Pseudomyrmex vitabilis

Only known from the holotype queen.

Identification
Ward (1999) - This curious species (known only from the queen) has features that suggest an exaggerated version of Pseudomyrmex viduus. The head is even more elongate (CI 0.56 compared to 0.60–0.67 in P. viduus queens), with a greater REL2 index (0.68 compared to 0.56–0.61) and smaller size (HW 0.71 and LHT 0.76 compared to HW 0.86–0.96 and LHT 0.81–0.94). The queens of all other species in the viduus group differ from P. viduus in the opposite directions to those listed above. Features in common between P. vitabilis and P. viduus include the elongate head, closely contiguous frontal carinae, broad profemur and petiole shape.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia.

Castes
Workers and males have not been collected.

Nomenclature

 *  vitabilis. Pseudomyrmex vitabilis Ward, 1999b: 514, fig. 38 (q.) COLOMBIA.

Queen
Holotype queen measurements. HL 1.26, HW 0.71, MFC 0.042, LHT 0.76, CI 0.56, REL 0.38, REL2 0.68, FCI 0.06, SI 0.50, FLI 1.64, FI 0.46, PLI 0.61, PWI 0.61, PPWI 1.31.

A small species for the viduus group (see measurements above). Palp formula 5,3. Median clypeal lobe anterolaterally rounded, weakly angulate medially. Frontal carinae separated by more than basal scape width anteriorly (ASM 0.0096, PFC 0.075), strongly converging posteriorly (MFC 0.042). Median lobe of antennal sclerite relatively well exposed (PFC/ASD 0.51, FCI2 0.29). Scape short (SI2 0.73), expanded distally; funiculus short, also expanded apically, the terminal segment about 1.7 times the width of the first segment; funicular segments 2–10 broader than long. Head very elongate (CI 0.56), the sides subparallel, rounding into distinctly concave posterior margin. Mesosoma dorsum elongate and flattened; dorsal face of propodeum about 1.5 times longer than the declivitous face, and meeting the latter at a well rounded angle. Metapleural gland bulla well-developed and conspicuous. Profemur broad (FI 0.46) and legs relatively short, LHT/HL 0.60. Petiole low and elongate, lacking a clearly differentiated anterior peduncle, gently sloping anterodorsal face rounding gradually into steeper posterior face. Summit of node well behind the midpoint of the petiole (NI 0.63). Anteroventral petiolar process developed as a stout triangular tooth. In dorsal view, the minimum (anterior) width of petiole about half the maximum width (PWI3 0.53). Postpetiole notably broader than long, not strongly protruding ventrally; anteroventral process of postpetiole well developed. Mandible sublucid, with scattered elongate punctures and poorly-defined overlying striolation. Dorsum of head punctate; punctures on the anterior half of head dense, evenly spaced, mostly 0.010–0.015mm in diameter, and separated by about their diameters or less, except for a median strip where they are less dense and accompanied by larger elongate punctures; punctures on upper half of head becoming much less dense and more unevenly spaced, separated by many diameters, the interspaces smooth and shiny. Venter of head densely punctate throughout. Mesosoma smooth and shining, with numerous punctures (separated by one to several diameters), grading into a coarser imbricate-punctulate sculpture on the lower mesopleuron and parts of the metapleuron. Petiole, postpetiole and gaster sublucid, the reflectance dulled (especially on the gaster) by very fine punctulae and associated appressed pubescence. Standing pilosity common (MSC about 38, HTC 8–9); suberect and subdecumbent hairs conspicuous on the posterior margin of head (frontal view) but essentially absent along the sides. Appressed pubescence well developed, most conspicuous on the postpetiole and gastric tergites; appressed hairs on abdominal tergite IV separated by much less than their lengths. Light orange-brown to medium-brown in colour, the appendages lighter and the gaster a darker brown.

Type Material
Holotype queen. COLOMBIA, Amazonas: PNN Hamaca-Yacu, Cano Mata-Mata, iii. 1988, Malaise trap, (P. Kelsey). 1 alate queen.