Holcoponera andina

Identification
This species is near Gnamptogenys strigata and though the differences are not striking, they seem consistent enough to define a species. G. strigata is smaller (HW 0.74-0.80); WL 1.20-1.34 mm), with relatively larger eyes (OI 0.17-0.20) and shorter scapes (0.70-0.78 mm) and dorsal propodeal face in lateral view is usually depressed below the rest of the mesosomal dorsum. It is probably sympatric with Gnamptogenys andina in part of its range, having been found only 51 km away from the andina type locality. The male of strigata has a median area of rugosity on the mesonotum and totally rugulose propodeum. Individuals of the Ecuadorean sample are slightly larger than the Colombian specimens.(Lattke 1995)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia, Ecuador.

Castes
Queens have not been collected.

Nomenclature

 *  andina. Gnamptogenys andina Lattke, 1995: 156, figs. 39, 40 (w.m.) COLOMBIA.

Worker
Holotype (Paratypes) measurements: HL 1.04 (1.02-1.08); ML 0.40 (0.26-0.36); HW 0.88 (0.82-0.94); SL 0.86 (0.86-0.92); ED 0.12 (0.10-0.14); WL 1.36 (1.36-1.60) mm; CI 0.85 (0.83-0.90); SI 0.98 (0.93-1.10); OI 0.14 (0.11-0.17) n = 7.

Typical striatula group member: Roughly costulate sculpture. Vertexal margin concave in frontal view; clypeal costulae extend slightly onto anterior lamella; mandibles triangular and mostly striate except for smooth and shining lamellate basal corner and margin of chewing border; compound eyes relatively small; in lateral view dorsal propodeal margin not notably depressed below rest of mesosomal dorsum; propodeal spiracle slightly elevated above rest of sculpture and at edge of declivitous surface; petiolar node posteriorly inclined; subpetiolar process subquadrate, typical of strigata subgroup. Longitudinal costulae present on declivitous postpetiolar face. Weak transverse costuiae on postpetiolar ventrum.

Fairly abundant standing hairs on body, but very sparse appressed pubescence. Legs smooth and shining, except for numerous piligerous punctures. Metacoxal dorsum with a well-developed denticle. Body dark brown to black with yellowish legs.

Male
Longitudinal costulae on cephalic dorsum; mandibles triangular and costulate; pronotum smooth and shining with piligerous punctures; pronotum with piligerous punctures; mesonotum mostly smooth and shining except for narrow anterior band of transverse striae; declivitous propodeal face with longitudinal rugulae that do not reach anterior dorsal face; gaster smooth and shining.

Type Material
Holotype worker. Colombia, Valle: Parque Farallones de Cali, El Topacio, 20 km NW Cali, 76°37'N 2 °30'W, 1550 m, 31-XII-1981, J. Lattke No. 220. Deposited in. Paratypes (all from Colombia, Valle): (1). 22 workers from tye same nest series as the holotype. (2) 21 workers, same data as holotype except collection numbers 220, 214, 218. (3). 18 workers, Cali-Buenaventura road, km 21, 15 km NE Cali, 1300-2000 m, 1-X-1975, J. Lattke, leg. (4). 6 workers, CVC station near Pance, 15 km W Cali, 1700 m, 12-XII-1975, J. Lattke, leg.

Etymology
The name alludes to the Andes, a portion of which is inhabited by this species.