Leptanilloides biconstrictus

Identification
Key to Leptanilloides

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Bolivia.

Nomenclature

 *  biconstricta. Leptanilloides biconstricta Mann, 1923: 14, fig. 1 (w.) BOLIVIA. See also: Borgmeier, 1955: 653; Brandão, Diniz, Agosti & Delabie, 1999: 23.

Worker
Brandão et al. (1999) - Paralectotype (MZUSP) (in mm): HL 0.49, HW 0.28, SL 0.15, WL 0.54, CI 57, SI 55, SRI 76.

The combination of the following characters distinguishes L. biconstricta from all other species in the genus: postpetiole in profile nearly as deep dorsoventrally as first gastral segment, head sculpture fine with c. 15 shallow foveolae covering a transverse straight line at head midlength, and the flange over the metapleural gland opening sharply pointed posteriorly. Other relevant characters include: petiole is longer than the postpetiole and the ventral process of the petiole does not have a posterior angle. In relation to the venom apparatus, the spiracular plate median connection anterior margin is straight (Fig. 55); the quadrate plate antero-dorsal corner bears a long projection and has the apex acute; the anal plate is longer than wide and weakly sclerotized with 6 sensillae; the oblong plate (Fig. 57) has the postincision directed towards the dorsal margin, although it does not touch it and the ventral arm of the apodema is reduced; the fulcral arm is relatively small and in the shape of a rounded tubercle; the gonostylus presents approximately 80 small sensillae; the furcula is convex, with long lateral arms; the sting bulb base is rounded (Fig. 59), with the basal ridge slightly larger than the width of the furcula, the anterolateral process long and anterior to the articular process and the short articular process in the basal region of the sting bulb.

Type Material
Brandão et al. (1999) - Lectotype worker, BOLIVIA, Beni, Tumupasa, W. M. Mann, NMNH type 25705 (examined, designated here). Worker paralectotypes, NMNH, four worker paralectotypes ( type 20289); two paralectotypes (MZUSP, one dissected, preserved on glass slide), all same series as lectotype (examined).

W. M. Mann travelled along the Beni River in Bolivia as a member of the Mulford Biological Expedition, between 1921 and 1922. Other ant species collected at the type locality of Leptanilloides biconstricta (Tumupasa), deposited at the MZUSP (Megalomyrmex balzani, see Brandao, 1990) bear a label saying ‘Dec.’, so the date of the collection may be December of 1921.

Additional References

 * Brandão, C. R. F.; Diniz, J. L. M.; Agosti, D.; Delabie, J. H. C. 1999. Revision of the Neotropical ant subfamily Leptanilloidinae. Syst. Entomol. 24: 17-36