Atta mexicana

Identification Keys including this Taxon
Key to US Atta species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico.



Nomenclature

 *  mexicana. Oecodoma mexicana Smith, F. 1858b: 185, pl. 10, fig. 20 (q.m.) MEXICO. Norton, 1868c: 9 (s.w.). Combination in Atta: Roger, 1863b: 35; in Atta (Archeatta): Gonçalves, 1942: 343. Junior synonym of fervens: Forel, 1885a: 362. Revived from synonymy as subspecies of insularis: Emery, 1913b: 259. Revived status as species: Gonçalves, 1942: 335. See also: Borgmeier, 1959b: 351.

Description
Female. Length 8-9 lines. Obscurely ferruginous, nearly black;closely resembling Atta cephalotes, but the thorax is more elongate; the second node of the abdomen wider, with the lateral angels produced and acute; the base of the abdomen truncated, the first segment longer than broad; in other respects resembling Atta cephalotes, but more hairy or downy.

Male. In size and form resembling the male of Atta cephalotes but of a uniform pale reddish yellow; the second abdominal node much wider.

The insect described as Atta laevigata is probably the worker of this species; in the Museum are several specimens from Mexico.