Pseudomyrmex curacaensis

Nests in dead twigs and branches of a variety of trees.

Identification
Ward (1989) - The key characteristics of P. curacaensis are its relatively large size, sublucid-punctate head, and relatively sharp lateral margination of the petiole (such that, in dorsal view, the maximum width of the petiole occurs at, rather than below, the dorsolateral margination). In lateral view, the petiolar node presents a rounded profile, typical of the P. oculatus group, P. curacaensis is very closely related to the Central American species, Pseudomyrmex cretus; for distinguishing features see the description for this species, the keys to workers and queens, and the discussion under P. cretus. At the lower end of its size range (worker HW 0.74-0.79), P. curacaensis may be confused with Pseudomyrmex cubaensis (s.l.); the most useful distinguishing characters are the marginate petiole, more markedly concave occipital margin, and the more elongate funicular segments, of P. curacaensis. The infuscated patch around the ocelli also tends to be characteristic, but it is not invariably present. Finally, P. curacaensis tends to have a less elongate head, and a more slender fore femur, than P. cubaensis.

Distribution
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadelupe, Guyana, Panama, Peru, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Venezuela

This taxon was described from Surinam.

Biology
Ward (1989) - I have encountered this species in a broad range of habitats, from tropical thorn forest and roadside vegetation to primary and second-growth rain forest. Nest-site records include dead twigs or branches of Prosopis juliflora, Gliricidia sepium, Triplaris sp., Pilosocereus lanuginosus, and unidentified bombacaceous and leguminous trees.

Nomenclature

 *  curacaensis. Pseudomyrma dolichopsis var. curacaensis Forel, 1912g: 23 (w.) SURINAM. Combination in Pseudomyrmex: Kempf, 1961a: 379. Raised to species: Kempf, 1961a: 379 (misspelled as curacaoensis).

Ward (1989) - It is curious that this species, one of the more common members of the P. oculatus group, has been unrecognized since its original description. Kempf (1961) raised P. curacaensis to species without being able to identify any material referable to it. In collections I have often found specimens of P. curacaensis misidentified as P. oculatus, to which they bear only a superficial resemblance, having a very different petiole shape and head sculpture.

Worker
Ward (1989) - measurements (n=37). —HL 0.85-1.21, HW 0.74-0.89, MFC 0.014-0.037, CI 0.70-0.88, OI 0.53-0.59, REL 0.51-0.58, REL2 0.64-0.77, OOI (-0.04)-0.47, VI 0.74-0.86, FCI 0.018-0.044, SI 0.44-0.49, SI2 0.60-0.74, FI 0.42-0.49, POI 1.09-1.60, MPI 0.030-0.059, NI 0.56-0.69, PLI 0.71-0.89, PWI 0.59-0.78, PPWI 1.15-1.64.

Worker diagnosis. —Similar to Pseudomyrmex cretus (q.v.); averaging smaller in size (HW 0.74-0.89), with longer head, shorter scapes, and longer eyes (S12 0.60-0.74; REL2 0.64-0.77); occipital margin varying from flat to (frequently) rather conspicuously concave, in full-face frontal view; funicular segments II and III about as long as broad, or nearly so (FLI 1 .55-2.04, n=6). Propodeum and petiole similar to that of P. cretus, except correspondingly more slender in smaller individuals. Sculpture, pilosity, and pubescence more or less as in P. cretus. Color variable: typically medium to dark brown, with lighter appendages, and a darker infuscated patch on the upper third of the head, including the ocelli; some populations (e.g., northern Colombia, Curacao) have workers which are lighter orange-brown in color, with contrasting dark brown hind femur, postpetiole, and gaster.

Type Material
Ward (1989) - Two syntype workers, Curacao (Bugnion) [Examined]. One syntype here designated LECTOTYPE.