Adelomyrmex cristiani

The types were collected from Berlese samples.

Identification
This is one of the smaller species of the genus. It can be recognized by short clypeal setae, small and poorly-faceted eyes, evenly curved mesosoma, broad propodeal angulation, petiole higher than postpetiole, and first gastric tergite with several dark punctures. (Fernández 2003)

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

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  cristiani. Adelomyrmex cristiani Fernández, 2003b: 16, figs. 36, 75 (w.) COLOMBIA.

Longino (2012) - The holotype of A. cristiani came from a series of Berlese samples from the Tatamá elevational transect studied by van der Hammen et al. (van der Hammen & Ward 2005). I examined three additional workers provided by P. S. Ward. Two were from two additional sites on the Tatamá transect (TATA206 and TATA212, at 1540 m and 1950 m elevation, respectively), and one was from a wet forest site in Pichincha Province, Ecuador, at 1500 m (PSW11503.9). The specimens showed discordant character variation. The Ecuador and TAT212 specimens have similar mandibular dentition: there are three main apical teeth, two or three small denticles, and a broad triangular tooth that is near the basal tooth. Thus, these specimens exhibit the character of the Central American species Adelomyrmex dentivagans, Adelomyrmex mackayi, Adelomyrmex nortenyo, and Adelomyrmex quetzal. The mandibles on TAT206 are difficult to observe, but one partially open mandible appears to have a more typical dentition, lacking the large triangular tooth on the basal margin. The Ecuador and TAT206 specimens have the petiolar node smooth and shiny; the TAT212 specimen has the node irregularly rugose.

Worker
Holotype. HL 0.50 HW 0.44 SL 0.23 EL 0.04 WL 0.39 GL 0.60 TL 1.87 CI 88 SI 52.

Mandibles with 5 teeth decreasing in size from the apical teeth. Clypeal median seta short. Dorsum of clypeal plate with two curved ridges prolongued into frontal carinae. Lateral clypeal teeth very small. The last antennal flagellomere much broader than long, their length more or less as flagellomeres 2 to 10. Eyes small, with approximately 6 ommatidia. Hypostomal tooth very small, but visible. Mesosomal dorsum evenly arched, metanotal groove broad and shallow. Propodeum with sharp angulation instead of spines. Propodeal lobes slightly angulated. Petiole high in profile, more high than postpetiole, with anterior face evenly meeting the rounded dorsal face, then to inclined posterior face. Head and promesonotum longitudinally rugulose, rugulae on mesonotum more coarse; short dorsal propodeal face irregularly rugulated; propodeal declivity transversely rugulated between propodeal spines. Gaster smooth and shining with numerous dark punctures. Few long hairs on clypeus, frontal carinae and occipital borders; several suberect hairs on mesosomal dorsum, several long and flexuous hairs on petiole, postpetiole and gaster. Body light brown, legs and antennae paler.

Type Material
Holotype worker: COLOMBIA: Cordillera Occidental, transecto Tatamá, 1650m, 1983, Th. van der Hammen et al., TAT 205. Deposited in.

Etymology
This species is named in honor of Dr. Cristián T. Samper K., general director of Instituto Humboldt from its creation in 1995 through 2001, for his friendship and strong support of insect surveys and collection in the Institute. Many of the goals in entomological research here have been set with the assistance and unfailing support of Cristián