Acanthognathus teledectus

Identification
This is the first member of the genus found in trans-Andean South America. The extremely long, heavily-armed mandibles and smooth integument distinguish  it at once from the other known species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama.

Nomenclature

 *  teledectus. Acanthognathus teledectus Brown & Kempf, 1969: 105, fig. 11 (w.) COLOMBIA. See also: Bolton, 2000: 17.

Description
Holotype worker : Measurements and indices in Table I. A large species, distinguished by the very narrow head and extremely long mandibles. In addition, the following character states: I. Each mandible with 2 long and l short spiniform preapical teeth, also a well developed convex lamelliform welt beyond mid­ length, giving rise to a fine erectile trigger hair. 2.  Clypeus very narrow. 3. Alitrunk slender, humeral angles low, obtuse, not strongly projecting. Propodeal dorsum flat ; spines approximately straight, only slightly diverging, not quite as long as the distance between the centers of their bases, only slightly elevated. Petiole and postpetiole formed much as in rudis, but relatively more slender ( petiolar node o. 6 mm wide) ; node as seen from above oval, slightly longer than broad, and about half as long as its anterior peduncle. Postpetiole about 0.19 mm long and 0.18 mm  wide, nar­rower  anteriad. 5.	Body prevailing smooth and shining. A few indistinct fossae persist on anterior part of head, especially in the region in front of the eyes. Parts of lower sides of alitrunk, also petiolar peduncles in front and  behind  minutely  and  densely punctulate. 6.	Clavate pilosity very sparse  on  clypeus,  cheeks,  mandibles, upper vertex, humeral angles, spines  and  posterior  faces  of  both nodes, and more abundant on antenna! scapes, legs and underside of head. Color light f erruginous ; antennae, legs and gaster lighter, more yellowish. Holotype ( MCZ) a unique taken in lowland rain forest on the property of Carton de Colombia ( a paper-manufacturing firm ) in Bajo Calima, Municipio de Buenaventura, Departamento de Valle, Colombia. The collection was made near the then principal logging road  on  16 March  1967, at Kilometer  IO northward  from the com­pany's headquarters, R. B. Root and W. L. Brown, Jr., leg. The specimen was found, alive and with the incredible mandibles opened to approximately lSo0, in thin humus immediately below a layer of leaf litter l cm. thick. No more specimens could be found in the vicinity.