Leptanilloides anae

The type series, of workers, was recorded preying on an unidentified arthropod on the soil surface, showed an army ant foraging pattern (Brandão et al. 1999).

Identification
The rounded head sides in full-face view and the deep emargination of the alitrunk is an unique combination for Asphinctanilloides anae.

Key to Asphinctanilloides workers

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil.

Biology
Jorge Diniz collected the type series over the ground on a cloudy morning in an Eucalyptus plantation near a stream (Corrego da Lima). Originally this area was covered by broad-leaved tropical forest (Marinis & Camargo, 1964). Several workers were found below a piece of cow dung, preying on an unidentified and partially eaten arthropod; from these remains departed a column of workers, in a fashion that called his attention as being similar to the usual Neivamyrmex army ants column. He came back to the same spot on the next day, and dug the hole where they were seen entering, but found no ants there. (Brandão et al. 1999)

Nomenclature

 *  anae. Asphinctanilloides anae Brandão, Diniz, Agosti & Delabie, 1999: 32, figs. 11, 12, 19, 26, 40-43, 75-81 (w.) BRAZIL.

Worker
(all non-dissected specimens, n = 16) (average, minimum and maximum; in mm): HL 0.46, 0.44–0.47; HW 0.37, 0.35–0.38; SL 0.23, 0.21–0.24; WL 0.52, 0.50–0.60; CI 80, 77–82; SI 62, 57–66, SRI 117.

The rounded head sides in full-face view and the deep emargination of the alitrunk is an unique combination for Asphinctanilloides anae Other relevant characters include: lateral blunt teeth on genae very much reduced and not produced, although present and visible in high magnifications (80 X); propodeum in profile clearly separated from mesonotum by a deep metanotal groove; propodeum evenly convex. Venom apparatus: anal plate as an equilateral triangle with rounded apex, projected, weakly sclerotized, with 6 bigger sensillae; oblong plate postincision almost reaches the margin dorsal, ventral arm developed; fulcral arm absent; gonostylus with about 60 small and 2 large sensillae; furcula with lateral wing-shaped projections elongate, sclerotized and linked to the median region of the furcula in all his width, lateral arms absent ; sting with bulb base rounded, basal ridge not visible, probably fused to furcula, and anterolateral process as long as articular process, anterior to the articular process.

Type Material
Holotype worker deposited at MZUSP. Type-locality: Brazil, Sao Paulo, Mirassol, Fazenda da Lima, 30.iv.1979, J. L. M. Diniz coll. # 1850. Eighteen paratype workers (same series as holotype), deposited at, , , MZUSP (six, one dissected and mounted on slide), JLMD (seven, one dissected and mounted on slide), and CEPLAC.

Etymology
Anae, a noun in apposition, as an homage to Ana Diniz, daughter of Jorge L. M. Diniz.