Poneracantha cuneiforma

Identification
This species may be confused with two other small rastrata group species: Gnamptogenys rastrata and Gnamptogenys mecotyle. It is separable from the former on account of the longer scapes (surpassing the vertexal margin), transverse costulae on the propodeum as opposed to longitudinal, and a well-defined metapleura, separated from the propodeum laterally by an impressed line, lacking in rastrata. The costulae of mecotyle have a coarse aspect in contrast with the smooth regularity in cuneiforma, mecotyle also has the striae on the scapes and dorsal mandibuar surface better defined and the masticatory border lacks the concavity of cuneiforma. (Lattke 1995)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Panama.

Nomenclature

 *  cuneiforma. Gnamptogenys cuneiforma Lattke, 1995: 164 (w.) PANAMA.

Worker
Head subquadrate in frontal view, sides very broadly convex, slightly wider anteriorly than posteriorly, posterior margin broadly concave, longitudinally castulate. Anterior clypeal margin with a small lamella, medianly straight and laterally rounded. A brief longitudinal carinae, thicker than surrounding sculpture, present between frontal lobes. Mandibles triangular and elongate, masticatory border concave, dorsal surface of blade convex and with longitudinal rugulae. Scapes shining and with low rugosities. Scapes without pilosity, only decumbent hairs.

Anterior pronotal face with 4-5 transverse costulae, sometimes quite rough and resembling rugae, longitudinal costulate on the dorsum posterad including the mesonotum. Metanotum and propodeum with transverse costae.

Promesonotal suture well to poorly impressed, metanotal groove well impressed. In lateral view the mesosoma has a very broadly convex dorsal margin, propodeal denticles brief and triangular, declivity concave. Sides of pronotum with regular longitudinal, slightly oblique costae. Anepisternum fulcrum shaped. Katepisternum with a well-developed flange. Mesopleura, propodeum and dorsal two-thirds of metapleura with transverse/oblique costae; metapleura ventrad of spiracle with longitudinal costae.

Petiole in lateral view with a low and broadly convex dorsal margin, ventral process projects anterad. Dorsally with transverse costae, posterior margin rugose. Gastric dorsum with longitudinal costulation; ventrum of postpetiole with transverse rugae along posterior half; irregular rugulae anterad to the process.

Base of foretarsus with a single stout setae opposite the strigil. Forecoxae with transverse costulae on lateral face, as well as dorsal faces of meso- and meta coxae. Legs shining and with abundant shallow punctulae. Very sparse pilosity on femora and tibiae. Color ferruginous to dark brown; mandibles, antennae and legs ferruginous.

Type Material
Holotype worker: Panama, Bocas del Toro, 8°47'N 82°1l'W, 500m; 16/18-VII-87, D. M. Olson, leg. Deposited in. Paratypes: One worker deposited in MCZC and two workers deposited in, all with same locality data as the holotype.

Etymology
The name alludes to the shape of the anepisternum.