Octostruma batesi

Identification
Octostruma batesi is very similar to the widespread Octostruma betschi of the Amazonian lowlands, the latter differing in the presence of appressed spatulate setae on the scape and a somewhat more concave face. Octostruma batesi, O. betschi, and Octostruma stenognatha are all similar in size and head shape and possibly form a clade. Although geographic coverage is poor, the known specimens form an allopatric or parapatric replacement series in South America. However, the provenance of the holotype of O. batesi is uncertain. The type locality, in the original publication and on the specimen, is simply "Amazonas." (Longino 2013)

Key to Octostruma workers

Distribution
Brazil (Amazonas), Ecuador, Bolivia. (Longino 2013)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname.

Nomenclature

 *  batesi. Rhopalothrix batesi Emery, 1894c: 218, pl. 1, fig. 11 (w.) BRAZIL. Combination in Octostruma: Brown, 1949f: 92. See also: Brown & Kempf, 1960: 201; Hölldobler & Wilson, 1986: 17.

Longino (2013) - The holotype of O. batesi closely matches three collections I have examined, two from the Andean foothills in Ecuador and one from the Andean foothills in Bolivia. The type is slightly larger than any of the other specimens. Brown and Kempf (1960) examined the holotype and provided measurements HW 0.71, HL 0.64, WL 0.78, CI 111. Measurements of the holotype using the AntWeb image were smaller: HW 0.65, HL 0.59, CI 110. Measurements for one worker each from the three MCZ collections are HW 0.53–0.60, HL 0.50–0.55, CI 107–111.

Type Material
Longino (2013) - Holotype worker: Brazil, Amazonas (AntWeb image examined, CASENT0904968).