Thaumatomyrmex mandibularis

This rarely encountered ant is known only from Cuba. It is a specialist predator of polyxenid millipedes and forms very small colonies. It has been collected from leaf litter samples.

Identification
Head and mesosoma strongly sculptured. Head broader than long.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Cuba.

Nomenclature

 *  mandibularis. Thaumatomyrmex mandibularis Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2003a: 273, figs. 4, 5 (w.) CUBA.

Type Material
Holotype and paratype: Cuba: Santiago Province; Gran Piedra, Met. Radar, 6 XII 1995, 1100 meters, elfin forest, forest litter, Stewart Peck.

Etymology
This species is named for its long mandibles, longest among Cuban Thaumatomyrmex.