Procryptocerus goeldii

This species is very similar to Procryptocerus hylaeus. The discovery of sympatric populations of the two forms in Agudos, Sao Paulo, led Kempf to consider them distinct species (Kempf, 1964b). We have examined additional material and the sum of these records showsthat P. goeldii and P. hylaeus are potentially sympatric over much of P. goeldii’s range. Further research may reveal whether there are habitat preferences or other aspects of natural history that distinguish the two species. (Longino and Snelling 2002)

Identification
Longino and Snelling (2002) - This species is very similar to Procryptocerus hylaeus. In all the material we have examined, the anterodorsal face of the petiole is smooth and shining in P. goeldii, transversely striate in P. hylaeus. This character appears to be consistent in these species, even though it is variable in other species of Procryptocerus. Other characters that distinguish P. goeldii from P. hylaeus relate to vertex sculpture and pilosity. Procryptocerus goeldii usually has transverse striae on the vertex, underlain with microareolate sculpture, which gives a somewhat granular appearance. Sometimes the striae are longitudinally oriented medially. Procryptocerus hylaeus often has the vertex nearly smooth, with a few short longitudinal striae medially, and the interspaces smooth and shining. Procryptocerus goeldii has very short, sparse, stiff setae on the face, mesosomal dorsum, and first gastral tergite. These setae are relatively longer, thinner, and more abundant on P. hylaeus.

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

Nomenclature

 *  goeldii. Procryptocerus goeldii Forel, 1899c: 45 (footnote) (w.) BRAZIL. Forel, 1907a: 12 (q.); Kempf, 1951: 48 (m.). See also: Longino & Snelling, 2002: 15.

Type Material
Longino and Snelling (2002) - Syntype workers: Brazil, State of Santa Catarina, Blumenau (Moller) (one worker examined, here designated lectotype); Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, foot of Mt. Corcovado (Goldi) [MHNG] (one worker examined).

At MHNG a single Moller specimen was placed under P. goeldii and a single Goldi specimen under P. hylaeus. The latter bore a Kempf ‘‘Holotype’’ label. This must be a labeling error and misplacement. Both specimens are the syntypes of goeldii, and Kempf did not designate a lectotype for P. goeldii.