Stenamma heathi

This species is known from a few collections. The only information beyond what is given in the description, and subsequent revision, comes from a litter sifting sample by Phil Ward (casent0005815): collected from leaf litter in a Sequoiadendron grove.

Identification
This is one of the more distinctive western Stenamma, most readily recognized by the peculiar sculpturation of the first tergite. Very nearly the entire segment is shagreened and finely, densely punctulate. Over the basal third of the segment extend a variable number of fine longitudinal rugulae which tend to form a reticulate pattern in some specimens. Finally, scattered over the entire segment are numerous coarse punctures, from each of which arises a long, coarse hair. The overall effect is very peculiar and is shared, in North American species, only with Stenamma xasperatum. Other western species, such as Stenamma californicum, Stenamma dyscheres and Stenamma punctatoventre have sculptured first tergites, but in these species the sculpturation consists of fine, dense punctulation and is restricted to the basal third, or less; fine longitudinal basal striae may be present or not. These species wholly lack the conspicuous coarse, piligerous punctures.

Snelling 1973

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Range
Mexico and USA.

Smith 1957: California and Nevada. In addition to the type locality this species is known from the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks of California and from Washoe County, Nevada.

As reported in Snelling 1973: Sierra San Pedro Martir, Baja California, Mexico (col. W.S. Creighton).

Nomenclature

 *  heathi. Stenamma brevicorne subsp. heathi Wheeler, W.M. 1915b: 410 (w.) U.S.A. Snelling, R.R. 1973c: 31 (q.). Raised to species: Creighton, 1950a: 137. See also: Smith, M.R. 1957b: 154.

Type Material
MCZ and AMNH. As per Creighton (1950).

Type Locality Information
Kings River Canyon, California.

Etymology
Patronym. The type specimens were collected by Professor Harold Heath.

Additional References

 * Snelling, R. R. 1973. Studies on California ants. 7. The genus Stenamma (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Contributions in Science (Los Angeles). 245:1-38.
 * Wheeler, W. M. 1915. Some additions to the North American ant-fauna. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 34:389-421.