Key to Azteca aurita group workers

This worker key is based on: [[Media:Longino J 2007.pdf|Longino, J.T. 2007. A taxonomic review of the genus Azteca in Costa Rica and a global revision of the aurita group. Zootaxa. 1491:1-63. PDF]]

The worker of Azteca nanogyna is unknown. Worker polymorphism and similarities of worker characteristics can make workers of Azteca difficult to use for species determinations. Queens of Azteca generally exhibit more pronounced morphological differences and are often much more useful than workers for species identification. Details of the nests collections are made from, e.g., location, structure, etc. can also be useful. There is a Key to Azteca aurita group queens. Nesting details can be found on most of the species pages for species in the aurita group.

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Azteca

1

 * Dorsal surface of mandible flat, opaque, densely striate; scape relatively long (SI > 80) . . . . . 2


 * Dorsal surface of mandible convex, shiny; masticatory margin concave, with enlarged apical tooth; scape relatively short (SI < 75) . . . . . 3

2
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 * Head relatively broad (CI > 105); posterolateral margins of vertex rounded and cordate, not bluntly angulate . . . . . Azteca lallemandi


 * Head relatively narrow (CI < 106); posterolateral margins of vertex bluntly angulate . . . . . Azteca aurita, . . . . . Azteca pilosula

3
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 * Pubescence dilute and tightly appressed; color usually brown with orange head . . . . . Azteca schimperi


 * Pubescence more abundant, giving somewhat wooly appearance; color all brown . . . . . Azteca lanuginosa