIIW 0.12–0.15, AIIIL 0.11–0.13, AIVW 0.21–0.24, AIVL 0.16–0.19, FFeW 0.06–0.07, FFeL 0.17–0.19, HFeL 0.17–0.19, HTiL 0.20–0.21, CI 70–81, PI 69–79, MI 29–34.
Worker relatively slender and small compared to most species in the genus, promesonotal connection complete and articulated, abdominal segment III large relative to petiole, lateroclypeal tooth present, sculpturing moderate, parafrontal ridge present, flange overhanging metapleural gland opening pointed posteriorly. Leptanilloides gracilis is unique in the modified petiolar spiracle, opening to a conspicuous pit larger in diameter than propodeal spiracle opening (Figure 3G), maxillary palpus with only one segment and mid and hind tibia with two simple spurs. In general habitus and size it is most similar to Leptanilloides femoralis but can be distinguished (in addition to traits mentioned above) by the pointed flange over the metapleural gland (blunt in Leptanilloides femoralis) and relatively slender femur. Both Leptanilloides gracilis and Leptanilloides femoralis are similar to Leptanilloides biconstricta from Bolivia and Leptanilloides improvisa from Ecuador, but can be distinguished by the distinctly bulging sternite of the petiole, with the bulge most prominent medially (versus indistinctly broadened anteriorly in Leptanilloides biconstricta and Leptanilloides improvisa).
With characters of Leptanilloides (see Diagnosis of Leptanilloides based on worker caste, above). Head elongate and rectangular with lateral margins nearly straight and parallel. Posterior corners rounded and posterior border concave. Parafrontal ridge distinct. Clypeus laterally with blunt tooth distinctly pointing outwards. Mandible short, masticatory margin with small teeth and basal margin crenulate. Basal and masticatory margins distinct, but separated by a rounded angle. Maxillary palp apparently fused to form one segment, although weakly constricted and similar in length to two-segmented labial palp (in situ count). Scape short and clavate. Antennal joints submoniliform, gradually increasing in size toward apex but not forming an antennal club. Mesosoma long, slender and flattened, with a flexible promesonotal suture. Metanotal groove absent. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal declivity very short and rounding into the dorsal face. Propodeal spiracle round, situated posteriorly on the sclerite. Metapleural gland flange conspicuous, translucent and posteriorly pointed. Femur not conspicuously enlarged, relatively slender. Mid and hind tibia each with two small and simple spurs. Metatibial gland absent. Petiolar spiracle opening to conspicuous depression, in diameter exceeding propodeal spiracle. Petiole smaller than abdominal segment III (postpetiole) in dorsal view. Petiole rectangular, uniformly wide across its length in dorsal view and with straight sides and abdominal segment III dilating posteriorly. In lateral view, petiolar tergite with differentiated anterior and posterior faces, posterior tubulated portion short. Petiolar sternite distinctly bulging medially. Abdominal sternite III evenly rounded. Metasoma long and slender. Abdominal segments IV–VI subequal in length in dorsal view and separated by strong constrictions. Pygidium small and mostly concealed by the preceding segment, U-shaped.
Head with abundant punctures with smooth interspaces on average equaling puncture diameter, except on sides where punctures sparser. Mesosoma and abdomen more finely and sparsely punctate. Laterally on mesopleuron, propodeum and petiole fine microreticulate sculpture present. Head, body and appendages with abundant, rather coarse, short and erect hairs. Body color yellowish.
Unknown.
Leptanilloides gracilis, sp. n. A–C holotype worker (CASENT0234574) A head in full-face view B body in lateral view C body in dorsal view D–I paratype worker (CASENT0234585) D head in full-face view E body in lateral view F body in dorsal view G propodeum and anterior petiole in lateral view H mesosoma in lateral view I mesosoma in dorsal view.
See discussion under Leptanilloidinae male 1.
The type series was collected in second growth mesophyll cloud forest. A few dozen workers were in a single “miniWinkler” sample, which is litter sifted from a 1m2 plot on the forest floor. Two additional workers were collected in a similar miniWinkler sample approximately 1 km distant. The species occurred in two of 100 miniWinkler samples taken at the site. The Guatemala collection was made under similar circumstances, in which a small series of workers occurred in one of 100 miniWinkler samples from a mature cloud forest habitat.
Leptanilloides gracilis is similar in general habitus to some other small species of the genus, especially Leptanilloides femoralis. It is unique, however, in some traits that may be considered autapomorphies of this species. It has the segments of the maxillary palpus fused to form one, instead of the two-segmented palpus seen in other species where the palp formula is known. The petiolar spiracle opening is situated in a conspicuous pit of diameter larger than the propodeal spiracle opening; in all other species of Leptanilloides the petiolar spiracle opening is simple and subequal or smaller than that of propodeal spiracle. There are two minute, simple spurs on the mid and hind tibia, while other species of the genus are known to have one simple spur on the mid tibia and a single conspicuously pectinate spur on hind tibia.
Figure 6A–F
MEXICO, Chiapas: 2km SE Custepec, 15.72099°, −92.95106° ±5m, 1495m, 17–24 May 2008 (LLAMA#Ma-A-02-1-02); Nahá, 16.94917°, −91.59476° ±11m, 960m, 9–13 June 2008 (LLAMA#Ma-A-07-2-02); GUATEMALA, Izabal: 5km NW Morales, 15.51341°, −88.86616° ±8m, 245m, 16–20 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-04-2-01); 5km NW Morales, 15.51351°, −88.86647° ±7m, 245m, 16–20 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-04-2-02); Petén: Cerro Cahuí, 17.00044°, −89.70346° ±5m, 140m, 22–25 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-05-1-02); Parq. Nac. Tikal, 17.24433°, −89.62201° ±6m, 270m, 22–25 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-05-2-02); 13km NW Machaquilá, 16.44491°, −89.55136° ±6m, 380m, 27–30 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-06-1-01); 13km NW Machaquilá, 16.44661°, −89.54939° ±8m, 400m, 27–30 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-06-1-02); 4.5km WNW Machaquilá, 16.40112°, −89.48697° ±13m, 415m, 27–30 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-06-2-02); Sacatepéquez: 5km SE Antigua, 14.53725°, −90.69475° ±4m, 2125m, 10–13 June 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-08-1-01); 5km SE Antigua, 14.53650°, −90.69483° ±4m, 2145m, 10–13 June 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-08-1-02); 5km SE Antigua, 14.52846°, −90.68874° ±6m, 2335m, 10–13 June 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-08-2-01); Suchitepéquez: 4km S Vol. Atitlán, 14.54804°, −91.19108° ±7m, 1580m, 15–18 June 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-09-1-01); 4km S Vol. Atitlán, 14.54807°, −91.19188° ±4m, 1575m, 14–18 June 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-09-1-02); 4km S Vol. Atitlán, 14.54852°, −91.19331° ±7m, 1590m, 14–18 June 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-09-2-01); HONDURAS, Olancho: PN La Muralla, 15.09490°, −86.73987° ±10m, 1410m, 2–5 May 2010 (LLAMA#Ma-C-01-2-02); PN La Muralla, 15.09721°, −86.73840° ±30m, 1480m, 2–5 May 2010 (LLAMA#Ma-C-01-3-01); Comayagua: PN Cerro Azul Meambar, 14.86987°, −87.89885° ±10m, 1150m, 20–23 May 2010 (LLAMA#Ma-C-04-2-01); Cortés: PN Cusuco, 15.48898°, −88.23707° ±10m, 1260m, 30 May–3 June 2010 (LLAMA#Ma-C-06-1-01); PN Cusuco, 15.48839°, −88.23592° ±10m, 1260m, 30 May–3 June 2010 (LLAMA#Ma-C-06-1-02). COSTA RICA, Guanacaste: Santa Rosa Nat. Park, 10.85°, −85.62° ±2km, 300m, 21 February 2003 (J. S. Noyes) [JTLC000004338].
Measurements (9 measured): HW 0.25–0.31, HL 0.18–0.24, EL 0.09–0.12, SL 0.09–0.012, LAII 0.05–0.07, LAIII 0.04–0.06, LAIV 0.04–0.07, LAXIII 0.10–0.14, MH 0.23–0.37, ML 0.38–0.54, PrW 0.18–0.26, PW 0.07–0.10, PL 0.07–0.10, AIIIW 0.16–0.21, AIIIL 0.07–0.12, AIVW 0.15–0.23, AIVL 0.10–0.12, FFeW 0.04–0.06, FFeL 0.20–0.29, HFeL 0.22–0.30, HTiL 0.23–0.34, CI 115–130, PI 82–121, MI 60–71.
Headbroader than long, with large convex eyes that occupy almost half of the sides of head. Mandible slender and falcate with blunt apex, without differentiated masticatory margin, edentate. External margin of mandible more or less evenly curved along its length. Mandible tips crossing at closure, mandible longer than eye length. Lateroclypeal teeth and hypostomal teeth lacking, clypeus short and transverse, without visible clypeal lamella (apron). Antennal sockets horizontal and exposed, located at the anterior clypeal margin that is projecting anteriorly beyond ventral articulation with labrum. Antenna 13-segmented, each segment longer than wide, with second, third and fourth segments subequal in length. Scape of moderate length, subequal to the length of ultimate antennal segment. Scape about twice the length of the second antennal segment, and about the combined length of the second and third antennal segments. Lateral ocellus separated from median ocellus by little more than its diameter. Distance between lateral ocelli little greater than between median and lateral ocellus and ocelli forming almost equilateral triangle. Mesosomawith distinctive pronotum: U-shaped in dorsal view and reduced anteromedially to a thin horizontal strip, set below the level of the dorsally protruding mesonotum and triangular in lateral view, with pointed posterior apex directed towards the wing base. Mesoscutum lacking notauli and parapsidal lines not discernable. Axillae depressed, not meeting medially, connected by a narrow furrow. Tegula very small and inconspicuous. Mesopleuron lacking oblique transverse sulcus and hence not divided into anepisternum and katepisternum. Mesoscutellum prominently bulging, as seen in lateral view. Metapleural gland not discernable. Propodeum with dorsal and declivous surfaces not differentiated, evenly rounded. Propodeal spiracle small, circular, positioned slightly below midheight of propodeum and slightly posterior to the midlength. Legs slender, mesotibia and metatibia each with two simple spurs, pretarsal claw lacking preapical tooth. Wingwith extremely reduced venation. Fore wing with C present, tubular and weakly pigmented. Sc+R very closely approximated to the wing margin, very narrow, compressed vertically, the most apparent vein on forewing. Sc+R1 region not differentiated in absence of Rs·f1 but differing from rest of vein by not being conspicuously vertically compressed; in line with Sc+R, nebulous. Pterostigma not marked. R1·f3 absent. M+Cu nebulous and inconspicuous, slightly curved towards posterior wing margin before division. Rs·f1 absent. M·f1, Rs+M, Rs·f2 and Rs·f3 all joined, not differentiated, tubular or partially nebulous. 1r-rs absent. 2r-rs present, spectral. Rs·f4 and Rs·f5 joined and not differentiated in the absence of 2rs-m. Rs·f4&f5 nebulous and poorly visible, terminating before wing margin. Free abscissae of M absent. Abscissae of Cu joined, initially nebulous, continuing throughout most of the length as spectral. Vein A tubular, joining cu-a at a very obtuse angle and confluent with Rs+M, apparently absent beyond cu-a, although weak flexion at the posterior wing margin can be interpreted as spectral A·f2&f3. Posterior margin of fore wing with narrow, conspicuous fold where hamuli attach. Hind wing with C present, tubular, reaching about fourth of wing length. Anterior margin of hind wing past midlength with a conspicuous dark stigma. Two hamuli originate in the region of the stigma. Jugal lobe absent. Metasoma slender in lateral view, obovate in dorsal view, widest at abdominal segment IV. Petiole (abdominal segment II) subquadrate in lateral view, about as long as high or wide, and only weakly constricted posteriorly, the helcium thus apparently quite broad. Petiolar spiracle located on anterior third of the segment, near anterodorsal extremity; abdominal segment III larger than petiole, and not developed as postpetiole nor separated from abdominal segment IV by a marked constriction. Abdominal spiracle III located on anterior third of tergite. Petiole and abdominal segment III with tergosternal fusion. Abdominal segment IV and succeeding segments lacking tergosternal fusion. Segment IV with weakly differentiated presclerites. Spiracle present on anterior third of tergite IV. Abdominal segments V and VI lacking well differentiated presclerites, and not separated from succeeding segments by constrictions. Abdominal spiracles V and VI not discernable in specimens examined but possibly present at anterior margins of respective tergites. Abdominal tergite VIII (pygidium) small and simple but visible dorsally, not wholly covered by abdominal tergite VII. Pygostyli absent. Abdominal sternite IX (subgenital plate) with posterior margin broadly and deeply concave but not bifurcate. Basal ring present, not hypertrophied. Paramere small and slender with pointed, slightly outcurved apex of harpago. Paramere little longer than petiole length. Volsella a simple, narrow and elongate lobe, lacking differentiated cuspis, distally pointed and slightly outcurved. Aedeagus little longer than paramere and volsella, simple, narrow, distally spatulate. Body size very small. Integument mostly smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctures. Pilosity common on most of body, suberect to decumbent. Color light yellowish-brown, head and posterior margins of abdominal segments IV–VII darker, appendages (antennae, mandibles, legs) lighter.
Leptanilloidinae male 1 A–D male (CASENT0234558) A head in full-face view B body in dorsal view C genitalia in posterior view D genitalia in ventral view E male (CASENT0234561) body in lateral view F wing venation.
Project LLAMA (Leaf Litter Arthropods of MesoAmerica) is an arthropod biodiversity inventory project carrying out a structured sampling program at sites from southern Mexico (Chiapas) to Nicaragua. The focus is on mature mesophyll forest at multiple elevations. Four days are spent sampling at each study site, and one of the methods is to erect four Malaise traps for the four days. Sampling has been carried out in May and June, 2008 to 2010. The diminutive Leptanilloides male described here is surprisingly common in the Malaise samples, occurring at many of the study sites and across a great range of elevations (these specimens temporarily reside in the personal collections of Borowiec and Longino, ultimately to be deposited in major institutional collections). They have been found in the Sierra de Chiapas (near the type locality of Leptanilloides gracilis), in the lower elevation Lacandón rainforests of northern Chiapas, in the Petén region of Guatemala, in both lowland and montane regions of central Guatemala, and in montane regions of Honduras. When they occur at a site, they are typically found in more than one of the Malaise traps, but usually no more than about five males per trap in a 4-day sample. They are very easily overlooked because of their similarity, in both size and degree of sclerotization, to small nematoceran Diptera that are often abundant in Malaise samples.
From hitherto described males of Leptanilloides (
The largely sympatric distribution, two simple spurs on mid and hind tibia, overall small size, and relative abundance make these specimens good candidates for the male caste of Leptanilloides gracilis.
Figure 7A–F
COSTA RICA, Puntarenas: 5km S San Vito, 8.78333°, −82.96667° ±2km, 1200m, 22–26 August 2010, montane wet forest, ex pan trap (M. Pollet & A. De Braekeleer) [MLBC].
Measurements in mm and indices (2 measured): HW 0.37–0.40, HL 0.30–0.31, EL 0.14–0.15, SL 0.13–0.14, LAII 0.07–0.08, LAIII 0.07, LAIV 0.06–0.07, LAXIII 0.14–0.15, MH 0.36–0.41, ML 0.65–0.68, PrW 0.31–0.33, PW 0.10–0.11, PL 0.16, AIIIW 0.19–0.20, AIIIL 0.15–0.19, AIVW 0.28–0.29, AIVL 0.20–0.22, FFeW 0.08, FFeL 0.32–0.36, HFeL 0.36–0.38, HTiL 0.37–0.40, CI 125–127, PI 65–67, MI 56–59.
Headbroader than long, with large convex eyes that occupy almost half of the sides of head. Mandible slender, tapering to pointed apex, without differentiated masticatory margin, edentate. External margin of mandible more or less straight along its length. Mandible tips crossing at closure, mandible slightly longer than eye length. Lateroclypeal teeth and hypostomal teeth lacking, clypeus short and transverse, without visible clypeal lamella (apron). Antennal sockets horizontal and exposed, located at the anterior clypeal margin that is not projecting anteriorly beyond ventral articulation with labrum. Antenna 13-segmented, each segment longer than wide, with second, third and fourth segments subequal in length. Scape of moderate length, subequal to the length of ultimate antennal segment. Scape length about twice the length of the second antennal segment, and about the combined length of the second and third antennal segments. Lateral ocellus separated from median ocellus by little more than its diameter. Distance greater between lateral ocelli than between median and lateral ocellus and ocelli forming isosceles triangle. Mesosomawith distinctive pronotum: U-shaped in dorsal view and reduced anteromedially to a thin horizontal strip, set below the level of the dorsally protruding mesonotum and triangular in lateral view, with pointed posterior apex directed towards the wing base. Mesoscutum lacking notauli and parapsidal lines present, weakly marked but long, running about two thirds of mesoscutum length. Axillae depressed, not meeting medially, connected by a narrow furrow; tegula very small and inconspicuous. Mesopleuron lacking oblique transverse sulcus and hence not divided into anepisternum and katepisternum. Mesoscutellum raised above level of mesosctum but not prominently bulging, as seen in lateral view. Metapleural gland not discernable. Propodeum with dorsal surface clearly shorter than declivous. Propodeal spiracle small, circular, positioned at midheight of propodeum and slightly posterior to the metanotum. Legs slender, mid tibia with one simple and hind tibia with one pectinate spur, pretarsal claw lacking preapical tooth. Wingwith relatively well developed venation (for Leptanilloides). Fore wing with C present, tubular and weakly pigmented. Sc+R very closely approximated to the wing margin, very narrow, compressed vertically. Sc+R1 region joining Sc+R at obtuse angle, tubular. Pterostigma well marked. R1·f3 absent. M+Cu nebulous but conspicuous, slightly curved towards posterior wing margin before division. Rs·f1 stub present, tubular but not reaching Sc+R. M·f1 pigmented, tubular. Rs+M tubular and pigmented, straight. Rs·f2 and Rs·f3 joined, not differentiated, tubular and pigmented. 1r-rs absent. 2r-rs present, tubular and pigmented. Rs·f4 and Rs·f5 joined and not differentiated in the absence of 2rs-m. Rs·f4&f5 partly tubular and partly nebulous, terminating before wing margin. Free abscissae of M present, nebulous and very weakly visible. Abscissae of Cu joined, nebulous throughout most of the length and continuing as spectral. Vein A tubular, joining cu-a at obtuse angle and confluent with Rs+M, apparently absent beyond cu-a. Posterior margin of fore wing with narrow, conspicuous fold where hamuli attach. Hind wing with C absent. Rc+R present, tubular but compressed, reaching about third of wing length. Anterior margin of hind wing with little differentiated pigmentation. Three hamuli originate in the pigmented region. Jugal lobe absent. Metasoma slender in lateral view, obovate in dorsal view, widest at abdominal segment IV. Petiole (abdominal segment II) ovate in lateral view, longer than high or wide, and weakly constricted posteriorly, the helcium thus apparently quite broad. Petiolar spiracle located on anterior third of the segment, near anterodorsal extremity. Abdominal segment III larger than petiole, and not developed as postpetiole nor separated from abdominal segment IV by a marked constriction. Abdominal spiracle III located on anterior third of tergite. Abdominal segments II and III with tergosternal fusion. Abdominal segment IV and succeeding segments lacking tergosternal fusion. Segment IV with weakly differentiated presclerites. Spiracle present on anterior third of tergite IV. Abdominal segments V and VI lacking well differentiated presclerites, and not separated from succeeding segments by constrictions. Abdominal spiracles V and VI not discernable in specimens examined but possibly present at anterior margins of respective tergites. Pygostyli absent. Abdominal sternite IX (subgenital plate) was hidden and not observed. Basal ring present, not hypertrophied. Paramere relatively broad, not tapering, apically harpago truncated. Paramere little longer than petiole length. Volsella simple, lacking differentiated cuspis, tapering suddenly at midlength and distally pointed, forming ventrally directed hooks. Aedeagus apparently very short, could not be observed directly without dissection. Body size moderate. Integument mostly smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctures. Pilosity common on most of body, suberect to decumbent. Color light brown, head, and mesoscutellum darker. Antennal segments I–III light, the rest light brown. Other appendages (mandibles, legs) lighter.
Leptanilloidinae male 2 A–E male (CASENT0234556) A head in full-face view B body in dorsal view C genitalia in posterior view D genitalia in ventral view E body in lateral view F wing venation.
These two males are from 1200m elevation wet forest, at the Wilson Botanical Garden in southern Costa Rica. They were collected by Marc Pollet in yellow pan traps on the forest floor, in late August, 2010.
These large male specimens can be recognized by sublinear, evenly tapering mandible without differentiated basal and masticatory margins, moderate size and relatively well developed wing venation. From Leptanilloidinae male 3 they differ in subequal dorsal and declivous faces of propodeum (dorsal surface shorter in male 3), shorter petiole and free abscissae of M joining Rs+M. From Leptanilloides mckennae they can be distinguished by arched propodeum (flattened in mckennae) and sublinear mandibles (subtriangular in mckennae).
Figure 8A–F
MEXICO, Chiapas: Lago Metzabok, 17.12681°, −91.63094° ±6m, 570m, 5–8 June 2008 (LLAMA#Ma-A-06-1-02); GUATEMALA, Petén: Cerro Cahuí, 17.00044°, −89.70346° ±5m, 140m, 22–25 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-05-1-02); 4.5km WNW Machaquilá, 16.40112°, −89.48697° ±13m, 415m, 27–30 May 2009 (LLAMA#Ma-B-06-2-02).
Measurements in mm and indices (3 measured): HW 0.42–0.43, HL 0.32–0.33, EL 0.16, SL 0.13–0.14, LAII 0.08–0.09, LAIII 0.07–0.09, LAIV 0.10–0.11, LAXIII 0.17–0.19, MH 0.45–0.48, ML 0.66–0.70, PrW 0.32–0.35, PW 0.08–0.10, PL 0.18–0.20, AIIIW 0.20–0.25, AIIIL 0.20–0.25, AIVW 0.25–0.34, AIVL 0.20, FFeW 0.06–0.07, FFeL 0.37, HFeL 0.41–0.43, HTiL 0.40–0.43, CI 127–136, PI 41–54, MI 65–72.
Headbroader than long, with large convex eyes that occupy almost half of the sides of head. Mandible slender, widest at midlength but without differentiated masticatory margin, tapering to pointed apex, edentate. External margin of mandible more or less straight along its length. Mandible tips crossing at closure, mandible length subequal to eye length. Lateroclypeal teeth and hypostomal teeth lacking, clypeus short and transverse, with narrow clypeal lamella (apron). Antennal sockets horizontal and exposed, located at the anterior clypeal margin that is not projecting anteriorly beyond ventral articulation with labrum. Antenna 13-segmented, each segment longer than wide, with third segment the shortest. Scape of moderate length, subequal to the length of ultimate antennal segment. Scape length less than twice the length of the second antennal segment, and less than the combined length of the second and third antennal segments. Lateral ocellus separated from median ocellus by more than its diameter. Distance greater between lateral ocelli than between median and lateral ocellus and ocelli forming isosceles triangle. Mesosomawith distinctive pronotum: U-shaped in dorsal view and reduced anteromedially to a thin horizontal strip, set below the level of the dorsally protruding mesonotum and triangular in lateral view, with pointed posterior apex directed towards the wing base. Mesoscutum lacking notauli. Parapsidal lines present, long, running about the third of mesoscutum length. Axillae depressed, not meeting medially, connected by a narrow furrow; tegula very small and inconspicuous. Mesopleuron lacking oblique transverse sulcus and hence not divided into anepisternum and katepisternum. Mesoscutellum raised above level of mesoscutum and prominently bulging, as seen in lateral view. Metapleural gland not discernable. Propodeum with dorsal surface somewhat shorter than declivous. Propodeal spiracle small, circular, positioned slightly above midheight of propodeum and slightly posterior to the metanotum. Legs slender, mid tibia with one simple and hind tibia with one pectinate spur, pretarsal claw lacking preapical tooth. Wingwith relatively well developed venation. Fore wing with C present, tubular and pigmented. Sc+R approximated to the wing margin, very narrow, compressed vertically. Sc+R1in line with Sc+R, tubular. Pterostigma well marked. R1·f3 absent. M+Cu tubular, slightly curved towards posterior wing margin before division. Rs·f1 present, nebulous. M·f1 pigmented, tubular. Rs+M&Rs·f2&Rs·f3 tubular and pigmented. 1r-rs absent. 2r-rs present, tubular and pigmented. Rs·f4&Rs·f5 tubular, terminating before wing margin. Free abscissae of M nebulous, very weakly visible and not joining to Rs+M&Rs·f2&Rs·f3. Abscissae of Cu joined, nebulous throughout most of the length and continuing as spectral. Vein A tubular, joining cu-a at obtuse angle and confluent with Rs+M, apparently absent beyond cu-a. Posterior margin of fore wing with fold where hamuli attach narrow, conspicuous. Hind wing with C apparently present, narrow and faint except basal fourth of wing length. Sc+R present, tubular along fourth of wing length, continuing as nebulous. Sc+R1 a short nebulous stub. Rs·f1&Rs·f2 nebulous, terminating at about three fourth of wing length. Anterior margin of hind wing with little differentiated pigmentation. Three hamuli originate in the pigmented region. Jugal lobe absent. Metasoma slender in lateral view, obovate in dorsal view, widest at abdominal segment IV. Petiole (abdominal segment II) elongate-ovate in lateral view, more than two times longer than high or wide, and weakly constricted posteriorly, the helcium thus apparently quite broad. Petiolar spiracle located on anterior fourth of the segment, near anterodorsal extremity. Abdominal segment III larger than petiole, and not developed as postpetiole nor separated from abdominal segment IV by marked constriction. Abdominal spiracle III located on anterior third of tergite. Abdominal segments II and III with tergosternal fusion. Abdominal segment IV and succeeding segments lacking tergosternal fusion. Segment IV with weakly differentiated presclerites. Spiracle present on anterior third of tergite IV. Abdominal segments V and VI lacking well differentiated presclerites, and not separated from succeeding segments by constrictions. Abdominal spiracles V and VI not discernable in specimens examined but possibly present at anterior margins of respective tergites. Abdominal tergite VIII (pygidium) small and simple but visible dorsally, not wholly covered by abdominal tergite VII. Pygostyli absent. Abdominal sternite IX (subgenital plate) with posterior margin broadly and deeply concave but not bifurcate. Basal ring present, not hypertrophied. Paramere relatively broad, harpago evenly rounded at apex; paramere shorter than petiole length. Volsella a simple, broad and elongate lobe, lacking differentiated cuspis, distally pointed. Aedeagus about equal in length to paramere and volsella, simple, narrow, distally spatulate. Body size moderate. Integument mostly smooth and shiny, with scattered piligerous punctures. Pilosity common on most of body, suberect to decumbent. Color light brown, head and metasoma past abdominal segment III darker. Antennal segment II light, the rest light brownish. Other appendages (mandibles, legs) lighter than body.
Leptanilloidinae male 3 A–E male (CASENT0617071) A head in full-face view B body in dorsal view C genitalia in posterior view D genitalia in ventral view E body in lateral view F wing venation.
This form has been collected at two sites in the Petén region of Guatemala and one locality in Chiapas, Mexico.
This relatively large male differs from Leptanilloidinae male 2 and Leptanilloides mckennae in the dorsal face of the propodeum being shorter than the declivity (subequal in male 2 and flattened in mckennae), longer petiole, and free abscissae of M not connected to Rs+M. Additionally, from mckennae it differs by the slender mandibles without well differentiated masticatory and basal margins (subtriangular in mckennae). We have examined an additional specimen from Barro Colorado Island, Panama (“Leptanilloidine genus 1 PM01”; CASENT0106194), already mentioned by Ward & Brady (2009) that may belong here. It is larger (ML 0.74) with wider head (HW 0.43) and larger eyes (EL 0.20) but with relatively shorter petiole (PW 0.10, PL 0.15). The wing venation is similar, except veins of radial sector being more approximated to the anterior wing margin and thus making the closed veins of the wing appear more flattened. There is also a stub of free abscissae of M, completely absent in the three males from Mexico and Guatemala. Genitalia in this specimen are retracted and partly obscured, but seem similar to the genitalia present in Leptanilloidinae male 3. In the absence of collections of males of similar morphotypes between Guatemala and Panama, we are unable to tell whether this form represents a geographical variant or a distinct species.
The leptanilloidine ants, apparently due to their presumably subterranean habits, represent a serious challenge to sampling. The ratio of collecting events to number of worker-based morphospecies continues to be high, and number of male morphotypes present in the collections from recent efforts in Central America (LLAMA project) exceeds the number of the known worker-based species from the same region. This makes it certain that new species will continue to be discovered. When molecular data become available for more workers and unassociated males of Leptanilloides and workers of Asphinctanilloides, it seems most probable that one of the genera is identical to Amyrmex. Given the unsatisfactory state of knowledge of the subfamily, future efforts documenting the diversity, biology, morphology, internal phylogeny, as well as phylogenetic position of Leptanilloidinae within dorylomorphs are much needed.
We would like to thank David Donoso and Álvaro Barragán of Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Ecuador for invaluable help with loan of the specimens from Ecuador and making this study possible. Thanks to Harold Greeney for invitation and hospitality at the Yanayacu Biological Station. Barry Bolton kindly provided interpretation of wing venation and shared an unpublished system of venation nomenclature. Phil Ward commented on an earlier draft of this manuscript. Marek Borowiec examined leptanilloidine material during visits to several collections sponsored by the SYNTHESYS Project http://www.synthesys.info/ which is financed by European Community Research Infrastructure Action under the FP6 “Structuring the European Research Area” Programme, grant no. GB-TAF 303 to the Natural History Museum, London and Ernst Mayr Travel Grants from the Museum of Comparative Zoology (2008, 2010 and 2011) to the Museum of Comparative Zoology (Harvard University), California Academy of Sciences, and University of California at Davis. Marek Borowiec would like to thank Gary Alpert, Stefan Cover, Suzanne Ryder, Brian Fisher and Phil Ward for their help and support during stay at the abovementioned institutions. Many thanks to Scott Serata for training and assistance with the SEM. John Longino was supported by National Science Foundation grant DEB-0640015 (Project LLAMA) and acknowledges the support of the Project LLAMA students and collaborators, the community of Sierra Morena in Chiapas, and the logistical support of Jorge León, Jack Schuster, and José Monzón.