Neivamyrmex harrisii

This species raids nests of Pheidole xerophila. Males were collected at lights from June to the first part of October. They were especially abundant in late July. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
Males of this common species are regularly collected at lights. They are superficially similar to those of Neivamyrmex andrei but the mandibular shape and the large ocelli will serve to separate them from that species. (Snelling and Snelling 2007)

Distribution
United States: AZ, TX, OK and NM. Mexico: border states south at least to Colima in the east and Nayarit in the west.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.



Habitat
Creosotebush scrub up to foothills thorn scrub.

Nomenclature

 *  harrisii. Labidus harrissii Haldeman, 1852: 367, pl. 9, figs. 4-6 (m.) U.S.A. Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1984: 273 (l.). Combination in Eciton (Labidus): Mayr, 1886d: 441; in E. (Acamatus): Emery, 1900a: 187; in E. (Neivamyrmex): Smith, M.R. 1942c: 572; in Neivamyrmex: Borgmeier, 1955: 522. Senior synonym of wheeleri (and its junior synonym dubia): Watkins, 1968: 275. See also: Forbes & Do-Van-Quy, 1965: 95.
 * wheeleri. Eciton wheeleri Emery, 1901d: 55, fig. 8 (w.) U.S.A. Smith, M.R. 1942c: 561 (q.). Combination in E. (Acamatus): Wheeler, W.M. 1908e: 412; in E. (Neivamyrmex): Smith, M.R. 1942c: 561; in Neivamyrmex: Borgmeier, 1953: 6. Senior synonym of dubia: Smith, M.R. 1942c: 561. Junior synonym of harrisii: Watkins, 1968: 275. See also: Borgmeier, 1955: 511.
 * dubia. Eciton (Acamatus) wheeleri subsp. dubia Creighton, 1932: 75, pl. 3, figs. 1-3 (w.q.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of wheeleri: Smith, M.R. 1942c: 561.

Male
Smith (1942) - Length 10.5 mm.

Head approximately one and three-fourths times as broad as long. Eye remarkably large, convex, protuberant. Ocelli large, placed on protuberance well elevated above general surface of head. Frontal carinae subparallel medianally, usually with a weak groove between them. Ridge above antennal socket prominent, most distinct from above. Antennal scape approximately as long as combined length of first 3 funicular segments; funiculus broadest near base, gradually narrowing toward apex. Mandible robust, with convex inferior and somewhat straight superior border, the two borders subparallel in basal half and tapering in apical half to form a blunt point. The large, protuberant eye, in profile, occupies all of the side of the head except a very narrow area above the base of the mandible, and a larger space posterodorsad of the eye. Thorax slender. Anterior surface of prothorax, in profile, with a transverse impression. Epinotum subtruncate or weakly concave. Tarsal claws feebly or nontoothed. Petiole small; about one and one-half times as broad as long, with rounded, weakly defined posterior corners. Gaster slender, with distinct but not very strong constrictions between segments. Intermediate tooth of seventh gastric sternum short but distinct. A weak transverse impression near base of sixth gastric tergum. Lower part of aedeagus terminating in a pair of processes, which when viewed from a posterior direction resemble very much a hand with only the index finger extended.

Mandibles, head, and thorax with small but distinct punctures, well scattered on side of thorax, more dense on dorsum. Anterior border of each gastric segment smooth. Body and appendages, except funiculi, shining in some lights.

Pilosity yellowish, rather abundant; longest on mandibles, antennal scapes, head, legs, sides and venter of thorax, venter of petiole, and gaster; more appressed elsewhere. Seventh gastric sternum rather densely pilose.

Light to dark brown, with dorsal surfaces of head, thorax, and petiole darker. Wings pale, with weak grayish or yellowish cast; veins and stigma light brown to dark brown.

Type Material
Smith (1942) - Type apparently lost. Fort Gates, Coryell County, Tex., Lieut. Horace Haldeman (see type material comments for Neivamyrmex melshaemeri).