Carebara longiceps

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Fernández (2004) - A member of the Carebara lignata species complex. This species can be readily differentiated by the frontal lobe configuration, the propodeal configuration in side view, and the small subpetiolar spine. Moreover, the bullae of metapleural gland look bigger than in other species. Knowledge of males in this group is limited, but the head striation is remarkable.

Distribution
This species appears to have the most southerly distribution of the lignata complex species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Argentina.

Castes
Queens have yet to be collected.

Nomenclature

 *  longiceps. Oligomyrmex longiceps Santschi, 1929d: 295, figs. 33, 34 (w.m.) ARGENTINA. Combination in Erebomyrma: Brandão, 1991: 343; in Oligomyrmex: Bolton, 1995b: 299; in Carebara: Fernández, 2004a: 216.

Worker
Fernández (2004) - Lectotype: HW 0.25; HL 0.38; SL 0.18; PW 0.15; WL 0.31; GL 0.33; TL 1.18; CI 66; SI 72.

Head slightly longer than wide. Posterior border concave, lateral sides faintly concave. Mandibles apparently with 4 teeth (lectotype with mandibles closed, difficult to see clearly). Median portion of clypeus slightly concave. Scapes fail to reach the vertexal border in 1/3 of the head length. Frontal lobes rounded. In side view, alitrunk flat, slightly interrupted by the shallow metanotal groove. Sides dorsal and posterior of propodeum nearly at 90°. Propodeal spiracle relatively small, circular, high and near the propodeal margin. Bullae of metapleural gland large. Propodeal lobes reduced to narrow lamellae that more or less reach the propodeal spiracle. Petiole with short peduncle, evenly continous with the dorsal rounded node; petiolar spiracle nearer to propodeal lobes. Subpetiolar process produced as small spine directed anteriorly. Postpetiole dorsally concave, lower than petiole. Anterior margin of first tergum slightly concave in dorsal view. Body smooth and shining. Vestiture as in Carebara elongata except by: two moderate hairs near each occipital corner, several in anterior portion of pronotum. Body light yellow.

Male
Fernández (2004) - HW (including eyes) 0.75; HL 0.50; EL 0.13; SL 0.10; PW 0.69; WL 1.10; GL 1.38; TL 3.58; CI 150; SI 13.

Mandibles with the masticatory margin more or less straight, with four teeth nearly similar in size. Clypeus markedly bulging, anterior margin feebly concave. Scapes very short. Promesonotum dorsally with three longitudinal lines, the central longer. Marginal cell closed. Petiole ventrally with several irregular longitudinal carinae. Postpetiole broadly attached to the gaster. Genitalia with two big falcate parameres. Body slightly shining with moderate pilosity, especially on head. Head anteriorly with strong longitudinal striation, posteriorly oblique striation. Longitudinal striation in the central area of pronotal dorsum. Body dark brown, appendages lighter.

Type Material
Fernández (2004) - Lectotype worker (here designated): ARGENTINA. Alta Gracia, 1 worker, la Granja, Sierras de Córdoba, 1924, C. Bruch leg.,. 1 male, paralectotype (here designated). Same data as worker (MZSP).