.jpg){kind=logo}
Pseudomyrmex simulans
| Pseudomyrmex simulans | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Pseudomyrmecinae |
| Genus: | Pseudomyrmex |
| Species: | P. simulans |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudomyrmex simulans Kempf, 1958
| |
Identification
Ward (1993) - This curious species bears a superficial resemblance to the obligate acacia-ants (P. ferrugineus group), although its affinities to other P. gracilis group species are clear from eye size, pilosity, palp formula, mesosomal structure, and male genitalia. P. simulans can be recognized by the combination of elongate eyes (REL 0.52-0.55), short petiole (PU 0.61-0.66), short inconspicuous pilosity, and black color.
Keys including this Species
Distribution
Latitudinal Distribution Pattern
Latitudinal Range: 9.118° to -0.8°.
| North Temperate |
North Subtropical |
Tropical | South Subtropical |
South Temperate |
- Source: AntMaps
Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Panama (type locality).
Distribution based on AntMaps
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. |
|
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. |
|
Biology
Ward (1993) - P. simulans is known only from a few collections, all from swollen-thorn acacias (A. collinsii), in Panama (Canal Zone and the provinces of Veraguas, Los Santos and Panama). Nothing has been published about its nesting biology or behavior, but Janzen's field notes indicate that the workers are more timid than those of the P. ferrugineus group. One might surmise that its habits are similar to those of Pseudomyrmex nigropilosus, although the two species do not appear to be one another's closest relatives (Ward 1991).
Castes
Nomenclature
The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.
- simulans. Pseudomyrmex simulans Kempf, 1958f: 459, figs. 31-33 (w.q.) PANAMA. See also: Ward, 1993: 161.
Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.
Description
Worker
Ward (1993) - With the traits of the P. gracilis group and the following more specific features. Head longer than broad (CI 0.86-0.90); anterior margin of median clypeal lobe straight to broadly convex, rounded laterally; pronotum with sharp dorsolateral margination; mesonotum more steeply inclined than basal face of propodeum; petiole relatively short and high (PU 0.61 -0.66), with a distinct anterior peduncle, and with moderate dorsolateral margination; head and mesosoma finely punctulatecoriarious to coriarious-imbricate, subopaque; standing pilosity rather short, pale and inconspicuous, present on the mesosoma dorsum and (usually) outer surfaces of the tibiae, but sometimes lacking or worn off on the latter; fine appressed pubescence on most of body; dark brown-black in color, distal portions of appendages lighter; mandibles luteous.
Type Material
Ward (1993) - Holotype worker, Tumba Muerta Road, Panama (W. M. Wheeler) (Museum of Comparative Zoology) [Examined].
References
- Kempf, W. W. 1958f. Estudos sôbre Pseudomyrmex. II. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Stud. Entomol. (n.s.) 1: 433-462 (page 459, figs. 31-33 worker, queen described)
- Ward, P. S. 1993. Systematic studies on Pseudomyrmex acacia-ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae). J. Hym. Res. 2: 117-168 (page 161, see also)
References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics
- Brandao C. R. F., F. A. Esteves, and L. P. Prado. 2010. A catalogue of the Pseudomyrmecinae ant type specimens (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao paulo, Brazil. Papeis Avulsos de Zoologia 50(45): 693-699.
- Fernández, F. and S. Sendoya. 2004. Lista de las hormigas neotropicales. Biota Colombiana Volume 5, Number 1.
- Kempf W. W. 1958. Estudos sôbre Pseudomyrmex. II. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Studia Entomologica (n.s.)1: 433-462.
- Ward P. S. 1990. The Ant Subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Generic Revision and Relationship to Other Formicids. Systematic Entomology 15: 449-489
- Ward, P.S. 1993. Systematic studies on Pseudomyrmex acacia-ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Journal of Hymenoptera Research 2(1):117-168