Pseudomyrmex satanicus (Ward, Philip S. 1993)
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BibTeX: @article{Ward1993JournalofHymenopteraResearch2, RIS/ Endnote: TY - JOUR Wikipedia/ Citizendium: <ref name="Ward1993Journal of Hymenoptera Research2">{{Citation |
Ordo: Hymenoptera
Familia: Formicidae
Genus: Pseudomyrmex
Name
Pseudomyrmex satanicus Ward, Philip S., 1993 – Wikispecies link – Pensoft Profile
- Pseudomyrmex satanicus Ward, Philip S., 1993, Journal of Hymenoptera Research 2: 149-149.
Description
(Figs. 10, 20, 59, 68)
Materials Examined
Panama Rio Agua Salud W. M. Wheeler Panama Rio Agua Salud W. M. Wheeler Panama Rio Agua Salud W. M. Wheeler Panama Rio Agua Salud W. M. Wheeler
Description
Worker measurements (n= 15). - HL 1.16-1.36, HW 1.10-1.26, MFC 0.035-0.057, Cl 0.90-0.97, REL 0.45-0.50, REL2 0.48-0.52, OOI 0.92-1.67, VI 0.69-0.78, FCI 0.030-0.049, SI 0.45-0.49, SI2 0.88-1.00, NI 0.63-0.68, PLI 0.47-0.54, PWI 0.46- 0.63, PPWI 1.35-1.54.
Diagnosis
Worker diagnosis. - Similar to P. spinicola (q.v.) except as follows. Larger (HW> 1.09), head broader (Cl> 0.88) (Fig. 34) with straight or slightly concave posterior margin and subangulate posterolateral comers (Fig. 10). (The posterior margin of the head approaches this condition in some P. spinicola workers but these have much smaller, more elongate heads, HW <1.10, Cl <0.90.) Median clypeal lobe narrower (CLW / HW 0.20-0.22; see Fig. 33).
Discussion
Palp formula 4,3. Head with pronounced pit-like impression below the median ocellus (absent or poorly developedinP. spinicola). Metanotal groove better developed, longer. Petiole tending to be more slender, with less distinct posterolateral corners (this characteristic seen in some workers of P. spinicola, especially individuals from Panama). Body pubescence averaging thicker than in P. spinicola. Dark brown in color, mandibles and appendages lighter. Comments. - The foregoing diagnosis will allow discrimination of P. satanicus workers from those of the closely related P. spinicola', queens can be recognized by size alone (HL> 1.65, HW> 1.20). P. satanicus can be distinguished from the remaining members of the P. ferrugineus group by the emarginate, laterally angulate median clypeal lobe of the worker and the large size of the queen.
Distribution
Distribution and biology. - P. satanicus is a forest species restricted to a few localities in central Panama where its host plant, Acacia melanoceras, grows (Fig. 68). Both the ant and plant are intolerant of forest clearance and are considered vulnerable to extinction (Janzen 1974). The ant is polygynous, with 5-20 or more queens per colony, and the workers are particularly aggressive, even for acacia-ants (Wheeler 1942; Janzen 1974). See Janzen (1974:43-53) for additional details on P. satanicus and its host plant.
Materials Examined
Panama "Canal Zone" A. H. Jennings Panama 3 mi SW Gatuen Dam D. H. Janzen Panama Barro Colorado Island D. H. Janzen Panama France Field G. C. Wheeler Panama Marajal [Majagual] nr. Colon W. M. Wheeler Panama Red Tank W. M. Wheeler Panama Rio Agua Salud W. M. Wheeler Panama Zorra Island D. H. Janzen Panama Rio Piedras D. H. Janzen Panama "Panama" c. u.
Taxon Treatment
- Ward, Philip S.; 1993: Systematic studies on Pseudomyrmex acacia-ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 2: 149-149. doi
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