Alfaria bufonis

Identification
Mann (1926) - Gnamptogenys simulans the nearest species, differs in its shorter and stouter antennal scapes, in the entire absence of an impression between meso- and epinotum, in its larger size and lighter color.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Nomenclature

 *  bufonis. Alfaria bufonis Mann, 1926: 101 (w.) MEXICO. Combination in Gnamptogenys: Brown, 1958g: 227.

Worker
Length 5 mm.

Head one fourth longer than broad, as broad behind as in front, sides feebly convex, occipital corners broadly rounded, border shallowly concave. Clypeus slightly convex, broadly rounded at anterior border. Frontal area very distinct, the surface immediately in front strongly, transversely impressed. Antennal scapes slender basally, clavate toward apex, surpassing occipital corners by a distance nearly equal to their width at tip. Eyes small, round, convex, situated at middle of sides of head. Promesonotum widest in front of middle, sides very feebly rounded, surface slightly convex; inferior corners obtusely angulate. Epinotum separated from mesonotum by a distinct though narrow transverse groove, its basal surface on a lower plane than the mesonotum, as long as the declivity, broadened behind; slightly convex in profile. Petiolar node in profile longer than high, convex above, with a sloping anterior face; from above longer than broad, with sides rounded behind and nearly straight in front. Gaster similar to that of Gnamptogenys simulans Emery.

Subopaque. Head, thorax and abdomen with coarse, irregular punctures, approximate and with the surface between appearing as a reticulum on the head and especially the pronotum, less approximate on dorsal surface of petiole and abdomen and widely separated on metapleurre, the entire surface with a silk-like sheen; front of head at middle with a subtlely striate area; frontal lobes and mandibles rather coarsely striate; antennal scapes and legs with distinct, separated shallow punctures and dense microscopic striolae.

Fine and silky, yellowish hairs moderately abundant on head, body and appendages.

Dark brown to black, with a red-brown tinge, mandibles and appendages lighter.

Type Material
Choapam, Oaxaca, Mexico. Cat. No. 29047 U. S. N. M. Described from a single worker taken from the stomach of a toad (Bufo valliceps Weig., U. S. N. M. 46967) collected by Nelson and Goldman, July 28, 1894. The type lacks the antennal funiculi and portions of the legs, but is otherwise in good condition, with the pilosity well preserved.