Thaumatomyrmex ferox

Identification
Key to Thaumatomyrmex

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Venezuela.

Biology
The type specimens were taken with one larva and one pupa in a depression in a half rotten log near a stream in the forest.

Castes
Winged queen is described by Vasquez et al. (2010). Gamergates reproduce as well in this species (Jahyny et al. 2002).

Nomenclature

 *  ferox. Thaumatomyrmex ferox Mann, 1922: 3, fig. 1 (w.) HONDURAS. Vazquez, et al. 2010: 25 (q.). Senior synonym of paludis: Longino, 1988: 38. See also: Kempf, 1975b: 119.

Description
Kempf (1975): lectotype - TL 4.7 mm; HL 0.89 mm; HW 1.13 mm; CI 127; ML 1.20 mm; MI 134; IfW 0.68 mm; IfI 60; SL 0.77 mm; SI 87; WL 1.36 mm; PnW 0.64 mm; HfL 0.97 mm; HfI 86; PW 0.73 mm. Resembling zeteki in color, sculpture and pilosity, but presenting the following differences:

Head trapezoidal, much broader than long with anteriorly strongly diverging and stalked genae and mandibular acetabula; sides of head strongly receding toward occiput behind eyes; greatest head length between two parallels drawn through the anteriormost point of mandibular acetabula and the posteriormost point of dorsally visible occipital carina; greatest width of head still at level of eyes, the latter included. Mandibles (Fig. 34) without a small tooth at base of proximal spines which cross each other slightly when mandibles are closed and pressed against the clypeus; intermediate spines somewhat sinuous, half as long as apical spines; the latter in closed position of mandibles projecting laterad much beyond genae and even beyond the outermost point of eyes. Frontal lobes with an anterior slightly set off pointed projection. Eyes larger, their maximum diameter much longer than genae, subequal to one third of head length, with about 12 facets in a row across the greatest diameter. Antennal scapes relatively longer and more delicate, funicular segments II-VI nearly as long as broad. Thorax in general similar to that of zeteki, larger, and with propodeum more broadly rounded at junction of basal face with declivous face. Sides of the latter with only one seta (the other, the lower of the pair, perhaps rubbed off?). Petiolar node similar yet proportionately narrower. Gaster, as seen in profile, not forming a subacute angle between anterior and dorsal face of tergum I.

As Thaumatomyrmex zeteki, this species has a distinct and impressed metanotal groove, and the inferior propodeal ridges, flanking the declivous face, are well-developed. Propodeal spiracle in the same position and equally raised as in zeteki.

Type Material
Kempf (1975) - HONDURAS: San Juan Pueblo, February-March 1920. W. M. Mann leg. 2 females (syntypes; lectotype:, paralectotype: ); lectotype examined.