Basiceros militaris

AntWiki: The Ants --- Online
Basiceros militaris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Attini
Genus: Basiceros
Species: B. militaris
Binomial name
Basiceros militaris
(Weber, 1950)

Basiceros militaris casent0280778 p 1 high.jpg

Basiceros militaris casent0280778 d 1 high.jpg

Specimen Labels

Weber (1950) found the holotype, an intercaste, that was one of “several of the same species that were found slowly stalking over the forest floor”. This suggests intercastes of this specides forage outside of the colony.

Identification

Probst & Brandão (2022) - In full-face view, head with vertical margin in the form of a continuous crest, anteriorly separated from the central head convexity by a wide and uninterrupted sulcus. This crest of hairs is distinctive and readily seperates Basiceros militaris from its congeners.

Dietz (2004: 60) mentions that among the gynes he examined, one had alterations in the mesosoma, with flight-associated sclerites reduced, forewing insertion area absent, and an extensive dorsal flange occupied by the pronotum. Based on this, Dietz then conjectured that it could be an ergatoid gyne. During the present study, several intercaste specimens of B. militaris were examined, from specimens with minor changes—mesoscutum present as an impression line and slightly larger compound eyes—to specimens with aberrant morphology, presenting a mesoscutum and mesoscutellum, though not fully developed; wing insertions—in general, with thick setae on the bottom of these; and median and/or lateral ocelli.

Keys including this Species

Distribution

Latitudinal Distribution Pattern

Latitudinal Range: 10.669° to -64.3°.

     
North
Temperate 		North
Subtropical 		Tropical South
Subtropical 		South
Temperate

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists

Neotropical Region: Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago (type locality).

Distribution based on AntMaps

AntMapLegend.png

Distribution based on AntWeb specimens

Check data from AntWeb

Countries Occupied

Number of countries occupied by this species based on AntWiki Regional Taxon Lists. In general, fewer countries occupied indicates a narrower range, while more countries indicates a more widespread species.
pChart

Estimated Abundance

Relative abundance based on number of AntMaps records per species (this species within the purple bar). Fewer records (to the left) indicates a less abundant/encountered species while more records (to the right) indicates more abundant/encountered species.
pChart

Biology

Castes

Queen

Probst & Brandão 2022. Figure 18. Basiceros militaris, gyne, MCZ, Trinidad & Tobago: Arima Valley; A. full-face view, B. dorsal view, C. lateral view. Scale bars: A = 0.5 mm, B, C =1 mm.

Intercaste

  • Probst & Brandão 2022. Probst & Brandão 2022. Figure 19. Basiceros militaris, intercastes - holotype (AMNH, Trinidad & Tobago: Nariva Swamp); A. full-face view, B. lateral view, C. dorsal view. Inset on A highlights ocelli. Scale bars: A = 0.5 mm, B, C = 1 mm.
  • Probst & Brandão 2022. Figure 19. Basiceros militaris, intercastes, paratype, MCZ 28746, Trinidad & Tobago: Nariva Swamp; D, G. full-face view, E, H. lateral view, F, I. Scale bars: D, G = 0.5 mm, others = 1 mm.
  • Figure 20. Basiceros militaris, lateral view of intercastes. A. (MZSP) Brazil: Rondônia, B. (MZSP) Brazil: Pará, C. (MCZ 534522) Trinidad & Tobago: Arima Valley, D. (MCZ) Trinidad & Tobago: St. Andrew, Scale bars: 1 mm.

Male

Probst & Brandão 2022. Figure 18. Basiceros militaris, male, MCZ, Trinidad & Tobago: St. Andrew; D. full-face view, E. dorsal view, F. lateral view. Scale bars: D = 0.5 mm, E, F =1 mm.

Phylogeny

Basiceros

Basiceros sp.n.A

Basiceros convexiceps

Basiceros manni

Basiceros singularis

Basiceros scambognathus

Basiceros conjugans

Basiceros disciger

Basiceros militaris

Based on Probst et al., 2019.

Nomenclature

The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.

  • militaris. Aspididris militaris Weber, 1950c: 3, fig. 1 (w.q.) TRINIDAD.
    • Type-material: holotype queen, paratype workers, paratype queens (numbers not stated, “several of the same species”).
    • [Notes (i): Probst & Brandão, 2022: 43, say holotype is an intercaste, not a queen; (ii) they also cite 2 intercaste paratypes MCZC.]
    • Type-locality: holotype Trinidad (“British West Indies”): Nariva Swamp, 23.iv.1935 (N.A. Weber); paratypes: 1 with same data, 1 with same data but 22.iv.1935.
    • Type-depositories: AMNH (holotype); AMNH, MCZC (paratypes).
    • Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1955a: 114 (l.); Probst & Brandão, 2022: 43 (q.m.).
    • Combination in Basiceros: Brown, 1974c: 134.
    • Status as species: Brown & Kempf, 1960: 181 (redescription); Kempf, 1972a: 26; Brown, 1974c: 139 (in key); Brandão, 1991: 330; Bolton, 1995b: 80; Feitosa, et al. 2007: 19 (in key); Bezděčková, et al. 2015: 115; Probst & Brandão, 2022: 43 (redescription).
    • Distribution: Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Trinidad, Venezuela.

All of the remainder of the nomenclature section below is from Probst & Brandão (2022)

Description

Worker

(n=5). HL 1.40–1.50, HL2 1.39–1.51, HW1 1.37–1.40, MdL 0.62–0.65, SL1 0.78–0.84, SL2 0.84–0.87, PDL 0.09–0.12, A3L 0.03, AFL 0.33–0.34, FuL 0.90, EL 0.13, EW 0.09–0.11, ML 1.43–1.62, MfL 1.05–1.13, MtL 0.89, PH 0.37, PL 0.59–0.65, PW 0.31–0.34, PPL 0.43–0.48, PPW 0.56, GL 1.54–1.65, GW 1.19–1.25, TL 6.04–6.58, CI 93–97, CS 1.39–1.45, MCI 43–44, SI 61–62, ESI 14–14, SAI2 245–266, EI1 0.15–0.16, MFI 125–131, PTI 158–175.

Size small compared to other Basiceros. Coloration dark brown to black; appendages lighter, brown to light brown. Mandibles slightly lighter than the predominant integument coloration; dorsa covered by sparse and minute piligerous punctures, apex with short yellowish setae; interdental setae present, yellowish and filiform, subequal to length of teeth. Suberect clavate hair on the dorsum of each stipe, on its median region. Dorsal surface of head covered by piligerous punctuations; pilosity on head dorsum restricted to a pair of clavate hairs in the posteromedian region, close to the posterior limit of central tumosity. Head lateral and vertexal margins covered by whitish to yellowish erect and clavate hairs, in the following configuration: 10 hairs on the lateral, starting from the region above the eyes and bordering the anterior limit of antennal scrobe and the posterior limit of vertexal crest; five hairs on either side of the dorsal (anterior) edge of vertexal crest; ten hairs on vertexal margin. Ventral surface of head densely covered by filiform suberect hairs, of two sizes: at the center, long hairs arranged in pairs, medium hairs on head sides, densely distributed. Mesosoma and metasoma with slightly clavate subdecumbent pilosity surrounding the anterolateral margin of pronotum and on the sides of propodeal slope. Dorsum of the meso- and metasoma with erect clavate hairs as follows: a pair close to the promesonotal suture; a pair on metanotal flange; a pair on the center of postpetiolar dorsum; 2–3 pairs on the dorsum of first gastral tergite; row of six hairs on the visible portion of the second, third and fourth gastral tergites (similar conformation of gastral dorsum also present on ventral region of this somite, in this case, hairs are slightly clavate). Posterior margin of petiole and dorsum of postpetiole with whitish decumbent and squamiform hairs. Filiform and long hairs on propleura, on the anterior portion of procoxae, and gastral sternites. Squamiform hairs on the anterolateral portion of procoxae and dorsum of meso- and metacoxae. Remaining leg surface densely covered by decumbent hairs from clavate to squamiform. Other pilosity appressed and short, part of thin or thick piligerous punctuations.

Glabrous regions of body ranging from mostly smooth and shiny to subopaque and slightly grainy. Head evenly punctuate; punctuations denser on the cephalic sulcus; surface of antennal scrobe predominantly punctuate-foveate, anterior portion sometimes smooth, posterolateral portion punctuate-rugose; ventral margin rugose. Pronotum punctuate-foveate. Dorsum of mesonotum, anterodorsal region of the propodeum, dorsal surface of meso- and metacoxae and dorsum of petiolar and postpetiolar nodes punctuate-rugose. Mesopleuron and metapleuron predominantly smooth or subopaque, with a granular appearance. Mesosternum shelf (surrounded by epicnemial carina) with short, filiform setae along its length. Anterior portion of mesopleuron punctuate-rugose. Side of propodeum with sparse punctuations. Surface of propodeal declivity smooth. Petiolar peduncle irregularly rugulose. Gaster densely punctuate; tergite surface of abdominal segments V, VI, and VII finely and densely punctuate, slightly opaque, tergal margins smooth and shiny; sculpture of first gastral sternite slightly more sparse, anterior portion of this sclerite sometimes subopaque to shiny. Antennal scapes smooth or finely rugose, usually shiny. Funiculi densely and finely punctuate, usually opaque. Legs mostly smooth or rugose; procoxae smooth, lateroposterior portion rugose; dorsum of meso- and metacoxae transversely rugose, short and irregular rugae forming foveae of different sizes.

Head disc-shaped, convex posteriorly; sides bordered by a raised margin that extends from the height of compound eyes to posterolateral region and behind the head, forming a crest. Face with central tumosity from the frontoclypeal portion to the posterior portion of head. Frontal sulcus present above the tumosity, separating it from the vertex crest. Vertex margin with convex corners, slightly projected backwards; vertexal crest conspicuous and continuous. Cervical margin carinate. Palp formula 2,2; palps strongly fused, giving the impression of being unsegmented. Stipes subrectangular. Labrum cuneiform; distal margin bilobed, lobes separated by cleft. Mandibles triangular; in full-face view, lateral margins slightly concave; masticatory margin with 10–14 triangular teeth; in lateral view mandibular apex slightly curved ventrally. Clypeus heavily lamellated anteriorly; anterolateral portion gently convex; anterior margin delicately concave on its median portion, hiding the basal angle of mandibles. Scapes with a slightly obtuse basal angle and straight/slightly convex limit before the lamellar crenulate portion. Antennal fossa deep and tapered.

Mesosomal profile with bulging promesonotal complex, slightly curving in its posterior portion; promesonotal suture practically imperceptible in dorsal view. Metanotal flange present, slightly oblique to its posterior portion; metanotal suture broad and strongly impressed, longitudinally costulate. Propodeum oblique, anterior margin raised and abruptly followed by the sloping face. In dorsal view, dorsum of propodeum anteriorly narrowed, slightly triangular. Propodeal slope laterally carinate, transverse costulae connecting to short projections, triangular and apically lamellar. Opening of propodeal spiracle round. Metapleural gland bulla protruding, prominent; opening transverse and covered by cuticular lamella. Mesopleuron anteriorly emarginate, interrupted at the epicnemial fossa. In dorsal view, petiolar peduncle longitudinally carinate. In lateral view, petiole claviform; petiolar node with slightly concave anterior surface, dorsal margin domed to convex; postpetiole convex. Subpetiolar process highly variable: from absent to composed of anteroventral projection followed by digitiform protuberances and lamellar region. In dorsal view, petiolar node longitudinally trapezoid, anterior margin narrower and rounded, posterior margin straight; postpetiole slightly wider than long; anterior margin emarginate; posterior margin convex and widely inserted into anterior concavity of gaster. Gaster anteriorly emarginate; longitudinal gastral sulcus present on median portion, shallow and extending over the entire dorsum of first tergite, slightly narrower posteriorly. Calcar of strigil pectinate. Tarsal claws simple.

Queen

(n=3): HL 1.48–1.56, HL2 1.47–1.53, HW1 1.38–1.50, MdL 0.63–0.72, SL1 0.81–0.90, SL2 0.75–0.95, PDL 0.10–.12, A3L 0.03–0.04, AFL 0.33–0.38, FuL 0.85–0.91, EL 0.20–0.25, EW 0.17–0.20, LOD 0.03–0.06, MOD 0.03–0.06, OOD 0.3–0.56, ML 1.73–1.86, MSL 0.76–0.88, MSW 0.82–0.88, MLL 0.28–0.30, MLW 0.46–0.50, MfL 1.11–1.19, MtL 0.84–1.00, PH 0.38–0.43, PL 0.65–0.79, PW 0.35–0.40, PPL 0.48–0.53, PPW 0.55–0.62, GL 1.63–1.95, GW 1.28–1.40, TL 6.61–7.40, CI 93–96 CS 1.43–1.53, MCI 41–46, SI 63–64, ESI 26–27, SAI2 240–290, EI1 0.27–0.28, MTI 100–108, MLI 132–168, MFI 120–127, PTI 173–178.

Size and coloration similar to conspecific workers; mesosomal sculpture more developed. Cephalic dorsum with three ocelli: median ocelli inserted slightly below and lateral ocelli inserted just above a pair of clavate and erect hairs. Head pilosity as in workers. Pilosity of anterolateral margin of pronotum denser and longer than on workers. Clavate and erect hairs on mesosoma in the following conformation: three pairs close to the humeral angles and surrounding the posterior limit of pronotum; around four pairs on the dorsum of mesoscutum, one near the center of the scutoscutellar suture; two pairs on the parascutal flange; one pair on each parapside; one pair on the lateral axillar region; two pairs on the dorsum of mesoscutellum; a pair on the metanotal flange, suberect. One pair of erect hairs on the posterodorsal region of petiolar node, other pilosity on petiole same as on workers; pilosity of the postpetiolar dorsum more abundant; postpetiolar sternite with four pairs of curved and subdecumbent clavate hairs. Hairs on the gaster same as on workers. Dorsum of mesoscutum with coarse and irregular longitudinal rugae, forming fovea of different sizes. In lateral view, pronotum and propodeum with coarse and/or foveal punctuations, both sparse. Surface of metepisternum and metakatepisternum either smooth or slightly grainy, subopaque; dorsum of propodeal declivitous face covered by transversal rugae. In dorsal view, mesoscutum anteriorly rounded, slightly cuneiform and with smooth and shiny median carina; posterior margin slightly convex medially at the meeting with the scutoscutellar suture; notauli indistinct; parapsidal lines narrow, slightly curved; distinct (located in a slight depression surrounded by rugae); parapsides shallow; tegulae subrectangular and apically rounded. Pre-scutellum narrow; axillae short, projected posteriorly, rounded and slightly depressed. Scutoscutellar sulcus well-marked, semicircular; broad and relatively shallow. Mesoscutellum transversely subrectangular, projected posteriorly, anterior limit concave. Dorsal face of propodeum strongly inclined; in lateral view, declivitous margin emarginate; projection as in the workers. In lateral view, anapleural sulcus anteriorly broad, smooth or subopaque, with a submedian transverse carina. Gaster with shiny band on the anterior portion of the sternite of first segment. Forewings type 2; hindwing with five submedian hamuli.

Intercaste

Holotype Weber#140. Ocelli present, fully developed. In dorsal view, mesoscutum clearly delimited, although shorter than on conspecific gynes. Subalar area vestigial, residual tegula and axillary sclerite partially covered by the integument. Wing fossae present. Metanotal suture broad, carinate. Metanotal strip present, scutellum rudimentary.

Paratype Weber#139, MCZ 28746. Lateral ocelli present, fully developed, median ocellus slightly covered by integument. In dorsal view, mesoscutum vestigial; although fairly delimited, shorter than on conspecific gynes. Subalar area vestigial, almost imperceptible, presenting residual tegula partially covered by the integument. Directly below the tegular residue, slightly spiniform projection present, with globular setae on its apex. This same structure is not present on true gynes, although gynes have a prominence bearing setae under their tegulae. Simple setae over the tegulae can be observed in this paratype, same type of pilosity present on the anterior wing fossae of gynes. Metanotal suture extremely broad. In profile view, epicnemial fossa broad, triangle-shaped, pointing posteriorly. Anterolateral region of propodeum, where it meets the metanotal suture, with flap, apparently a metanotal strip. Midportion of mesonotum slightly concave, due to the presence of a vestigial scutum. Paratype Weber#140.1, MCZ 28746. Head with complete and developed ocellar triangle. Left ocellus appears to be slightly cover by the integument. In dorsal view, mesoscutum clearly delimited, although shorter than on conspecific gynes. Transscutal articulation present. Scutoscutellar sulcus not integrally developed, but presenting a medial carina and irregular foveae typically found on true gynes. Parascutal flange vestigial. Prescutellum indistinct, only recognizable by margin lines. Specimen was probably brachypterous, as the whole wing apparatus is somewhat present, including tegular rudiments. On the right side, pair of specialized hair found on the parapsides of gyne, in the same position. On the left side, only one hair present. Hair on the right side of the specimen on what would be the axilla, the latter undeveloped. Scutellum present, although smaller than on conspecific gynes. Wing fossa developed, with setae similarly as on gynes. The spiniform projection of Weber#139 also present, near the anterior tegula. Hindwing on right side of this specimen glued to specimen’s body, short and rudimentary. Propodeal projection more developed than on Weber#139, narrow metanotal arc present.

Other intercaste. Several, from worker-like specimens, with:

  • slightly bigger compound eyes;
  • presence of only the median ocellus, minute and concealed under the integument;
  • vestigial mesoscutum and few other modifications on mesosoma;

to gyne-like specimens, with:

  • bigger compound eyes;
  • all ocelli developed, especially median;
  • mesoscutum present, although undeveloped;
  • wing fossae and rudiments (i.e. brachyptery);
  • transscutal articulation;
  • metanotal suture.

Male

(n=1). HL 0.93, HW1 0.85, HW2 0.95, MdL 0.40, SL2 0.20, PDL 0.10, A3L 0.38, AFL 0.55, EL 0.31, EW 0.25, LOD 0.10, MOD 0.08, OOD 0.34–0.35 ML 1.48, MSL 0.78, MSW 0.75, MLL 0.25, MLW 0.48, MfL 1.21, MtL 0.83, PH 0.25, PL 0.70, PW 0.29, PPL 0.38, PPW 0.40, GL 1.50, GW 1.05, TL 5.38, CI 91, CS 0.89, MCI 43, SI 23, ESI 156, SAI 53, SAI2 36, EI1 0.63, EI2 89, MTI 96, MLI 190, MFI 70, PTI 280.

Size slightly smaller than conspecific gyne. Black coloration; bright portion of mesoanepisternum dark brown; coxae brown, brown to yellowish appendages. Distal portion of mandibles ocher. Wings dark brown. Mandible dorsa with long fine yellow hairs, semierect to subdecumbent, slightly longer on mandibular apex. Head with two main types of hair: medium, yellow and fine, subdecumbent—primarily on the frontal disc of clypeus; long and whitish to yellowish, sometimes with a curved apex and along the genal carina, on vertexal margin and ventral surface. The second hair type is widely present throughout the body: on the dorsum of the mesosoma, waist and gaster, especially long on the ocellar region, on the procoxae and petiolar dorsum. Antennomeres with short yellowish appressed setae. Legs with medium yellowish subdecumbent to decumbent setae. Subdecumbent to decumbent white and short hairs on the anterior half of the mesokatepisternum and procoxae dorsa.

Body uniformly punctuate-reticulate, small changes present on sculpture diameter and degree of impression. Apical portion of mandibles smooth and shiny. Irregular longitudinal rugae present on the neck and faintly on vertexal margin close to the occipital carina. Dorsum of mesoscutellum, metakatepisternum, and propodeum strongly rugose. Mesoanepisternum slightly darker, smooth and very shiny over a little more than half its length; posteromedian portion of mesokatepisternum smooth and shiny. Dorsolateral rugae present on the anterior portion of petiolar node.

Head subpiriform; in full-face view, top with median triangular crest just above the ocelli; occipital carina wide and lamellar, medially concave. Palp formula 1,1; palpi slightly intumescent and flattened on its apical half; maxillary palp appearing to be slightly larger and wider than the labial. Mento narrow and triangular. Stipes subrectangular. Labrum elongated; distal margin bilobed; median cleft extensive; approximately ten long and erect setae present. Mandibles triangular, curved towards their apexes; masticatory margin with 11 triangular teeth of similar size. Clypeus with central disc convex, slightly elevated; anterior margin lamellar and slightly concave. Postgenal carina present. Linear longitudinal carina, smooth and shiny; right after the supraclypeal region and extending posteriorly to the median ocellus. Antennal arch expanded as swollen posterolateral lobe, completely hiding the antennal bulb in full-face view. Pedicel longer than wide, third antennomere about three times longer than pedicel. Large globular eyes protruding from cephalic capsule. Ocelli caramel-colored, projected.

In dorsal view, mesoscutum cuneiform, elongated anteriorly. Smooth and shiny carina present on the anteromedial region of mesoscutum, extending near the dorsal margin. Notauli V-shaped, wide and extending to median region of transscutal suture, making it discontinuous. Transscutal suture sloping medially, median portion relatively indistinct. Parapsidal lines smooth and shiny; slightly depressed, curved on the anterior portion, subparallel and slightly sinuous on its median portion; apexes wider. Parapsides oval. Axillae long and projected, strongly curved posteriorly; hook-shaped, with curved posterior margins. Anapleural sulcus broad, strongly impressed—mesoanepisternum significantly elevated to mesokatepisternum; scrobiculate. Scutoscutellar suture smooth and deep, with transversal carina. Mesoscutellum subrectangular; posteromedian depressed; posterior margin strongly concave and depressed. Metanotum with posterior margin lamellar. Propodeal projections short, laminar and obtuse. Propodeal lobes auricular. Calcar of strigil short and pectinate. Tarsal claws simple; arolia present, short. Petiole claviform; in dorsal view, petiolar node round and petiolar spiracle projected; subpetiolar process with anterior spiniform projection with apex slightly curved forward. Postpetiole approximately half the length of petiole in lateral view. Wings with six submedian hamuli.

Larva

(adapted from Wheeler & Wheeler 1955). Body moderately broad; larger diameter on abdominal somite V and VI. Thorax and two first abdominal segments strongly curved ventrally; dorsal profile C-shaped. Anus ventral. Wing and leg trace present. Spiracles minute, mesothoracic slightly wider than the others. Integument of ventral surface of thorax and abdominal somites I and II spinose. Pilosity dense and uniformly distributed, of two types: short (about 0.19 mm), flexuous, denticulate, without alveolus and articular membrane; long (about 0.32 mm), curved or flexuous, denticulate, with alveolus and articular membrane. Cranium vaguely subhexagonal in full-face view; occipital margin weakly impressed in median region; clypeus protruding. Antennae minute, with three sensilla, each with a spinule. Labrum bilobed, twice as wide as long; ventral margin with two continuous sensilla and numerous long spinules. Mandibles heavily sclerotized, somewhat long and narrow, slightly curved medially; apical tooth stout, slightly curved and apically round; two moderately stout teeth projecting inward from the basal margin; short rows of minute spinules present on the basal surface. Maxillae with lateral projection into which the maxillary palp is inserted; apex parabolic and spinose containing the galea, short rows of long spinules; palp digitiform with one lateral sensillum (spinulate) and four apical ones (two encapsulated and two spinulate); galea digitiform with two apical sensilla. Labium large, surface spinose; spinules arranged in short, subtransversal rows; labial palp protruding, with five apical sensilla (three spinulate); sericeous gland with a pair of tiny sensilla on each side; opening transversal. Hypopharynx spinose.

Type Material

Holotype. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Trinidad, Nariva Swamp: 23.iv.1935. Weber#140 [AMNH] and two paratypes (one paratype, same locality, same data, Weber#140.1, MCZ 28746; one paratype, same locality, 22.iv.1935, Weber#139, MCZ 28476;) Museum of Comparative Zoology (all intercastes) (examined).

Etymology

From Latin, militaris, relating to soldiers or war, military service, warrior. Dr. Gustav Mayr probably named this species in reference to the clavate hairs present on the vertexal crest of this taxon, which refers to the top of helmets of some of the Roman legionnaires. An example is the Praetorian Guard (soldiers in charge of protecting the praetorium, the central part of the camp of a Roman legion where the officers were installed), whose clothing included a helmet with a crest crowned with horsehair.

Determination Clarifications

A picture from Dr. Mark Moffett was found while searching for references linked to B. militaris ([1]), with Costa Rica as the location. It would be the first record for this species in Costa Rica, and since there was no way to confirm it, this potential record was not included in this study. That depicted specimen has median and lateral ocelli and a mesosoma lacking fully-developed alar sclerites, undoubtedly features of an intercaste.

References

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

  • Alonso L. E., J. Persaud, and A. Williams. 2016. Biodiversity assessment survey of the south Rupununi Savannah, Guyana. BAT Survey Report No.1, 306 pages.
  • Brandao, C.R.F. 1991. Adendos ao catalogo abreviado das formigas da regiao neotropical (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Rev. Bras. Entomol. 35: 319-412.
  • Brown W. L., Jr., and W. W. Kempf. 1960. A world revision of the ant tribe Basicerotini. Stud. Entomol. (n.s.) 3: 161-250.
  • Fernandes I., and J. de Souza. 2018. Dataset of long-term monitoring of ground-dwelling ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the influence areas of a hydroelectric power plant on the Madeira River in the Amazon Basin. Biodiversity Data Journal 6: e24375.
  • Fernández, F. and S. Sendoya. 2004. Lista de las hormigas neotropicales. Biota Colombiana Volume 5, Number 1.
  • Franco W., N. Ladino, J. H. C. Delabie, A. Dejean, J. Orivel, M. Fichaux, S. Groc, M. Leponce, and R. M. Feitosa. 2019. First checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of French Guiana. Zootaxa 4674(5): 509-543.
  • Kempf, W.W. 1972. Catalago abreviado das formigas da regiao Neotropical (Hym. Formicidae) Studia Entomologica 15(1-4).
  • Lapolla, J.S., T. Suman, J. Soso-Calvo and T.R. Schultz. 2006. Leaf litter ant diversity in Guyana. Biodiversity and Conservation 16:491–510
  • Pires de Prado L., R. M. Feitosa, S. Pinzon Triana, J. A. Munoz Gutierrez, G. X. Rousseau, R. Alves Silva, G. M. Siqueira, C. L. Caldas dos Santos, F. Veras Silva, T. Sanches Ranzani da Silva, A. Casadei-Ferreira, R. Rosa da Silva, and J. Andrade-Silva. 2019. An overview of the ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the state of Maranhao, Brazil. Pap. Avulsos Zool. 59: e20195938.
  • Probst R. S., B. D. Wray, C. S. Moreau, and C. R. F. Brandao. 2019. A phylogenetic analysis of the dirt ants, Basiceros (Formicidae: Myrmicinae): inferring life histories through morphological convergence. Insect Systematics and Diversity 3(4): 1–12.
  • Probst da Silva R. 2015. Revisao taxonomica e analise filogenetica de Basiceros Schulz, 1906 (Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Basicerotini). Master Thesis Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo. 263 pages.
  • Ryder Wilkie K.T., A. L. Mertl, and J. F. A. Traniello. 2010. Species Diversity and Distribution Patterns of the Ants of Amazonian Ecuador. PLoS ONE 5(10): e13146.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0013146
  • Vasconcelos, H.L., J.M.S. Vilhena, W.E. Magnusson and A.L.K.M. Albernaz. 2006. Long-term effects of forest fragmentation on Amazonian ant communities. Journal of Biogeography 33:1348-1356
  • Weber N. A. 1950. New Trinidad Myrmicinae, with a note on Basiceros Schulz (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). American Museum Novitates 1465: 1-6.
Retrieved from "https://antwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Basiceros_militaris&oldid=726602"