Myrmicinae, Formicidae, Hymenoptera, Insecta, Arthropoda, Animalia
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Above images are from Barva Transect, Braulio Carrillo National Park, 1070m site, Winkler sample from forest floor. Additional images are worker from 2000m site, Winkler sample from forest floor (face view, lateral view). Note tendency to increased shininess at higher elevation.
Discussion of schmidti complex (click here).
Range
Costa Rica: Cordillera de Tilaran, C. Volcanica Central, and C. de Talamanca, from 1000-2200m elevation.
Identification
Basal margin of mandible with notch, formed by sinuous indentation of basal margin and small denticle on proximal edge of notch; anterior clypeal margin with convex median lobe that extends to or beyond lateral clypeal teeth, downturned portion of anterior clypeus straight between lateral teeth, without indentation or median teeth; size small (WL less than 1mm); face with faint to strong sculpture over most of surface; erect setae on mesosomal dorsum and first gastral tergite thin and flexuous; first gastral tergite usually with abundant appressed pubescence.
Similar species: Stenamma JTL-006, Stenamma JTL-017.
Natural History
This species is a cloud forest specialist. Workers and queens occur in nearly every Winkler sample from montane habitats, in the 1000-2000m zone. Although very common in Winkler samples, I have very rarely found nests. I did once find a colony in leaf litter at the top of the upturned disk of roots and soil at the base of a fallen tree. The workers curled up and froze upon disturbance. The white brood pile gave them away, however.
Comments
Literature Cited
Page author:
John T. Longino, The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA 98505 USA.longinoj@evergreen.edu
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