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