Pseudomyrmex pictus

P. pictus is typically associated with Tachigali, but the types of heterogyna were reportedly collected from the ‘hairy cauline swelling’ of a Platymiscium species (Wheeler & Mann, 1942a: 173).

Identification
Ward (1999) - P. pictus is most easily recognized by its predominantly light (orange-brown) coloration, broad head (worker CI > 0.90, queen CI ≈ 0.86), slender worker profemur (FI 0.36–0.41), and long legs (worker LHT/HL 0.82–0.91, queen LHT/HL ≈ 0.75). The superficially similar Pseudomyrmex rubiginosus, which is also light in colour, has a darker and more elongate head, broader worker profemur, shorter legs, and a more blocky petiole. P. pictus appears to be most closely related to Pseudomyrmex eculeus (see eculeus).

Distribution
Known from Bolivia, western Brazil, Colombia and Peru.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru.

Nomenclature

 *  pictus. Pseudomyrma picta Stitz, 1913: 209, fig. 2 (w.) BRAZIL. Combination in Pseudomyrmex: Kempf, 1961a: 399. Senior synonym of casta, heterogyna, humboldi: Ward, 1999b: 524. See also: Wheeler, W.M. 1942: 171.
 * casta. Pseudomyrma picta subsp. casta Wheeler, W.M. 1942: 173 (w.) PERU. Combination in Pseudomyrmex: Kempf, 1972a: 222. Junior synonym of pictus: Ward, 1999b: 524.
 * heterogyna. Pseudomyrma picta var. heterogyna Wheeler, W.M. & Mann, in Wheeler, W.M. 1942: 172 (w.q.) BOLIVIA. Combination in Pseudomyrmex: Kusnezov, 1953e: 214. Junior synonym of pictus: Ward, 1999b: 524.
 * humboldi. Pseudomyrma picta var. humboldi Enzmann, E.V. 1944: 75 (diagnosis in key), pl. 3, fig. 21 (w.) BRAZIL. Combination in Pseudomyrmex: Kempf, 1972a: 222. Junior synonym of pictus: Ward, 1999b: 525.

Worker
Ward (1999) - Measurements (n=10). HL 1.21–1.43, HW 1.19–1.38, MFC 0.038–0.059, LHT 1.02–1.26, CI 0.91–1.03, REL 0.60–0.64, REL2 0.61–0.67, FCI 0.03–0.05, FI 0.36–0.41, PLI 1.00–1.10, PWI 0.80–0.94.

Worker description. A member of the sericeus group. Palp formula variable: 6,4 or 5,4. Frontal carinae relatively well separated; head broad, with strongly convex sides; posterior margin of head straight or slightly concave, in frontal view. Profemur very slender (see FI values); legs long (LHT/HL 0.82–0.91). Dorsal face of Propodeum somewhat convex and rounding gradually into the declivitous face; length of dorsal face subequal to or slightly shorter than that of the declivitous face; propodeal spiracle distant from the basal (dorsal) face of propodeum. Petiole as high as long to slightly higher than long, subtriangular in profile, with a single convex anterodorsal face, which rounds gently into the steep posterior face. Anteroventral process small, subrectangular or subtriangular, usually with a blunt posteroventral angle or tooth. Standing pilosity variable, more common than is usual for the species group. Long, golden, paired (and often curved) setae present on pronotum (1–6 pairs), mesonotum (0–1 pairs), on propodeum at the junction of the basal and declivitous faces (0–1 pairs), petiole (1–3 pairs) and postpetiole (2–3 pairs); these setae sometimes unpaired, or accompanied by one or two additional shorter setae. Body, including appendages, predominantly orange-brown in colour; legs, mesosoma (especially dorsal face of propodeum), petiole, and gaster with variable amounts of darker maculation.

Type Material
Ward (1999) - Syntype workers, Alto Acre, Brazil (Ule) [Examined].

Pseudomyrma picta var. heterogyna Wheeler & Mann, 1942a:172. Syntype workers, one dealate queen, Cavinas, Bolivia (W. M. Mann) [Examined].

Pseudomyrma picta subsp. casta Wheeler, 1942:173. Syntype workers, La Sombre, Putumayo, Peru ( J. C. Bradley) (MCZC) [Examined].

Pseudomyrma picta var. humboldi Enzmann, 1944:75. Syntype workers, one dealate queen, Cavinas, Bolivia (W. M. Mann) (MCZC) [Examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Kempf, W.W. 1972. Catalago abreviado das formigas da regiao Neotropical (Hym. Formicidae) Studia Entomologica 15(1-4).
 * Ward P. S. 1990. The Ant Subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Generic Revision and Relationship to Other Formicids. Systematic Entomology 15: 449-489
 * Ward P. S. 1999. Systematics, biogeography and host plant associations of the Pseudomyrmex viduus group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Triplaris- and Tachigali-inhabiting ants. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 126: 451-540
 * Wheeler W. M. 1942. Studies of Neotropical ant-plants and their ants. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 90: 1-262.