Megalomyrmex ayri

Identification
Workers from M. goeldii and M. ayri, sp. n., are very similar, but the shape of the clypeus and size clearly separate them. Queens are more di­verse and can be distinguished by the ocelli (only the anterior one is developed in M . goeldii ) and by the given measurements.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil.

Nomenclature

 *  ayri. Megalomyrmex ayri Brandão, 1990: 420, figs. 1, 12, 26, 36 (w.q.) BRAZIL.

Description
Mandibles smooth, clypeus with concave an­terior border between the feeble carinae, that delimit a median depression; promesonotal su­ture impressed dorsally; faces of propodeum meeting in a gentle angle; declivity either smooth or with one rugosity around the foramen; ventral face of petiole with anterior denticle and a longi­ tudinal translucid flange; dorsal margin of petio­lar node slope straight in side view; ventral face of postpetiole with a small globose process. Pilosity: Long hairs (more than .2mm)  all over the body surface; except mandibles,  legs and posterior faces of petiole and postpetiole. Small hairs (ca. .l mm) at mandibles, legs and head. Color: yellowish-brown.
 * Worker

Mandibles finely striate; ocelli equally devel­ oped; notaulus and parapsidal sutures impressed; dorsal face and declivity of propodeum meeting by means of lateral tubercles confining a shallow median depression; postpetiole with laterally produced spiracles and ventral face with rugosi­ ties at its posterior  end. Pilosity: Only long hairs (same as workers) more profuse than in conspecific workers.
 * Queen

The name ayri means small in Tupi, referring to the workers of this species, relatively smaller than M. goeldii workers.
 * Etymology