Adelomyrmex foveolatus

This species occurs in lowland rainforest leaf litter. It is still known only from the type locality and vicinity, where it is extremely rare. At La Selva Biological Station it is known from six Winkler samples of sifted litter (less than 1% of similar samples), each with one to three individuals. An additional specimen was collected at 500 m elevation on the slopes of Volcan Barva above La Selva. (Longino 2012)

Identification
The foveae on the head are notable and scattered, which distinguishes this species from the others in the genus. These foveae are mixed with longitudinal strigulations in the central part of the head. (Fernández 2003)

Key to Adelomyrmex of the New World mainland

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

Nomenclature

 *  foveolatus. Adelomyrmex foveolatus Fernández, in Fernández & Mackay, 2003: 599, figs. 8A,B (w.q.) COSTA RICA. See also: Fernández, 2003b: 17.

Worker
Mandibles with 5 teeth, the apical larger than the subapical. The angle between basal tooth of masticatory border and tooth of basal border well developed. Anterior margin of clypeal plate slightly concave. Eye with 8 ommatidia. Hypostomal tooth small. Mesosoma evenly convex interrupted only by the deep metanotal groove. Propodeal spines about as long as wide. Petiole rounded above. Head smooth and shining with widely spaced foveae, medial area with about 9 longitudinal rugulae. Most of promesonotum smooth and shining. Posterior face of propodeum with several transverse carinae. Most of petiole and postpetiole smooth and shining. Dorsal pilosity moderately long, dense. Body reddish-brown.

Queen
Similar to worker but with the typical queen myrmicine traits. The anterior ocelli more deep impressed into the tegument than others. Propodeal sides and mesopleura with longitudinal striation. Mesonotum/metanotum smooth and shining with slight striation. Propodeal teeth stout.