Strumigenys usbensis

Identification
Bolton (2000) - Easily recognised within the group by its sculptured gaster combined with the lack of a ventral spongiform crest or curtain on the petiole. Two other species in the group, Strumigenys fairchildi and Strumigenys anthocera, also have the first tergite densely sculptured, but both of these have a ventral petiolar spongiform crest. Also, both these species lack appressed spatulate gastral hairs that are similar to those on the cephalic dorsum; such spatulate gastral hairs are conspicuous in usbensis.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Venezuela.

Nomenclature

 *  usbensis. Strumigenys usbensis Lattke & Goitía, 1997: 393, figs. 32, 38, 42 (w.q.) VENEZUELA. See also: Bolton, 2000: 565.

Worker
Bolton (2000) - TL 3.3, HL 0.80, HW 0.59, CI 74, ML 0.44, MI 55, SL 0.52, SI 88, PW 0.36, AL 0.84. First gastral tergite finely and densely longitudinally striolate-costulate, the surface with numerous appressed spatulate hairs that are about equal in size to those that occur on the cephalic dorsum. First gastral tergite also with a few fine short-flagellate hairs that are apparently easily lost. Apicoscrobal hair absent. Maximum diameter of eye ca 0.12. Propodeum in profile with a pair of triangular teeth at top of declivity that are slightly longer than the pair at the base of the declivity. Ventral surface of petiole with a minute longitudinal cuticular carina but without trace of spongiform tissue. Spongiform lobes of postpetiole small.

Type Material
Bolton (2000) - Holotype worker and paratype workers and queen, VENEZUELA: Edo. Miranda, Sartenejas, Universidad Simon Bolfvar, 1300 m., x.1993, in epiphyte Tillandsia pruinosa (W. Goitia); and Edo. Miranda, La Busca, cerca Caucagua, 1.vi.1994 (W. Goitia) [examined].