Pseudomyrmex alustratus

Little is known about this species and is only known from a small number of specimens.

Identification
Ward (1985) - This species evidently is related closely to Pseudomyrmex elongatus, from which it differs primarily in size (HW > 0.68). The head is even more densely punctate and opaque than in most P. elongatus workers, the basal face of the propodeum tends to be relatively longer (compare PDI values), and the subpetiolar process is perhaps a little better developed than in P. elongatus. The punctate opaque head, elongate eyes (REL2 > 0.76), relatively broad fore femur, and high, rounded petiole (PLI > 0.82), distinguish P. alustratus from Pseudomyrmex cubaensis, the only species with which it overlaps substantially in size.

Distribution
This taxon was described from Peru.

Biology
Ward (1985) - Essentially nothing is known about the biology of P. alustratus. Two workers from Sotileja, Peru were foraging on Ochroma.

Nomenclature

 *  alustratus. Pseudomyrmex alustratus Ward, 1989: 409, fig. 13 (w.q.) PERU.

Worker
Ward (1985) - measurements (n=9). —HL 0.96-1.04, HW 0.69-0.75, MFC 0.0l8-0.024, CI 0.70-0.76, OI 0.55-0.58, REL 0.55-0.58, REL2 0.76-0.80, OOI 0.13-0.53, VI 0.80-0.86, FCI 0.024-0.034, SI 0.45-0.46, SI2 0.58-0.60, FI 0.47-0.53, POI 1.32-1.58, MPI 0.040-0.055, NI 0.59-0.64, PLI 0.83-0.92, PWI 0.63-0.71, PPWI 1.18-1.43.

diagnosis. Medium-sized species (HW 0.69-0.75), with elongate head and eyes (CI 0.70-0.76, REL2 0.76-0.80); sides of head slightly convex, occipital margin weakly concave in full-face view; second and third funicular segments broader than long (FLI 1.49-1.69, n=5). Fore femur relatively broad; metanotal groove of moderate depth but not long; basal face of propodeum flat to slightly convex, not notably raised above level of mesonotum, longer than the declivitous face into which it rounds rather suddenly (the basal and declivitous faces of the propodeum form a distinct obtuse angle in some individuals). Petiolar node relatively short and high, with a conspicuous, rounded subpetiolar process; postpetiole broader than long.

Mandibles striate with scattered punctures. Head and pronotum densely punctate and opaque (weakly sublucid in the centre of the pronotum); remainder of mesosoma punctate or coriarious-imbricate, and subopaque. Petiole, postpetiole, and gaster subopaque to weakly shining, with numerous fine piligerous punctures. Fine erect pilosity and appressed pubescence common over most of the body, including the mesosoma dorsum. Medium brown, apices of appendages (antennae, legs) lighter in color; mandibles pale luteous.

Type Material
Ward (1985) - Holotype worker. PERU, Junin: Chanchamayo, Anashirone River, 16.vii.l 963, C.A. Portocarrero #A47 (Kempf No. 4060). HW 0.73, HL 1 .03, EL 0.59, PL 0.42, PH 0.35.

Paratypes. Five workers, same data as holotype (,, , MZSP). Seven workers, one dealate queen, same locality as holotype, 22.viii.l 963, C.A. Portocarrero #73 (Kempf No. 4072) (, MZSP, ).