Leptanilloides caracola

The lone type was collected in a pitfall trap in second growth forest (I. G. Tapia, pers. com.).

Identification
A member of the Leptanilloides biconstricta species-group. Donoso et al. (2006) - This species can be recognized by its minute size, light brown color, absence of genal teeth and large postpetiole.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Ecuador.

Nomenclature

 *  caracola. Leptanilloides caracola Donoso, Vieira & Wild, 2006: 56, figs. 5, 6 (w.) ECUADOR.

Worker
Head elongate and subquadrate (CI 78), slightly wider anteriorly. Lateral margins of head nearly straight and parallel. Posterior corners rounded and posterior border slightly concave. Clypeus short with anterior border straight, lamella apron triangular. Frontal carina very short, fused between the antenna, separated anteriorly and bordering the antennal fossa. Gena without blunt teeth. Mandibles short, masticatory margin edentate, with distinct basal and apical portions separated by a rounded angle. Eyes absent. Antenna stout, 12 segmented. Scape short and clavate, extending about 3/8 the distance to occipital borders. Funiculus moderately narrow. First funicular joint rounded, broader and longer than the second. Antennal joints submoniliform, gradually increasing in size toward apex but not forming an antennal club.

Mesosoma long, slender and flattened. Pronotum conspicuous, with a flexible promesonotal suture. Metanotal groove obsolete. Sides of mesonotum sclerotized. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal declivity very short and rounding into the dorsal face. Propodeal spiracle round, situated in the middle of the sclerite. Metapleural gland flanges conspicuous, translucent and posteriorly rounded.

Petiole distinct. Petiole smaller than postpetiole in dorsal view. Petiole very slightly narrowed from front to rear and with straight sides. Postpetiole more narrowed from front to rear. In profile, petiolar tergite with two dorsal portions. Anterior portion large and concave and posterior portion convex. Postpetiole in profile with dorsal edge rounded. Antero-ventral portion of the petiolar sternite with a deep and rounded process. Postpetiole without anteroventral process. Petiolar and postpetiolar spiracle not easily seen.

Metasoma long and slender. Abdominal segments 4–6 subequal in length in dorsal view and separated by strong constrictions. Pygidium concealed by the preceding segment and U-shaped.

Tibia enlarged apically. Tibial spur of foreleg long and pectinate. Metatibial gland absent. Claws simple.

Body color shining light yellowish brown. Head with abundant punctures. Mesosoma and abdomen more finely and sparsely punctate. Head, body and appendages with abundant, rather coarse, short and erect, brownish hairs.

(Only holotype measured): HL 0.40; HW 0.31; SL 0.18; FL 0.22; LHT 0.24; WL 0.47; PL 0.12; PPL 0.16; CI 78; SI 58.

Type Material
Holotype worker deposited at. Type locality: Ecuador, Cotopaxi Province, Bosque Integral Otonga, 2200m, 78°0.95’W; 00°0.32’S, 04-Abr-1997, EX: D3, I. G. Tapia & P. Ponce Leg. Only one specimen examined.

Etymology
Name in reference to a popular character in local folklore. Noun in apposition.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Delsinne T., G. Sonet, and D. A. Donoso. 2015. Two new species of Leptanilloides Mann, 1823 (Formicidae: Dorylinae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador. European Journal of Taxonomy 143: 1–35.