Pseudomyrmex schuppi

Luederwaldt (1926) recorded P. schuppi nesting under epiphytes. De Oliveira et al. (2015), studying ant occupancy of Cecropia trees in southwest Bahia, Brazil, found a colony of  nesting in a Cecropia pachystachya tree.

Identification
Ward (1989) - P. schuppi is diagnosed minimally by its relatively large size (HW > 0.81) and high, broad petiole (PU > 0.93, PWI > 0.84) whose dorsum is smoothly rounded in lateral profile. Also characteristic of P. schuppi are the conspicuous elevation of the basal face of the propodeum above the level of the mesonotum and the posterior displacement of the postpetiolar node as seen in lateral view. These last two features are shared with Pseudomyrmex oculatus, from which P. schuppi is distinguished by petiole shape and differences in relative eye length.

Distribution
Known from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil, Paraguay.

Nomenclature

 * confusior. Pseudomyrma schuppi var. confusior Forel, 1901d: 299 (w.) BRAZIL. Junior synonym of schuppi: Kempf, 1961a: 380.
 *  schuppi. Pseudomyrma schuppi Forel, 1901d: 298 (w.) BRAZIL. Kempf, 1961a: 381 (q.); Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1973d: 207 (l.). Combination in Pseudomyrmex: Kempf, 1961a: 380. Senior synonym of confusior, geraensis: Kempf, 1961a: 380. See also: Ward, 1989: 426.
 * geraensis. Pseudomyrma schuppi var. geraensis Forel, 1912g: 23 (w.) BRAZIL. Junior synonym of schuppi: Kempf, 1961a: 380.

Worker
Ward (1989) - measurements (n=14). HL 0.96-1.18. HW 0.82-0.93, MFC 0.023-0.038. CI 0.79-0.88. OI 0.55-0.64, REL 0.52-0.56. REL2 0.62-0.67. OOI 0.23-0.60, VI 0.75-0.84, FCI 0.026-0.042, SI 0.45-0.48, SI2 0.68-0.76, FI 0.39-0.45. PDI 1.16-1.34, MPI 0.037-0.053. NI 0.53-0.62. PLI 0.94-1.07, PWI 0.85-0.99, PPWI 1.32-1.60.

diagnosis. Relatively large species (HW 0.82-0.93), with broad head (CI 0.79-0.89), and eyes of moderate size; sides of head broadly convex, rounding into the occipital margin which varies from flat to slightly concave; funicular segments II and III about as long as broad (FLI 1.71-2.12, n=9). Fore femur, metanotal groove, propodeum, and postpetiole similar to those of Pseudomyrmex oculatus (q. v.), except basal and declivitous faces of propodeum tend to be more clearly differentiated. Petiolar node high and broadly rounded in lateral view (PLI 0.94-1.07), very broad in dorsal view (PWI 0.85-0.99), with relatively strong dorsolateral margination; anteroventral process of petiole conspicuous, tooth-like, often bluntly recurved.

Head densely punctate, opaque; mesosoma obscurely punctate to coriarious-imbricate, opaque to subopaque; petiole, postpetiole, and gaster subopaque, covered with numerous fine piligerous punctures. Erect pilosity and appressed pubescence common and conspicuous on most parts of the body including the mesosoma dorsum. Body medium to dark brown. the antennae and tarsi (and sometimes mandibles and promesonotum) lighter in color.

Type Material
Ward (1989):

Syntype workers, Silo Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sui, Brazil (Schupp) [Examined].

Pseudomyrma schuppi var. confusior Syntype workers, Rio Grande do Sui, Brazil (Schupp) [Examined].

Pseudomyrma schuppi var. geraensis Syntype workers, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Brazil (Sampaio) (MHNG) [Examined].