Solenopsis quinquecuspis

Available records suggest that it is a common species in Uruguay and probably adjacent regions of southern Brazil and Argentina, that it often occurs sympatricly with other species in the saevissima complex, and that it often occurs on hilly or rocky ground. (Buren 1972)

Identification
Buren (1972) - The name of this species was badly chosen, as many of the major workers in the saevissima complex have five teeth on the clypeus-the two major teeth, a smaller tooth immediately laterad of each of these, and one small median tooth. The color is rather distinct, as this is one of the few species within the complex which lacks a spot or pale area on the first gastric segment. From Solenopsis richteri, quinquecuspis can be distinquished by the strongly convex promesonotum in profile in large workers, by the absence of a posteromedian sunken area on the pronotum, and by the strongly cordate head as well as the distinct color differences.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Argentina, Uruguay.

Nomenclature

 *  quinquecuspis. Solenopsis pylades var. quinquecuspis Forel, 1913l: 224 (w.) ARGENTINA. Subspecies of saevissima: Santschi, 1916e: 379; Creighton, 1930b: 86. Junior synonym of richteri: Wilson, 1952b: 57. Revived from synonymy and raised to species: Buren, 1972: 17. Senior synonym of blumi: Trager, 1991: 185.
 * blumi. Solenopsis blumi Buren, 1972: 20, fig. 5 (w.) URUGUAY. Junior synonym of quinquecuspis: Trager, 1991: 185.

Worker
Buren (1972) - Head length .81 to 1.47 mm; width .66 to 1048 mm. In majors, head length 1.40 to 1.47mm, width 1.36 to 1.48 mm, scape length .97 to 1.06 mm, and thorax length 1.73 to 1.86 mm.

Head shape in large workers rather cordate in shape, with developed occipital lobes and rather strong occipital excision; always broader posteriorly except in small and sometimes in small medium workers. Scapes in full face view not meeting peaks of occipital lobes; in small workers slightly surpassing rear borders. Ocellar pit deep in large workers, but developed ocelli rare. From above pronotal shoulders moderately developed in large workers, smoothly rounded in medium and small workers. Promesonotal suture usually distinct medially in large workers, completely obliterated in medium and small workers. Pro-mesonotum in large workers strongly convex in profile, propodeum with longer base than declivity, base often straight, sometimes weakly convex, in either case at a different angle than the dorsum of the mesonotum. Seen from above, mesonotum nearly always of normal development, even in very large workers, propodeum usually without trace of longitudinal impression. Petiole with very thick, blunt scale, often subtruncate, sometimes with a weak notch posterodorsally. Postpetiole wider than long in large workers, with straight sides which may be slightly concave in medium and small workers. In a few very large workers the postpetiole may be wider in front than behind.

Genae with rough striae in front of eyes, these usually not extending far enough medially to meet with striae near antennal insertions. Punctostriae of meso- and metapleura very fine, often an area on lower mesopleura smooth and shining in large workers. Sides of petiole weakly punctate, front and rear faces smooth and shining. Sides of postpetiole partially or nearly completely covered with very fine, dense punctures. On posterodorsal face, front 1/3 or 1/2 smooth and shining or only weakly shagreened, rear 1/2 or 2/3 transversely punctostriate.

Pilosity of variegated pattern usual in saevissima complex; pilosity arising from moderately well developed punctures on head, many on both dorsal and ventral surfaces elongated shallowly. Pubescence sparse to moderate in density on front of petiole.

Concolorously piceous brown except for gaster which is a deeper, blackish brown. No trace of gastric spot; head colors, with minor exceptions, nearly uniform also.