Veromessor julianus clarior

Identification Keys including this Taxon
Key to Veromessor species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Nomenclature

 * . Veromessor julianus subsp. clarior Wheeler, W.M. & Creighton, 1934: 370 (w.) MEXICO (Baja California).
 * Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated).
 * Type-locality: Mexico: Baja California, Commondu (H.C. Millender).
 * Type-depository: MCZC.
 * Combination in Messor: Bolton, 1995b: 253.
 * Subspecies of julianus: Enzmann, J. 1947b: 152 (in key); Bolton, 1995b: 253.
 * Distribution: Mexico.

Description
This form differs from the typical Veromessor julianus in the following characteristics:

The head is more nearly quadrate, being almost exactly as long as broad; the antennal scapes are shorter, their tips in repose just reaching the occipital border; the dorsum of the thorax is notably impressed at the mesoepinotal suture; the epinotal spines are longer and thinner and decidedly more elevated, meeting the plane of the basal face of the epinotum at a forty-five degree angle; the cephalic striae are finer and the granulation of the thorax is much less pronounced. The insect is much more hairy than the typical julianus, this difference being especialily noticeable in the case of the gular ammo chaetae and the abdominal hairs. The color is a clear, yellowish red, the gaster piceous brown, usually with a yellowish spot at the base of the first segment.

Type Material
Described from a series of workers taken by H. C. Millender at Commondu, Lower California. Additional specimens agreeing in every particular were taken by Dr. W. M. Mann at Loreto, Lower California.