Strumigenys cultrigera

Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the mandibularis complex in the Strumigenys mandibularis-group. The mandibular lamella renders this species immediately recognisable within the group. A similar but less strongly defined carina occurs in the  tococae  group but in those species there are two intercalary denticles at the mandibular apex, the propodeum is sharply armed and the distal preapical tooth is closer to the apicodorsal tooth than to the proximal preapical tooth.

Brown (1957a, 1962b) associated cultrigera with Strumigenys deltisquama because of the similar dentition and form of mandible. However, as deltisquama has such a differently shaped head, has pilosity that is very different from any member of the mandibularis-group, and lacks ventral spongiform tissue on the petiole, the presence of a mandibular lamella probably represents a convergent development, as it undoubtedly does in the tococae-group.

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

Nomenclature

 *  cultrigera. Strumigenys cultriger Mayr, 1887: 571 (w.) BRAZIL. See also: Brown, 1957c: 97; Bolton, 2000: 532.

Worker
Bolton (2000) - TL 3.1-3.7, HL 0.78-0.85, HW 0.59-0.65, CI 75-79, ML 0.40-0.51, MI 52-60, SL 0.56-0.63, SI 90-102, PW 0.40-0.54, AL 0.82-0.90 (5 measured).

Characters of mandibularis-complex. Inner margin of mandible with a cuticular lamella that arises immediately behind the proximal preapical tooth and extends to the mandible base; lamella not as tall as proximal preapical tooth and truncated at its distal end. Distal preapical tooth closer to proximal than to apicodorsal tooth. Propodeum virtually unarmed, at most with a denticle; base of declivity without a triangular lobe. Petiole node in dorsal view slightly longer than broad; both waist segments with short curved spatulate hairs. First gastral tergite with fine short simple pilosity that is quite dense on the basal half and is inclined posteriorly; almost reclinate in some individuals.

Type Material
Syntype workers, BRAZIL: Santa Catarina (Hetshko) [examined].