Strumigenys auctidens

Identification
Bolton (2000) - Within the entire gundlachi-group the dentition of auctidens is unique and immediately diagnostic. Within the gundlachi group crassicornis-complex auctidens is closest related to Strumigenys zeteki and Strumigenys stenotes. All three have narrow flattened heads (CI 66-71; maximum depth of head capsule in profile 0.35-0.41 X HL) and a flattened pronotum that is bluntly marginate laterally. For general description of head, body and pilosity see under diagnosis of species-complex and under zeteki.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Costa Rica, French Guiana.

Nomenclature

 *  auctidens. Pyramica auctidens Bolton, 2000: 179, fig. 130 (w.) FRENCH GUIANA. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 116

Worker
HOLOTYPE. TL 1.8, HL 0.52, HW 0.36, CI 69, ML 0.18, MI 35, SL 0.19, SI 53, PW 0.27, AL 0.50. Characters of crassicomis-complex. Proximal to apicodorsal mandibular tooth is a series of 4 - 5 minute denticles. These are followed, close to one-third the distance from apex, by an obviously larger tooth (the submedian, shifted somewhat distally in this species). Proximal to this tooth is a series of 3 - 4 denticles that terminate, at about the basal third, in a second enlarged tooth that is as large as the submedian. Proximal to this tooth the basal third of the margin is edentate. Outer margin of mandible concave through the middle third of its length. Apex of mandible with 4 minute intercalary denticles between apicodorsal and apicoventral teeth. Head strongly dorsoventrally flattened; in profile the maximum vertical distance between highest and lowest point of head capsule is only about 0.35 X HL. Ventral spongiform lobe of postpetiole minute.

PARATYPE. TL 1.7-1.8, HL 0. 50, HW 0.34, CI 68, ML 0.16-0.18, MI 33-36, SL 0.17-0.18, SI 50-53, PW 0.24-0.25, AL 0.46-0.48 (2 measured).

Type Material
Holotype worker, French Guiana: Paracou, xi. 1996 (P.M. Hammond)

Paratypes. 2 workers with same data as holotype (BMNH, ).

Additional References

 * Baroni Urbani, C. & De Andrade, M.L. 2007. The ant tribe Dacetini: limits and constituent genera, with descriptions of new species. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale “G. Doria” 99: 1-191.