Strumigenys collinsae, Booher, 2021

Booher, Douglas B., 2021, The ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in western North America North of Mexico, Zootaxa 5061 (2), pp. 201-248 : 224-226

Strumigenys collinsae sp. nov.

Figure 37

Distribution. USA; Colorado

Holotype Queen. USA, Colorado, Pueblo County, 23 miles north of Walsenburg , berlese of sifted litter, estimated GPS 37.939013, - 104.812018 ±2500m, 15 August 1958, Collector Clayton Hoff, el 1802m, collection code #124, unique specimen identifier (FMNH-INS 0000 119 056) [ FMNH].

Holotype queen measurements: HL = 0.614; HW = 0.459; ML = 0.124; PW = 0.328; SL = 0.362; FL = 0.457; HT = 0.384; EL = 0.144; WL = 0.744; CI = 74.8; SI = 78.9; MI = 20.2.

Diagnosis. Strumigenys collinsae is distinguished from all other North American species by dentition, having four principle teeth with the first two nearly equal in size followed by two smaller teeth of equal size. This species is most similar to S. reliquia , having similarities in shape of clypeus, dentition of mandibles, and pilosity. However, in S. reliquia the second principle tooth is much shorter than the first and has flagellate apicoscrobal and tibial setae where S. collinsae does not.

Description of queen. Mandibles with exposed basal lamellae followed by a diastemmic gap longer than the longest tooth. Diastema followed by a set of small teeth that do not overlap when mandibles are closed, four principal teeth, and several smaller interlocking denticular teeth.

Labrum with laterally flattened setae extending from apical digitate lobes. Clypeus with narrow peripheral groove; with free margins of dorsal lamella of groove projecting further than ventral lamella in full frontal view. Anterior border of clypeus broadly rounded between mandible insertions, lateral free margin weakly concave between lateral posterior corners to mandible insertion. Clypeus 1.02 times broader than long. In profile posterior border of clypeus is abruptly raised above adjoining frontal area. Scrobal margins lamellate extending posterior level of eye. Pronotum slightly smaller in width (0.328) than mesosoma (0.376). Propodeal spines triangular and lamellate; about equal in length to maximum width of broadly convex free margin of declivitous lamella below narrowed section just below spines.

Pilosity. Setae on anterior margin of scape shallowly curved, simple, and acutely tipped; all curved and declinate towards apex. Differentiated elongate flagellate to subflagellate setae limited to those at lateral-posterior border of mesoscutum just anterior of wing scars; on dorsal surface of petiolar node, post-petiolar disc, and a row present on anterior portion of first abdominal tergite. Flagellate setae in these positions seem to be unbroken and so setae not present at apicoscrobal position or on tibia or femur are suspected to be truly absent. Ground pilosity of head, mesosoma, and gaster are numerous fine, apically acute, and shallowly curved short to slightly elongated setae. Ground pilosity on dorsum and borders of clypeus directed unevenly towards mandibles; on dorsum of head these setae are directed mostly medially. Ground pilosity of first gastral tergite elongate irregularly curved to simple setae closely following the surface of gaster.

Sculpture. Dorsum of clypeus heavily punctate. Frontal area with a small smooth patch free of sculpture just posterior of clypeal border. Dorsum of head heavily reticulopunctate. Dorsum and side of pronotum rugulo-reticulate with heavy punctations between rugae. Meso- and meta-pleurae smooth with some peripheral punctate sculpture. Dorsal surfaces of petiolar node lightly punctate, the postpetiolar node smooth and shining. Gaster smooth and shining with basigastral costulae 0.35 times length of tergite.

Spongiform appendages. Dorsal and lateral spongiform appendages of petiole and postpetiole prominent. Ventral lamella of petiole at least as deep as shortest height of peduncle. Sub-postpetiolar process well developed and longer than the height of exposed node in lateral view.

Etymology. This species is named in honor of the brilliant entomologist and civil rights advocate Dr. Margaret S. Collins who through her science and activism helped change impediments she faced, improving conditions for future Black female scientists. It is important to celebrate those who have created a lasting impact despite cultural and systemic barriers, making it easier for others to follow in their path. The name was created by adding the singular Latin genitive case suffix -ae to the last name of a female person. The orthography of an eponym is unchangeable and not dependent on the generic name in which the epithet is used.

Comments. This species is known from a single dealate queen collected in August without associated workers. Although the label gives the habitat as oak woodland, the collector only reports sampling yellow pine and juniper litter for the given locality in his publication focusing on Pseudoscorpiones ( Hoff 1961). This specimen was discovered in the FMNH collection misidentified by R. G. Gregg as Strumigenys ohioensis (Junior synonym of Strumigenys pilinasis ).

Figures

FIGURE 37. Holotype queen of Strumigenys collinsae [FMNH: FMNH-INS 0000 119 056]. Photographed by Maureen Turcatel (Field Museum).