Temnothorax terrigena (Wheeler, 1903)

Prebus, Matthew M., 2021, Taxonomic revision of the Temnothorax salvini clade (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a key to the clades of New World Temnothorax, PeerJ (e 11514) 9, pp. 1-462 : 447

terrigena group overview

This group is monotypic, with the nominal Temnothorax terrigena being the only member. The range of T. terrigena small, restricted to the low elevations of the southern United States and northern Mexico ( Fig. 170G ). Apparently, this species is ground nesting, and the generalized habitus has led to confusion about its relationships historically, but the moderately arched mesosoma dorsum and broad postpetiole are telltale signs of its membership in the salvini clade. Temnothorax terrigena may be confused with members of the andrei and sallei clades, and other members of the salvini clade. See the ‘similar species’ section below to distinguish this species.

Figures

Figure 170 Temnothorax terrigena. (A–C) Lectotype worker (MCZENT00522078). (A) Full-face view. (B) Profile view. (C) Dorsal view. (D–F) Paralectotype gyne (MCZENT00522078). (D) Full-face view. (E) Profile view. (F) Dorsal view. (G) Geographical and elevational distribution of specimens examined. Type locality is represented by a triangle, non-type localities are represented by circles. Bounding box in inset map shows location of main map. Scale bars 0.2 mm. Full-size DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11514/fig-170