Pseudomyrmex insuavis

Known only from a few collections.

Identification
Ward (1999) - The posterolaterally expanded petiole (worker PWI > 0.91, queen PWI ≈ 0.79) distinguishes P. insuavis from its close relatives Pseudomyrmex concolor and Pseudomyrmex penetrator (worker PWI < 0.91, queen PWI < 0.74). A broad petiole is also seen in some workers of Pseudomyrmex malignus but P. insuavis differs from that species by the conspicuous erect hairs on the sides and posterior margin of the head, by the more abundant pilosity on the mesosoma and legs (compare MSC and HTC values), by the less well separated antennal insertions, and by the shape of the median clypeal lobe (ventrally deflected and laterally rounded in P. insuavis).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia.

Biology
Ward (1999) - P. insuavis is known only from a few localities in the western Amazon basin. Greg Gangi’s collections came from plants identified as Tachigali cf. formicarum Harms, Tachigali hypoleuca (Bentham) Zarucchi & Herendeen, Tachigali paniculata and Tachigali cf. poeppigiana. ''

Nomenclature

 *  insuavis. Pseudomyrmex insuavis Ward, 1999b: 492, figs. 10, 21, 32, 136, 152 (w.q.) COLOMBIA.

Worker
Measurements (n=11). HL 1.01–1.14, HW 0.94–1.06, MFC 0.101–0.128, LHT 0.73–0.86, CI 0.89–0.94, REL 0.36–0.39, REL2 0.38–0.41, FCI 0.11–0.13, SI 0.41–0.43, FLI 1.04–1.38, FI 0.38–0.41, PLI 0.91–1.00, PWI 0.92–1.04, PPWI 1.53–1.69.

Very similar to Pseudomyrmex concolor (q.v.), except as follows. Petiole shorter, and broader posteriorly; PWI > 0.91 (< 0.91 in P. concolor); PWI3 0.44–0.51 (0.51–0.59 in P. concolor); PLI2 0.87–0.99 (0.79–0.93 in P. concolor). As in P. concolor, standing pilosity is conspicuous on the head, mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole, gaster and legs (MSC 31–66, HTC 8–15). Appressed pubescence on abdominal tergite IV variable, the hairs separated by more than their lengths in some workers, and the area correspondingly more shiny. Body colour much more variable than in P. concolor, ranging from concolorous yellow- or orange-brown to dark brown; also intermediate bicoloured conditions with the head and/or (mesosoma + petiole + postpetiole) and/or abdominal segment IV (first gastric segment) lighter in color than the remainder of the body (such variation can be seen within single nest series).

Type Material
Holotype worker. COLOMBIA, Amazonas: Araracuara [0°38’S, 72°15’W] .iv. 1994, G. Gangi#223, ex Tachigali cf. poeppigiana. HW 1.00, HL 1.08, EL 0.39, LHT 0.79, PL 0.46, PH 0.46.

Paratypes. Same locality as holotype, iii–ix. 1994, G. Gangi acc. nos. 11, 20, 177, 185, 223, 224, 269, and 439: Series of workers, 1 queen (to be deposited in BMNH, FFIC,, , , , MECN, , , , , , , UCNB.