Strumigenys arizonica

The type specimens were taken under a stone shared with a Trachymyrmex colony on a steep hillside in pinyon pine woodland (A. Mintzer, pers. comm.; as reported in Ward 1988). Subsequent collections have all been made from within the nests of the fungus-growing Trachymyrmex arizonensis. The attine fungus garden requires a moist microenvironment. This likely attracts Collembola (springtails), which in turn are fed upon by Strumigenys arizonica.

Identification
A member of the Strumigenys rostrata-group. Details about similar species, and how to separate members of the North American species of this group, are given in the identification section of Strumigenys rostrata.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States.



Nomenclature

 *  arizonica. Smithistruma arizonica Ward, 1988: 121 (w.m.) U.S.A. Combination in Pyramica: Bolton, 1999: 1673; in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 115. See also: Bolton, 2000: 125.

Worker
Bolton (2000) - TL 2.2, HL 0.58-0.64, HW 0.38-0.40, CI 60-67, ML 0.10-0.11, MI 15-19, SL 0.30-0.32, SI 79-83, PW 0.26-0.28, AL 0.59-0.64 (4 measured). Mandible with a minute diastema between basal lamella and basal tooth, diastema conspicuously shorter than length of basal tooth. Eye with 4-5 ommatidia in longest row. In profile maximum depth of ventral spongiform curtain of petiole less than the height of the peduncle. Spongiform appendages of postpetiole relatively small; lateral lobe in profile with its area less than that of the exposed smooth cuticle of the disc. In dorsal view postpetiole disc with sides only very thinly margined by spongiform tissue; maximum width across the spongiform tissue only ca 1.30 times the diameter of the disc. Base of first gastral sternite without distinct spongiform tissue, though a few short hairs may be present. Dorsolateral margin of head without an apicoscrobal hair. Cephalic dorsum behind level of clypeus without standing hairs of any form. Pronotal humeri each with a short fine flagellate hair. Dorsum of mesonotum with a single pair of very short simple erect hairs that are scarcely longer than the ground-pilosity. Standing hairs on first gastral tergite very short and fine, sparse and stubbly. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of middle and hind basitarsi without projecting flagellate hairs.

Type Material
Bolton (2000) - Holotype worker, paratype workers and male, U.S.A.: Arizona, Santa Cruz Co., Madera Canyon, ca 5600 ft, 2.viii.1975 (A. Mintzer) [examined].