Allomerus septemarticulatus

Wheeler reported (1942) on specimens from "Amazonas, in leaf sacs of Duroia saccifera Spruce; Sao Joaquim, Rio Negro, Amazonas, in leaf sacs of Duroia saccifera Spruce.

Identification
Fernández (2007) - Types from this species were not examined. Wheeler (1942:203) stated that the A. septemarticulatus female is “smaller and paler” than that of Allomerus octoarticulatus. The studied female matches in this aspect, that is why this material is probably conspecific with that studied by Mayr in the original description.

If the interpretation above is correct, A. septemarticulatus is not only characterized by the possession of 7 antennal segments (one specimen has 6 segments), but by the mesosomal profile, with its short propodeum and a weak angulation between posterior and basal faces. The sides of the propodeum (basal face) are defined laterally. The medial clypeal hair is evident and clearly protrudes between the others, which are very short. A specimen (Fazenda Porto Alegre, Manaus, Brazil) has 6 segmented antennae, but in its general morphology corresponds to the concept of A. septemarticulatus.

The queen is very different from typical queens that belong to the genus in being smaller, yellow colored and having large black eyes.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil.

Nomenclature

 *  septemarticulatus. Allomerus septemarticulatus Mayr, 1878: 874 (w.) BRAZIL. Forel, 1904e: 680 (q.). Subspecies of octoarticulatus: Forel, 1904e: 680; of decemarticulatus: Wheeler, W.M. 1942: 203. Raised to species: Fernández, 2007a: 171.

Worker
Fernández (2007) - (n=4). HW 0.41-0.46 HL 0.46-0.48 SL 0.25-0.28 WL 0.49-0.53 GL 0.48-0.53 TL 1.83-1.93 CI 95-97 SI 57-59.

Anterior clypeal margin without distinct anteclypeus. Antennae 7 segmented (few workers with left antenna or both 6 segmented). Scapes fail to reach posterior lateral margin by about ¼ length, apical thickening less pronounced than in A. decemarticulatus. In side view, promesonotum convex. Metanotal suture reduced to single impressed line. Propodeal dorsal face very short, declivity and basal faces [same as dorsal face] with very feebly angulation. Propodeal spiracle small. Petiole with peduncle thickened posteriad, forming angle with node. Petiolar anteroventral spine small, well defined. Body smooth and shining, especially head. Sides of propodeum with short irregular carinulae. Long hairs (more or less 0.13 mm in length): two on the dorsum of head, near to posterior margin and down curved; two rows of several erect hairs on frons; about 8 on promesonotum, none on propodeum, several on petiole, postpetiole and gaster. Abundant short hairs (less than 0.07 mm), nearly appressed, on all body dorsum, few on propodeum. Row of very short anterior clypeal hairs, medial longest and conspicuous. All body light brown, hairs whitish.

Queen
Fernández (2007) - HW 0.88 HL 0.75 SL 0.50 WL 1.48 GL 1.45 TL 4.58 CI 117 SI 57.

In specimen observed, both antennae with 9 segments. Smaller and paler than typical Allomerus queens. Eyes very large, filling most of head in lateral view. Most of anterior part of head, especially between eyes and frontal carinae with fi ne longitudinal rugulae, as well as posterior part of mesoscutum and all of scutellum. Sides of propodeum, below propodeal spiracle, with longitudinal rugulae. Eyes and ocelli black, contrasting sharply with the yellowish, pale body. Hairs golden.