Leptogenys quirozi

One label in the type series mentions the ants being found in a log. The type locality, Portillo del Rayo, is located at 15°59′N 96°31′W, and is approximately 1500 m above sea level. The other locality is more commonly spelled Acahuizotla, and has elevations 600 – 650 m. (Lattke 2011)

Identification
Lattke (2011) - A member of the wheeleri species group. Mandible elongate, widening apicad, basal angle convex, not angular; median clypeal lobe evenly convex, not prominent; angle between base of median lobe and lateral lobe obtuse. (Lattke 2011)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Castes
Males are unknown.

Nomenclature

 *  quirozi. Leptogenys quirozi Lattke, 2011: 225, fig. 78 (w.q.) MEXICO.

This species has most expanded mandible of the wheeleri group, approximating a subtriangular form. It can be easily confused with Leptogenys ixta because of the similar size and mandibles that expand apicad. When closed the mandibles of L. quirozi do not leave a space between their basal margin and the opposing lateral clypeal margin. The median clypeal lobe is distinctly separated from the lateral lobes in both species, but in L. ixta the median lobe extends anterad such that its base forms almost perpendicular angles with the lateral lobes, while the median lobe in L. quirozi is broadly convex, not as prominent and forms an obtuse angle at its juncture with each lateral lobe. The mandibular basal angle is convex and not angular as in L. ixta, and L. quirozi is on average larger than L. ixta. In L. ixta the cuticle is rougher and its anterior mesopleuron has a brief sulcus that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mesoplueron, and between the mesonotum and anteroventral mesopleural carina. Such a sulcus is lacking in L. quirozi. The convex outline of the propodeum in lateral view, a usual trait of queens for the genus, is not as noticeable in this species because the workers also have a convex propodeal outline.

Worker
Metrics, holotype (paratypes, n = 4): HL 1.55 (1.55 – 1.62); HW 1.31 (1.28 – 1.35); ML 0.71 (1.01 – 1.04); EL 0.30 (0.30–0.34); SL 1.69 (1.62–1.72); PW 1.01 (1.01 – 1.04); WL 2.59 (2.43 – 2.66); PH 0.98 (0.94 – 1.08); PL 0.74 (0.74–0.81); DPW 0.74 (0.74–0.81) mm. CI 0.85 (0.79 – 0.83); MI 0.54 (0.75 – 0.79); OI 0.23 (0.24 – 0.26); SI 1.28 (1.23–1.34); LPI 1.32 (1.26 – 1.33); DPI 1.00 (0.96 – 1.05).

Head sub-rectangular in full-face view, posterior and lateral margins weakly convex, lateral margins weakly diverging anterad. Eye diameter occupies slightly under one-third lateral cephalic margin; anterior clypeal margin converges evenly towards median apex, median lobe bordered by translucent strip, strip separated from translucent lateral lobe, lateral lobe widest anterad. Scape surpasses posterior cephalic border by more than one-third its length, length of fourth antennal segment slightly more than one-half of third antennal segment. Mandible subtriangular, basal margin separated from clypeus at base by distance less than half its basal width in cephalic full-face view; mandible expands apicad, apical two-thirds of basal margin convex; basal angle rounded, masticatory margin mostly concave; hypostomal tooth not visible in dorsal cephalic view. Mandibular dorsum mostly smooth and shining with weak longitudinal striolae. Cephalic dorsum densely punctulate, each punctulae flat bottomed, punctulose-rugulose towards clypeus; clypeus rugulose-punctate.

Mesosoma with dorsal margin divided by metanotal groove in lateral view into broadly convex promesonotal margin, and more curved propodeal margin; dorsal and declivitous margins form continuous convexity. Mesopleuron rectangular, anteroventral margin with low carina that widens anterad; mesometapleural suture well impressed, metapleural-propodeal suture weakly impressed; propodeal spiracle elongate-oval, posterolaterally facing; mesonotum rectangular, broader than long in dorsal view. Node in lateral view subquadrate, anterior margin mostly vertical, posterior margin weakly sinuate; anterior margin lower than posterior margin.

Petiole roughly as broad as long in dorsal view, slightly wider posterad than anterad; anterior margin convex in lateral view, posterior margin mostly straight; lateral margin straight to weakly convex. Integument of body and coxae mostly opaque, densely punctulate; dorsal and lateral sides without standing hairs, except towards gastral apex. Head, thorax, and most of gaster grayish-black, clypeus dark brown; antennae, mandibles, and gastral apex brown.

Queen
Metrics: HL 1.62; HW 1.31; ML 1.08; EL 0.34; SL 1.65; PW 1.04; WL 2.53; PH 1.08; PL 0.71; DPW 0.88 mm. CI 0.81; MI 0.82; OI 0.26; SI 1.26; LPI 1.52; DPI 1.24. Ergatoid with the usual differences from the worker. The petiolar node as compared with the worker is noticeably wider posterad than anterad in dorsal view. The gaster of the queen is quite larger than the worker. Three punctures on the posterior frons suggest vestigial ocelli.

Type Material
Holotype worker. Mexico, Oaxaca, Portillo del Rayo, 30.ii.89, L. Quiroz coll. Deposited in. – Paratypes. With the same locality data: 6w 1q deposited in IEXA, 1w WPMC, 1w, 1w.

Etymology
The species name is a patronym that alludes to the collector of these ants, Luis Quiroz Robledo.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Lattke J. E. 2011. Revision of the New World species of the genus Leptogenys Roger (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae). Arthropod Systematics and Phylogeny 69: 127-264