Octostruma rugifera

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Key to Octostruma workers

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela.

Nomenclature

 *  rugifera. Rhopalothrix rugifer Mayr, 1887: 579 (w.) BRAZIL. Combination in Octostruma: Brown, 1949f: 92. Senior synonym of truncata: Brown & Kempf, 1960: 199.
 * truncata. Rhopalothrix (Octostruma) truncata Forel, 1912e: 196 (q.) BRAZIL. Combination in Octostruma: Brown, 1949f: 92. Junior synonym of rugifera: Brown & Kempf, 1960: 199.

Worker
Brown and Kempf (1960) - TL 2.0-2.5, HL 0,52-0.63, HW 0.51-0.65 (CI 97-109), WL 0.49-0.60 mm. Based on 18 specimens from at least 10 separate collections from all parts of the known range.

Ergatoid female: TL 2.6, HL 0.65, HW 0.69 (CI 106), WL 0.67 mm.

Queen
Brown and Kempf (1960) - TL 2.9-3.1, HL 0.65-0.67, HW 0.67-0.69 (CI 103-105), WL 0.76-0.80 mm.

Very similar to the corresponding castes of Octostruma balzani, but with a distinct arcuate carina stretched across the vertex between the compound eyes. Also the following minor characters:

1. Pilosity, especially the erect hairs, averaging finer and less abundant than in corresponding castes of balzani. Worker with 4-8 erect hairs on head proper, of which the hair behind each eye and the pair on mid-vertex are perhaps the most constant in presence. Alitrunk and petiole normally without erect hairs, postpetiole with a single median pair; first gastric segment with 8-12 hairs, mostly on posterior half. Female with more abundant erect hairs: 14-18 along transverse cephalic carina, and 4-6 behind this on head; about 16 on mesonotum, 1 pair each all both nodes, 30 or more on first gastric tergite.

2. Propodeal dorsum shorter than in balzani, more steeply sloping, ending in shorter teeth.

3. Gaster very slightly less opaquely sculptured than in balzani, owing to narrow but shining interpunctular spaces.

4. Basal tooth of mandible triangular, with narrow, tapering apex.

Type Material
Longino (2013):

Syntype workers: Brazil, Santa Catarina ? (not examined).

Rhopalothrix (Octostruma) truncata Holotype queen: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado (Dr. Arth. Müller) ? (not examined).