Neivamyrmex pauxillus

Because they are rarely encountered, little is known of their habits. Some success has been had locating these minute species using underground baiting. They will likely prove to be subterranean predators of either other ants or of termites. (Snelling and Snelling 2007)

Identification
Key to the Neivamyrmex species of the United States

This is one of several small, nondescript yellow Neivamyrmex species.

Distribution
United States: Louisiana and Texas; Mexico: Hidalgo (Watkins, 1982).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Biology
Wheeler (1904) - Described from nine specimens; the only occasion on which I have seen this species. The insects were moving along under a stone in a small troop, all the members of which were very nearly of the same diminutive size.

Nomenclature

 *  pauxillus. Eciton (Acamatus) pauxillum Wheeler, W.M. 1903b: 93, fig. 1 (w.) U.S.A. Watkins, 1971: 99 (q.). Combination in E. (Neivamyrmex): Smith, M.R. 1942c: 569; in Neivamyrmex: Borgmeier, 1953: 19. See also: Borgmeier, 1955: 570.

Worker
Length 1.75-2 mm.

Mandibles with a very prominent basal tooth. Head, including mandibles, fully twice as long as broad, occipital border slightly concave, posterior angles rather sharp, sides subparallel. Eyes completely absent. Antennal scape thick, not reaching half way to the posterior angle of the head, funiculus robust, first joint nearly as long as the second and third together, joints 2-6 distinctly broader than long; joints 7-9 about as wide as long. Thorax flattened dorsally, laterally compressed, with distinct mesoepinotal constriction; basal surface of epinotum flattened, longer than the declivity, with which it forms a rounded, obtuse angle. Petiole and postpetiole, whether seen from above or in profile, of similar size and form; each furnished with an anterior ventral tooth; petiole distinctly longer than the postpetiole, longer than broad, subelliptical from above; postpetiole not longer than broad, somewhat wider behind than in front. Gaster elongate elliptical, distinctly flattened dorso-ventrally. Legs short and robust. Claws simple.

Smooth and shining, especially the head and thoracic dorsum; sides of neck, meso- and metapleurae, together with the ventral surfaces of the petiole and postpetiole, distinctly and evenly reticulate. Mandibles, head and thorax with coarse but scattered piligerous punctures.

Body and appendages covered with sparse and rather long, suberect, yellow hairs. Reddish yellow throughout except the mandibles, clypeus, and anterior border of the head which are more brownish.

Type Material
Described from nine specimens taken at Austin, Tex., May 25, 1901.