Prionopelta modesta Forel, 1909: 241
Taxonomic revision of the genus Prionopelta Mayr, 1866 (Formicidae: Amblyoponinae) for the Neotropical region
Ladino, Natalia
Feitosa, Rodrigo M.
Zootaxa
2020
2020-07-31
4821
2
201
249
4MFZX
Forel, 1909
Forel
1909
[151,547,1238,1265]
Insecta
Formicidae
Prionopelta
Animalia
Hymenoptera
35
236
Arthropoda
species
modesta
Figures 25–28, 35C
Prionopelta modesta Forel, 1909: 241. Lectotypeworker (here designated): GUATEMALA, Forel(the top specimen of a pin with 2 workers), CASENT0102527 [MHNG] (examined by images).
Diagnosis.Lateral portion of frons with foveolate sculpturing moderately spaced and conspicuous shiny interspaces appearing as small raised margins. Twelve antennomeres. Posterior margin of subpetiolar process concave. Worker measurements(n=5). HL 0.50–0.54; HW 0.44–0.48; SL 0.26–0.28; WL 0.54–0.67; PrL 0.24–0.28; PrW 0.22–0.32; PetNL 0.13–0.18; PetW 0.23–0.28; PetH 0.16–0.21; PetL 0.16–0.17; T1L 0.24–0.26; T1W 0.34– 0.39; TL 1.44–1.62; CI 84–88; SI 54–62; PetI 150–200; PetHI 100–123; PetWI 135–175. Queen measurements(n=4). HL 0.48–0.58; HW 0.44–0.52; SL 0.27–0.30; WL 0.71–0.83; PrL 0.12–0.13; PrW 0.26–0.33; PetNL 0.14–0.16; PetW 0.24–0.29; PetH 0.18–0.23; PetL 0.14–0.20; T1L 0.23–0.33; T1W 0.37–0.45; TL 1.56–1.94; CI 89–91; SI 57–61; PetI 171–181; PetHI 115–128; PetWI 145–171. Worker description.Body yellow to light brown. Integument covered by deep and dense foveolate sculpturing with conspicuous shiny spaces between the fovea on the lateral portion of frons, appearing as small raised margins in full-face view. Pubescence abundant over the entire body. Head longer than broad; length of median tooth of mandible shorter than basal tooth; basal margin of mandible convex. Clypeus evenly rounded. Twelve antennomeres; apical ones separated by deep constrictions. Eye placed at the head midlength. Pronotum almost as long as broad. Distance between the propodeal spiracle and the bulla of the metapleural gland corresponding to one spiracular diameter; distance between the propodeal spiracle and the propodeal dorsum corresponding to two spiracular diameters. Petiolar node as high as long. Subpetiolar process forming a relatively broad lobe, with its anterior and posterior margins subparallel or parallel; posterior margin concave; posteroventral angle obtuse. Queen.Like workers, with the expected morphology of Prionopeltaqueens. Male.Anterior clypeal margin medially rounded; frontoclypeal suture relatively trapezoidal and truncate medially.
Etymology.Unknown.
Distribution ( Fig. 35C).The species is known from northern Mexicoto western Guyana.
Comments.The species was commonly considered as the only Neotropical Prionopeltawith dense sculpturing on the head dorsum, giving the appearance of an opaque integument. Although this trait can be currently used to separate P. modestafrom the other species occurring in Central America, the densest and deepest sculpturing on head dorsum of all the Neotropical species described in this work belongs to P. minuta, from which P. modestacan be separated by the larger body size and the concave posterior margin of the subpetiolar process. Prionopelta modestais mostly distributed through Central America. Hence, the isolated records of the species in Guyanaand Colombiaare unexpected. We have examined a considerable number of Prionopeltaspecimens from Panamaand Venezuelaand we were not able to recognize any P. modestaindividuals in these samples. At the same time, the P. modestaspecimens from Guyanaand Colombia, examined here, fit with the species diagnosis. Thus, further collection records would be useful to better understand the distribution pattern of the species. Natural history.The species is mainly known from litter and dead wood samples collected in tropical forests; reported at elevations of 50-1840m. According to observations available in Brown (1960)about several colonies of P. modestacollected at Pueblo Nuevo, Veracruz, Mexico, colonies appear to be split into sections and occupy bits of rotting wood or bark in the leaf litter. The individuals found in these fragments (workers or workers and larvae) could indicate a low level of organization or that the ants could be more or less nomadic. In a “cafeteria” experiment, several live and dead arthropods were offered, but, overall, just a timid response on the workers’ part was observed, with individuals mostly recoiling violently when their antennae came into contact with the potential prey. On the other hand, some specimens were capable of biting, hanging onto, and stinging into immobility somewhat large arthropods. Still, based on these observations, the usual prey may include small centipedes or symphylans, but further examination of nests needs to be done to determine what Prionopeltafeeds upon. Additional material examined ( 56 specimens). COLOMBIA: Meta: Transecto Sumapaz, 3.8666667 -74.416664, 1120m, 09.viii.1981, T. van der Hammencol., SUM29, CASENT0260467 ( 1 worker) [ PSWC]. COSTA RICA: Alajuela: 6kmE. Monteverde, 10.29897 -84.74932± 50m, 980m, 18.v.2014, J. Longinocol., #8693-s, ex. sifted leaf litter, wet forest, CASENT0635127 ( 1 worker) [ DZUP]; CASENT0635130( 1 queen) [ JTLC]; same data, 10°18’N 84°45’W, 950m, 22.viii.1985, #861-s, LACM ENT 142643 ( 1 worker, 1 queen) [ JTLC]; same data, Rio Peñas Blancas, 10.3167 -84.7167, 800m, 26.iv.1987, J. Longinocol., JTL1578, CASENT0039774 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]. Limón: Cerro Plátano, 9.87132 -83.23955± 10m, 1020m, 16.vi.2015, ADMAC, #Wa-E-03-1-36, ex. sifted leaf litter, cloud forest, CASENT0636747 ( 1 worker) [ DZUP]; CASENT0636750( 1 queen) [ JTLC]. Res. Biol. Hitoy-Cerere, 9.65238 -83.02206± 25m, 530m, 11.vi.2015, ADMAC, #Wm-E-02-1-03, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0632088 ( 1 queen) [ DZUP]; same data, 670m, #Wm-E-02-1-06, CASENT0632089 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. Puntarenas: 10kmSW Pto. Jimenez, 8.46553 -83.36928± 30m, 240m, 12.iii.2008, J. Longinocol., #6197-s, CASENT0601692 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]. GUATEMALA: El Petén: Cerro Cahul, 17.00056°N 89.71992°W, 330m, 24.v.2009, J. Longinocol., #6683.1, moist forest, ex. dead wood, CASENT0611043 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]. Izabal: 16kmESE Morales, 15.41109°N 88.71184°W± 28m, 440m, 19.v.2009, LLAMA, #Wm-B-04-2-03, ex. sifted leaf litter, 2° lowland rainforest, CASENT0611474 ( 1 worker) [ DZUP]; CASENT0611473( 1 queen)[JTLC]. GUYANA: Mt. Ayanganna Base Camp, 5.33438 -59.92477, 732m, 09.x.2002, J.S. LaPollacol., JSL021009-03- LS01, litter sample, forest, USNMENT00418417 ( 1 worker) [ USNM]. HONDURAS: Atlántida: 8kmSSW Tela, 15.70961 -87.46828± 20m, 360m, 17.vi.2010, LLAMA, #Wm-C-08-2-07, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0618691 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]; same data, 7kmSSW Tela, 15.724667 -87.451935, 190m, 15.vi.2010, #Wa-C-08-2-14, Mini-Winkler, CASENT0618342 ( 1 queen) [ JTLC]. Comayagua:PN Cerro Azul Meambar, 14.87160 -87.90324± 50km, 880m, 21.v.2010, B. Boudinotcol., BEB0198, montain rainforest clearing in rotting wood or in soil, CASENT0615797 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]; CASENT0615793( 1 male) [ JTLC]; same data, 14.87125 -87.90018± 20m, 1120m, 20.v.2010, LLAMA, #Wa-C-04-1-06, ex. sifted leaf litter, ridgetop cloud forest, CASENT0615245 ( 1 queen) [ JTLC]. MEXICO: Chiapas: 2.8kmSE Custepec, 15°43’N 92°56’W, 1840m, 18.vii.2007, R.S.Andersoncol., #2007-022, CASENT0602079 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]. Laguna Metzabok, 17°08’N 91°38’W, 600m, 14.vii.2007, J. Luna-Cozarcol., JTLC000009920 ( 1 queen) [ DZUP]; JTLC000009933( 1 worker) [ JTLC]. 12miNW Ocozo- coautla, 3200ft, 04-05.ix.1973, A. Newtoncol., hojarasca, madera podrida, CASENT0810430 ( 1 worker) [ MIZA]. 9kmSE Santo de Agua, 17°31’N 92°18’W, 50m, 14.vii.2007, R.S. Andersoncol., #2007-011, CASENT0602008 ( 1 worker) [ DZUP]; CASENT0601990( 1 queen)[JTLC]. Nayarit: Isla Maria Madre, 22.vi.1948, M. Cardenascol., #1712, 9076 ( 9 workers) [ MZSP]; same data, 23.vi.1948( 4 workers) [ MZSP]. Oaxaca: Uluapan, 4kmNE Ayautla, 18.06018 -96.64484± 200m, 440m, 09.vi.2016, ADMAC, #Wm-F-03-1-03, ex. sifted leaf litter, lowland rainforest, CASENT0640598 ( 1 queen) [ DZUP]; CASENT0640607( 1 worker)[JTLC]. Veracruz: Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas, 18.58704 -95.07627± 30m, 170m, 31.v.2016, ADMAC, #Ba-F-01-2-04-09, CASENT0640202 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]; same data, 18.58625 -95.07665± 20m, 180m, 29.v.2016, #Wa-F-01-2-18, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0640340 ( 1 queen) [ JTLC]. Los Tuxtlas, 10kmNW Sontecomapan, 18.58333 -95.08333, 200m, 20.iii.1985, P.S. Wardcol., PSW07333-11, rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), CASENT0260466 ( 2 workers) [ PSWC]. Sierra Taviscoclaabove Cuichapa, 04.viii.1965, W.L. Browncol., ( 9 workers) [ MZSP]. NICARAGUA: Jinotega: Parque Nac. Saslaya, 13.76836 -85.02344± 50m, 1060m, 14.v.2011, J. Longinocol., #JTL7556, montane wet forest, under rotten wood, CASENT0619506 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC]. Matagalpa:RN Cerro Musún, 12.96817 -85.23301± 20m, 1060m, 02.v.2011, LLAMA, #Wm-D-01-1-07, ex. sifted leaf litter, montane wet forest, CASENT0624190 ( 1 worker) [ JTLC].
3015413367
[372,545,1337,1361]
MHNG
Guatemala
Forel
35
236
2
2
lectotype
3015413448
1981-08-09
PSWC
T. van der Hammen
Colombia
1120
3.8666668
Transecto Sumapaz
1
-74.416664
38
239
1
1
Meta
3015413473
1985-08-22
1987-04-26
1985-08-22
JTLC
J. Longino
Costa Rica
950
10.3167
Rio Penas Blancas
7
-84.7167
38
239
3
1
2
Alajuela
3015413466
1985-08-22
1987-04-26
1985-08-22
JTLC
J. Longino
Costa Rica
950
10.3167
Rio Penas Blancas
7
-84.7167
38
239
3
1
2
Alajuela
3015413458
1985-08-22
1987-04-26
1985-08-22
JTLC
J. Longino
Costa Rica
950
10.3167
Rio Penas Blancas
7
-84.7167
38
239
3
1
2
Alajuela
3015413368
2015-06-16
DZUP
Costa Rica
0
9.87132
Cerro Platano
14
-83.23955
38
239
CASENT0636750
2
1
1
Limon
3015413322
2015-06-11
JTLC, DZUP
Costa Rica
0
9.65238
Res. Biol. Hitoy-Cerere
35
-83.02206
38
239
1
1
Limon
3015413419
2008-03-12
JTLC
J. Longino
Costa Rica
0
8.46553
10 km SW Pto. Jimenez
42
-83.36928
38
239
1
1
Puntarenas
3015413390
2009-05-24
JTLC
J. Longino
Guatemala
330
17.00056
Cerro Cahul
1
-89.71992
38
239
1
1
Peten
3015413449
2009-05-19
DZUP
Guatemala
0
15.41109
16 km ESE Morales
1
-88.71184
38
239
CASENT0611473
2
1
1
Izabal
3015413318
2002-10-09
USNM
J. S. LaPolla
Guyana
732
5.33438
Mt. Ayanganna Base Camp
1
-59.92477
38
239
1
1
Izabal
3015413349
2010-06-15
2010-06-17
2010-06-15
JTLC
Mini-Winkler
Honduras
0
15.724667
Tela
1
-87.451935
38
239
2
1
1
Atlantida
3015413313
2010-06-15
2010-06-17
2010-06-15
JTLC
Mini-Winkler
Honduras
0
15.724667
Tela
1
-87.451935
38
239
2
1
1
Atlantida
3015413407
2010-05-21
JTLC
B. Boudinot
Honduras
880
14.8716
Cerro Azul Meambar
69
-87.90324
38
239
CASENT0615793
2
1
1
Comayagua
3015413347
2010-05-20
JTLC
B. Boudinot
Honduras
0
14.87125
Cerro Azul Meambar
28
-87.90018
38
239
1
1
Comayagua
3015413440
2007-07-14
2007-07-18
2007-07-14
JTLC, DZUP
R. S. Anderson & J. Luna-Cozar
Mexico
1840
17.133333
Laguna Metzabok
1279
-91.63333
38
239
JTLC000009933
3
1
2
Chiapas
3015413385
2007-07-14
2007-07-18
2007-07-14
JTLC, DZUP
R. S. Anderson & J. Luna-Cozar
Mexico
1840
17.133333
Laguna Metzabok
1279
-91.63333
38
239
JTLC000009933
3
1
2
Chiapas
3015413312
1973-09-04
2007-07-14
1973-09-04
JTLC, MIZA, DZUP
A. Newton & R. S. Anderson
Mexico
975
17.516666
Santo de Agua
1278
-92.3
38
239
CASENT0601990
3
1
2
Chiapas
3015413359
1948-06-22
1948-06-23
1948-06-22
MZSP
M. Cardenas
Mexico
975
17.516666
Isla Maria Madre
1278
-92.3
38
239
13
13
Nayarit
3015413326
2016-06-09
DZUP
Mexico
0
18.06018
Uluapan
276
-96.64484
38
239
CASENT0640607
2
1
1
Oaxaca
3015413329
PSW07333
1965-08-04
2016-05-31
1965-08-04
JTLC, PSWC, MZSP
P. S. Ward & W. L. Brown
Mexico
Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas
0
39
240
18.58333
Sierra Taviscocla
1
-95.08333
Los Tuxtlas
38
239
13
1
12
Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave
3015413428
PSW07333
1965-08-04
2016-05-31
1965-08-04
JTLC, PSWC, MZSP
P. S. Ward & W. L. Brown
Mexico
Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas
0
39
240
18.58333
Sierra Taviscocla
1
-95.08333
Los Tuxtlas
39
239
13
1
12
Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave
3015413424
PSW07333
1965-08-04
2016-05-31
1965-08-04
JTLC, PSWC, MZSP
P. S. Ward & W. L. Brown
Mexico
Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas
0
39
240
18.58333
Sierra Taviscocla
1
-95.08333
Los Tuxtlas
39
239
13
1
12
Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave
3015413362
PSW07333
[373,1386,258,286]
1965-08-04
2016-05-31
1965-08-04
JTLC, PSWC, MZSP
P. S. Ward & W. L. Brown
Mexico
Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas
0
39
240
18.58333
Sierra Taviscocla
1
-95.08333
Los Tuxtlas
39
239
13
1
12
Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave
3015413418
PSW07333
1965-08-04
2016-05-31
1965-08-04
JTLC, PSWC, MZSP
P. S. Ward & W. L. Brown
Mexico
Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas
0
39
240
18.58333
Sierra Taviscocla
1
-95.08333
Los Tuxtlas
39
239
13
1
12
Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave
3015413445
2011-05-02
JTLC
Mexico
0
12.96817
Cerro Musun
28
-85.23301
39
240
1
1
Matagalpa