Solenopsis oculata

Identification
Pacheco and Mackay (2013) – Worker - This is a small, dark brown species with a head that is longer than wide with very fine punctures. The eyes are large, with approximately 30-35 ommatidia. Antennal segment 10 is relatively long at 0.240 mm in length. Both the anterior and posterior faces of the petiole are nearly vertical and converge to form a rounded, although somewhat triangular node. Unlike other species of this complex, this species lacks a tooth at the subpeduncular process. The postpetiole has a rounded node and is wider than the postpetiole when viewed from above.

This species could be confused with other members of the nigella species subgroup, but may be distinguished by the lack of a tooth on the subpeduncular process, which is well defined in all other members of the nigella subgroup.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Argentina.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  oculata. Solenopsis (Diplorhoptrum) angulata st. oculatus Santschi, 1925e: 161 (w.) ARGENTINA. Combination in S. (Euophthalma): Creighton, 1930b: 133. Raised to species: Creighton, 1930b: 133.

Worker
Pacheco and Mackay (2013) - Measurements (n=5). TL 1.80-2.04 (1.88); HL 0.520-0.552 (0.534); HW 0.432-0.456 (0.444); EL 0.108-0.120 (0.118); ED 0.078-0.084 (0.079); SL 0.390-0.438 (0.413); FSL 0.192-0.198 (0.194); CI 81.8-86.5 (83.2); SI 73.9-80.8 (77.4); PL 0.102; PW 0.120; PI 85.0; PPL 0.126-0.132 (0.127); PPW 0.162-0.174 (0.169); PPI 72.4-77.8 (75.2); WL 0.390-0.420 (0.409); PSL 0.024-0.030 (0.029); PSW 0.024-0.030 (0.029).

Small, concolorous dark brown; head quadrate, longer than wide, with fine cephalic punctures; eyes large with approximately 30-35 ommatidia; clypeal carinae well developed, extend into well-developed lateral teeth, extralateral teeth rounded; scapes long but do not reach posterior lateral corner of head; notopropodeal suture well depressed, groove breaks sculpture of mesosoma; horizontal striae present on mesopleuron as well as metapleuron; propodeal margin angled, propodeal spiracle small; petiole barely wider than postpetiole in profile, anterior and posterior faces of petiole subvertical, converge to form rounded triangular node, peduncle lacking tooth; postpetiole rounded node, wider than postpetiole when viewed dorsally.

Little pilosity present; sparse sub erect hairs present throughout body surfaces.

Additional References

 * [[Media:Pacheco, J.A. & Mackay, W.P. 2013. The systematics and biology of the New World thief ants of the genus Solenopsis.pdf|Pacheco, J.A. & Mackay, W.P. 2013. The systematics and biology of the New World thief ants of the genus Solenopsis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Edwin Mellen Press, Lewiston, New York. 501 pp.]]