Alfaria vriesi

The biology and ecology of this rare species is unknown.

Identification
This species is similar to Gnamptogenys simulans, Gnamptogenys bufonis and Gnamptogenys falcifera, from which it differs in measurements (WL>3.0mm)and the following characters: anterior border of clypeus conspicuously concave; compound eyes bulging and with more than 20 facets in eye diameter, interrupting the head profile in full face view; metanotal groove deeper; propodeal spiracles circled by a conspicuous lighter band and bulging; propodeum declivity more deeply impressed; foramen circled by a raised margin; and anterodorsal margin of petiole raised.

Distribution
This taxon was described from Ecuador.

Biology
Unknown

Castes
Described from workers and queen. Males are unknown.

Queen
The paratype queen is very similar to the worker holotype, though slightly smaller and with the normal caste differences, i.e., three ocelli (the posterior ones may be confused with the surrounding fovolae, but bear visible lenses), complete alitrunk with parapsidal sutures and the arm of the notalus. The extra tooth of each tarsal claw is less developed in the queen than in the worker.

Description
Etymology: The specific name is a patronym in honor of Tjitte de Vries who collected the types.

Types: Worker (holotype) and dealated queen (paratype) collected at Ecuador: prov. Morona-Santiago: Los Tayos (03 08'S, 78 14'W) 3 July 1976 by Tjitte de Vries. Collection numbers VIII-4 (holotype) and I-16 (paratype). Holotype and paratype deposited at Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo (MZSP).

The body surfaces of G. simulans, G. bufonis, G. facifera and G. vriesi share a characteristic sculpturing; except for the legs, mandibles, anterolateral portions of frontal lobes and anterior portion of clypeus; very finely striolate and mostly covered by piligerous foveolae. In G. vriesi the fovolae are nearly contiguous and the stiolation can be seen only at high magnifications at the confluence of the depressions. From each foveola departs an eccentric hair, which is turned in different directions, depending on the area of the body. G. simulans, G. bufonis and G. facifera may have extensive areas smooth and shining, but it G. vriesi the foveolae cover all body surfaces, except the cited ones. The holotype worker had these foveolae filled with earth, in a manner similar to that found by Holldobler and Wilson (1986) in Basiceros and Stegomyrmex (Myrmicinae).

Additional References

 * [[Media:Brandao & Lattke 1990.pdf|Brandão, C. R. F.; Lattke, J. E. 1990. Description of a new Ecuadorean Gnamptogenys species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a discussion on the status of the Alfaria group. J. N. Y. Entomol. Soc. 98: 489-494 PDF]]