Formicinae, Formicidae, Hymenoptera, Insecta, Arthropoda, Animalia
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Range
Costa Rica (rainforest habitats on mid-elevation Atlantic slope).
Identification
Minor worker: scapes with subdecumbent long pubescence (especially toward apex) and 2-4 erect setae; lateral margins of head with 1-2 projecting erect setae; sides and dorsum of pronotum both flat and meeting at a rounded angle; dorsal and lateral faces of propodeum distinct, meeting at a rounded angle; dorsal and posterior faces of propodeum subequal in length, flat, meeting at a distinct angle; petiole narrow in profile, forming sharp transverse crest at apex; first gastral tergite with moderately abundant erect white or clear setae; underlying pubescence moderately abundant, subdecumbent, white or clear; face densely micropunctate, side of pronotum smooth, mesopleura and sides of propodeum microreticulate, first gastral tergum faintly shagreened, all surfaces sublucid; integument generally black, with lighter brown legs, scapes, and anterior portion of head.
Size relatively small compared to JTL-027, JTL-015.
Major worker: face subrectangular, elongate; face yellow up to below eyes; face and cheeks completely naked.
Similar species: JTL-027, JTL-015.
Natural History
I know this species from three collections:
Cartago Province, 9km ESE Moravia: trailside second growth vegetation, surrounded by primary wet forest; nest in single internode of Cecropia obtusifolia sapling.
Limon Province, Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve: primary forest at river edge; nest in 5mm diameter dead vine stem.
Guanacaste Province, Estacion Pitilla: wet forest; second growth vegetation; nest in dead stick.
Thus this species appears to be an opportunistic cavity nester. It seems to be part of a cluster of species including cuneidorsus, JTL-027, and JTL-015. The relatively more elongate, subrectangular head of the major may be indicative of a preference for narrow-guage stems as nest sites.
Page author:
John T. Longino, The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA 98505 USA.longinoj@evergreen.edu
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