Prionopelta dubia, Ladino & Feitosa, 2020

Ladino, Natalia & Feitosa, Rodrigo M., 2020, Taxonomic revision of the genus Prionopelta Mayr, 1866 (Formicidae: Amblyoponinae) for the Neotropical region, Zootaxa 4821 (2), pp. 201-249 : 226-230

Prionopelta dubia sp. n.

Figures 18–21 , 35A

Holotype worker: BOLIVIA: Beni: Est. Biol. Beni, 42km, E. San Borja, 210m, 14°48’S 66°23’W, 5.ix.1987, P.S. Ward col., #9085-20, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood, trop. moist forest), #9085-1, DZUP549772 (1 specimen) [ DZUP].

Paratype workers. same data as holotype, DZUP549773 (1 specimen) [ DZUP]; DZUP549774 (1 specimen) [ DZUP]; DZUP759775 (1 specimen) [ DZUP]; same data, CASENT0863190 (1 specimen) [ CASC]; DZUP549776 (1 specimen) [ UCDC]; DZUP549777 (1 specimen) [ USNM].

Diagnosis. Basal and median tooth of mandible mainly subequal in length; clypeus evenly rounded; lateral portion of frons with shallow and dense sculpturing; head with dense pubescence in dorsal-oblique view. Twelve antennomeres.

Holotype measurements. HL 0.53; HW 0.44; SL 0.24; WL 0.63; PrL 0.23; PrW 0.29; PetNL 0.13; PetW 0.23; PetH 0.17; PetL 0.16; T1L 0.24; T1W 0.35; TL 1.56; CI 83; SI 54; PetI 176; PetHI 106; PetWI 143.

Worker measurements (n=13). HL 0.46–0.58; HW 0.41–0.50; SL 0.24–0.28; WL 0.56 –0.70; PrL 0.22–0.27; PrW 0.26–0.34; PetNL 0.13–0.18; PetW 0.20–0.26; PetH 0.16–0.20; PetL 0.15–0.18; T1L 0.19–0.25; T1W 0.30– 0.40; TL 1.38–1.70; CI 81–91; SI 50–63; PetI 142–185; PetHI 88–120; PetWI 122–160.

Queen measurements (n=9). HL 0.64–0.65; HW 0.54–0.55; SL 0.31–0.35; WL 0.90–0.92; PrL 0.18–0.20; PrW 0.31–0.47; PetNL 0.17–0.19; PetW 0.30–0.35; PetH 0.21–0.22; PetL 0.21–0.22; T1L 0.25–0.27; T1W 0.44–0.47; TL 1,79–2.00; CI 83–85; SI 56–64; PetI 157–205; PetHI 95–104; PetWI 142–159.

Male measurements (n=5). HL 0.42–0.44; HW 0.38–0.46; SL 0.11–0.12; WL 0.73–0.77; PrL 0.04–0.08; PrW 0.15–0.26; PetNL 0.10–0.12; PetW 0.17–0.18; PetH 0.14–0.16; PetL 0.15–0.16; T1L 0.24–0.25; T1W 0.29–0.30; TL 1.54–1.60; CI 90–106; SI 23–31; PetI 141–180; PetHI 93–100; PetWI 113–120.

Worker description. Body yellow to light brown. Integument covered by dense punctulate sculpturing; space between the punctures of lateral portion of frons corresponding to one or two puncture diameters in full-face view. Pubescence abundant over the entire body.

Head longer than broad; length of basal tooth and median tooth of mandible mainly subequal; basal margin of mandible straight. Clypeus evenly rounded anteriorly. Twelve antennomeres; antennomeres 1–4 separated by deep constrictions. Eye placed immediately posterior to the head midlength.

Pronotum slightly broader than long. Distance between the propodeal spiracle and the bulla of the metapleural gland corresponding to half the diameter of the spiracle; distance between the propodeal spiracle and the propodeal dorsum corresponding to three spiracular diameters.

Petiolar node as long as high. Subpetiolar process forming a relatively broad lobe, with its anterior and posterior margins subparallel; posterior margin concave; posteroventral angle obtuse.

Queen. Distance between the propodeal spiracle and the propodeal dorsum corresponding to two spiracular diameters.

Male. Anterior clypeal margin and frontoclypeal suture medially rounded. Distance between the propodeal spiracle and the bulla of the metapleural gland corresponding to half or less than half spiracular diameter; distance between the propodeal spiracle and the propodeal dorsum corresponding to two spiracular diameters.

Etymology. The name refers to the authors’ doubts regarding the identity of this species in several stages of this work, and its historical misinterpretation in scientific collections and repositories, where the individuals have been mainly confused with P. amabilis . From Latin dubium = doubt.

Distribution ( Fig. 35A ). Prionopelta dubia is known from southwestern Mexico to southeastern Brazil.

Comments. Besides its diagnostic characters, the species is recognized by its abundant pilosity.

This species is commonly confused with P. amabilis . This may be related to the fact that the holotype of P. amabilis had not been photographed nor deposited in an open database of images. These issues were resolved at the end of 2019. Despite a thorough description of P. amabilis by Borgmeier (1949), Prionopelta comprises ants with subtle differences among its species, and consequently, the probability of misinterpretation is greater.

Here, we were able to establish the true identify of P. amabilis and to recognize differences between it and P. dubia . Prionopelta dubia and P. amabilis are broadly sympatric. They are similar in being shallowly punctate on the head dorsum and having a broad subpetiolar process. Prionopelta dubia has more closely-spaced puncta, the clypeus is evenly rounded, and the basal and median tooth of mandible tend to be similar in length. Prionopelta amabilis has more widely-spaced puncta, the clypeus slightly projecting medially, and the basal tooth of the mandible is distinctly larger than the median tooth.

In Central America and some localities of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, P. dubia may be more conspicuously pubescent and posterior portions of the head may be more infuscated. These traits are gradually less visible in specimens occurring through southern Central American countries and almost imperceptible in the specimens from the remaining countries of South America.

Natural history. The species is mainly known from litter samples collected in tropical forests. It is reported at elevations of 50–1500m.

Longino (unpublished notes available on AntWeb.org) observed pleometrotic colony founding, with pairs of queens in small chambers under rotting bark.

Field notes by Lívia Pires do Prado and Rogério Rosa da Silva (#LPP_304), suggest that workers move very slowly and that the colonies inhabit fallen logs with a high degree of decomposition.

Additional material examined (211 specimens). BELIZE: Cayo District: Chiquibul, N.P., Doyle’s Delight, Dry Creek Area , 16°29’23”N 89°02’45”W, 950m, 20-27.viii.2007, P.W. Kovarik col., CASENT0614798 (1 queen) [ JTLC] . BRAZIL: Acre: Mâncio Lima, Serra do Divisor, Barreiro , 07°27’9.22”S 73°39’58.24”W, 260m, 15- 18.xi.2016, R.M. Feitosa, T.S. Silva & A.C. Ferreira cols. (2 workers, 1 queen) [ DZUP]. Porto Water , 08°15’31.2”S 72°46’37.1”W, 05.ii-17.iv.1997, J. Caldwell col., E. hahnelii (1 worker, 1 queen) [ CEPEC] . Amazonas: 19.ix.1962, W.L. Brown col., Benjamin Constant AM, (6 workers, 1 queen) [ MZSP]. Balbina , 19.iv-02.v.1988, N. Degalier col., armadilha de interceptação, isca de fezes humana (1 queen) [ MPEG]. Manaus , 23.i.1994, A.G. Casimiro col., #4832, Rs 3304, (1 worker) [ CEPEC]; same data, Rio Branco Rd. Km 4 from fork of Amaz. Rte 1, -7.730534 -61.832043, 22.viii.1962, W.L. Brown col., W-292, berlesate, rainforest, CASENT0172305 (1 worker) [ ANIC]. Pres. Figueiredo, I. PE Inchado, L. Balbina , 1°54’45’’S 59°29’75’’W, 13.xii.1994, Queiroz col., arm. de solo, mata primaria (1 queen) [ DZUP]. Bahia: Aritaguá , 23.xi.1998, J.R.M. Santos col., cacaual (1 worker) [CEPEC]; (2 workers) [DZUP]. Barrolândia , CEPLAC, 16°06’S 39°17’W, 06-07.iv.2002, L.S. Ramos & S. Lacau cols., 66 (4 workers) [ DZUP]. CEPEC, 14.ii.1991, B. Santos col., #4377 (1 worker) [ MZSP]. Ibicaraí , km 41, 14537s 0392901w, 21.xi.1998, Santos J.R.M. col. (2 workers, 1 queen) [ CEPEC]. Iguaí, 14°38’38’’S 40°09’12’’W, 907m, 2011-2012, Santos R. e cols., Winkler, submontane, ombrophylous (1 worker) [ CEPEC]. Ilhéus, Cacaual , v.1998, Carmo, J.C.S. col. (2 workers) [ DZUP]; same data, 27.vii.2000, S. Lacau col. (1 worker, 1 queen, 1 male) [ CEPEC]; same data, 16.i.1991, B. Santos col., #4377 (1 queen) [ DZUP]. CEPLAC, Curso Poneromorfas, 14°46’27.6’’S 39°13’16.7’’W, 05.v.2014, Silvestre et al. cols. (1 worker) [ UFGD]. Itati , Serra das Piabas, 13°57’26”S 40°01’51”W, 800m, 16-19.xi.2004, Lacau L. & Jahyny, J. cols. (4 workers) [ CEPEC]. Jussari, Anuri, 152530S 0392719W, 27.v.1999, Santos, J.R.M. col., 66 (1 queen) [ CEPEC]. Uruçuca , 12.viii.1991, Santos B. col., #4463, Emarc _Q. 5 (2 workers) [ DZUP]. Goiás: Cavalcante, Serra da Contenda , 13°29’42.4’’S 47°33’01.6’’W, 15.x.2004, Silva R.R. & Dietz B.H. cols., Winkler, mata ciliar (4 workers) [ MZSP]. Pará: Ald. Araçu, Igar. Urupi-Uma , 4.v.1963, B. Malkin col. (2 workers) [ MZSP]. Belém , 13.xi.1974, D. Dias col., #13282 (2 workers) [ MPEG]; same data, 12-19.viii.1962, K. Lenko col. (3 workers) [ MZSP]; same data, Sampaio (1 worker) [ MZSP]. Curionópolis, Projeto Antas do Norte , T1, 2.60577S 48.86185W, 06.iv.2017, M.G.T. Tavares col., Winkler (1 worker) [ MPEG]. Fazenda Velha, 04.xii.1974, MF Torres (1 worker) [ MPEG]; (1 worker) [ DZUP]. Curionópolis , Projeto Antas do Norte , T1, 06°13’47.1’’S 49°45’20.5’’W, 5-7.viii.2017, M.G.T. Tavares col., Winkler (1 worker) [ MPEG]. Itaituba, Mina do Palito S2, 06°19’39.8’’S 55°47’31.5’’W, 02.ii.2018, Silva R.R. & Prado L.P. cols., #LPP_304, busca ativa (1 worker) [ MPEG]. Marituba , 1°22’S 48°20’W, 19.x.2004, Santos, J.R.M. col., 21 (1 queen) [ DZUP]. Mocombo , 06.ii.1979, M.F. Torres col. (1 queen) [ MPEG]. Paragominas , 2°59’S 47°21’W, i-vii.2011, R. Solar col., baited pitfall, UFV LABECOL n° 000157 (1 queen) [ UFV]. Tailândia, Agropalma Área 4, 2.61787S 48.87190W, 18.vi.2016, R.R. Silva & E.L. Siqueira cols., Winkler (1 worker) [ MPEG]; same data, Dendê 2, 2.60577S 48.86185W, 20.vi.2016, R.R. Silva & E.L. Siqueira cols., Winkler (1 worker) [ MPEG]. Paraná: Rondon , iv.1965, F. Plaummann col., #4767 (3 workers, 1 queen) [ MZSP]. Rondônia: Porto Velho, Área Abunã , 9°38’05.6”S 65°27’11.2”W, 17-27.vii.2013, Mazão G.R. & Probst R.S. cols. (1 worker) [ DZUP]. São Paulo: Caraguatatuba, Res. Flor. 40m, 22.v-1.vi.1962, Exp. Dep. Zool. (1 worker) [ MZSP]; same data, vii.1965 (1 worker) [ MZSP]. Miracatu, Serra do Mar, Clube Pesca & Cia, 04-07.ix.2014, Feitosa R.M. col., Winkler (1 worker) [ MZSP]. Picinguaba, P.E. Serra do Mar, 23°20’10”S 44°50’15.3”W, 30.iii- 04.iv.2001, Brandão C.R.F. e Eq. cols. Winkler (6 workers) [ DZUP]; (3 workers) [ MZSP]. São Vicente, Pq. Estadual do Xixová-Japui, 23°59’S 46°23’W, 18.iv.2011, Rodolfo da Silva Probst col., Winkler (2 workers) [ DZUP]; (1 worker) [ MZSP]; same data, 23.iv.2011 (4 workers) [ MZSP]; same data, 25.vii.2011, Winkler (1 worker) [ MZSP]. Tocantins: Araguaína , 01.iv.2016, W.H. Brandão & V.E. Sandoval cols., ANTWEB1032566 (1 queen) [ UFV]. COLOMBIA: Amazonas: 7km N. Letícia, 10-25.ii.1972, S.J. Peck col., en hojarasca CASENT0810431 (1 worker) [ MIZA]. Isla Gorgona: M.L. Baena col., GAcd13 (1 worker) [ MZSP]; same data, Gacd 21 (1 queen) [ MZSP]. COSTA RICA: Alajuela: Bijagua, 10.71400 -85.03600 ± 2km, 1000m, 15-19.viii.2010, M. Pollet & A. De Braekeleer cols., pan trap, wet forest, CR/HE/PR/BPT01-05, CASENT0636122 (1 queen) [ JTLC]. Río Peñas Blancas , 10.302N 34.706W, 940m, 04.vii.1984, J. Longino col., within day coll. no 1-stray, LACM ENT 142626 (1 worker) [ JTLC]; same data, 10°18’N 84°45’W, 950m, 02.ii.1994, #3528, INBIOCRI001282968 (1 queen) [ JTLC]. Limón: Res. Biol. Hitoy-Cerere , 9.65238 -83.02206 ± 25m, 670m, 11.vi.2015, ADMAC, #Wm-E-02-1-06, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0637017 (1 worker) [ JTLC]; same data, 9.65727 -83.02598 ± 25m, 530m, #Wm-E-02-1-03, CASENT0632087 (1 queen) [ DZUP]. Río Pacuare , 10°01’N 83°31’W, 200m, 20.ii.1994, J. Longino col., #3576, INBIOCRI001282736 (1 worker, 1 male) [ JTLC]. Puntarenas: 13km SSW Pto. Jimenez , 8.40667 -83.32833 ± 200m, 200m, 10.iii.2008, J. Longino col., #6209-38, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0636083 (1 worker) [ JTLC]; CASENT0636084 (1 worker) [ DZUP]. Península de Osa, Corcovado, Rio Pavo , 16.vii.1982, J. Longino col., #1200, LACM ENT 142624 (1 queen) [ JTLC]. ECUADOR: Cuyabeno: 12.x- 05.xi.1994, J.P. Caldwell col., #10750 (1 worker) [ CEPEC]. Morona: Santiago, Los Tayos , 3.viii.1976, Tjite de Vries col. (1 queen) [ MZSP]; (1 queen) [ DZUP]. Napo: Limoncocha , 00°24’S 76°36’W, 20.vii.1973, C.W. Rettenmeyer col., #5300 (1 worker) [ MZSP]; same data, 280m, 13.viii.1973, Marian Rettenmeyer, #68 (1 worker) [ MZSP]; (1 worker) [ DZUP]. FRENCH GUIANA: Kaw mountains, 04°38’N 52°18’W, ix.2008, S. Groc & A. Dejean cols., #5628, Winkler, VK3-Sous-le-vent, VK3 Tr 1 W47, (1 worker, 1 queen) [ DZUP]. Nouragues Natural Reserve , 4.08085 -52.68255, 200m, 28.viii.2018, C.R. Cardenas col., CRCI80828-02, Winkler (7 workers) [ DZUP]; same data, 04°08’N 52°64’W, ix.2009, S. Groc & al cols., #5636, Winkler, FL 2- Liana for., FL2 Tr 2 W28 (1 worker) [ CEPEC]. Petit-Saut: 02-28.xi.2001, S. Lacau & G. Fleck cols. (3 workers) [ DZUP]; same data, xii.1997, S. Lacau col. (3 workers, 1 queen) [ CEPEC]. Saint-Laurent do Maroni: Itoupé , 3.022305 -53.08321, 800m, 09.xi.2014, Orivel J. & Fichaux M. cols., IT14-0149, pitfall, Plateau, 72h, leaf litter, ECOFOG-IT14-0149-09 (1 worker) [ECOFOG]; same data, Mitaraka , 2.227554 -54.45371, 335m, 01.iii.2015, Orivel J. & Peticlerc F. cols., MI15-0244, Winkler,pente, 48h, leaf litter,ECOFOG-MI15-0244-52(1 queen)[ ECOFOG]. Saül: Belvédère de Saül, 03°37’22’’N 53°12’57’’W, 326m, 14.iii.2011, SEAG team leg., V05 (3 queens) [ DZUP]. Limonade, 3.573583 -53.19847, 192m, 15.x.2013, Orivel J. & Donald J. cols., SL13-1022, pitfall, Bas fond, 72h, leaf litter, ECOFOG-SL13-1022-11 (1 worker) [ ECOFOG]. Mont Chauve , 17.iv.1997, R. Garrouste col. (1 queen) [ CEPEC]. GUATEMALA: Zacapa: 2km SE La Unión , 14.95384 -89.27631 ± 50m, 1430m, 12.v.2009, LLAMA cols., #Wa-B-03-2-27, ex. sifted leaf litter, treefall gap in cloud forest, CASENT0612530 (1 queen) [ JTLC]; same data, 3.5km SE La Unión , 14.95000 -89.26667, 1500m, 04.vi.1991, R.S. Anderson col., #91-050, CASENT0603554 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. HONDURAS: Comayagua: PN Cerro Azul Meambar, 14.86613 -87.89735, 940m, 21.v.2010, LLAMA cols., Wm-C-04-1-03, MaxiWinkler, ex. sifted leaf litter, montane rainforest, CASENT0617263 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. MEXICO: Chiapas: 13.7km NW Metzabok , 17.190517 -91.73748, 540m, 14.vii.2007, J. Longino col., JTL6046-s, Winkler, wet forest, JTLC000010047 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. 12mi NW Ocozocoautla , 1200ft, 04-05.ix.1973, A. Newton col., CASENT0810416 (1 queen) [ MIZA]. Playón de la Gloria , 16.16014°N 90.90187°W, 160m, 25.vi.2008, B. Broyles col., #0014, mature wet forest, CASENT0610361 (1 queen) [ JTLC]; CASENT0610360 (1 worker) [DZUP]. Oaxaca: Uluapan , 4km NE Ayautla 18.06188 -96.64635 ± 50m, 640m, 11.vi.2016, J. Longino col., #9624.1, mature wet forest, in dead wood, CASENT0631829 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. Veracruz: Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas , vii.2001, A. Pezon col. (1 worker) [ DZUP]; same data, 18.58038 -95.08110 ± 20m, 420m, 30.v.2016, ADMAC, #Wm-F-01-1-05, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0640286 (1 worker) [ JTLC]; CASENT0640281 (1 queen) [DZUP]; same data, 18.58461 -95.07375 ± 20m, 150m, 31.v.2016, J. Longino col., #9558.2, mature wet forest, in dead wood, CASENT0631748 (1 worker) [ JTLC]; CASENT0631749 (1 male) [DZUP]; same data, 10km Sontecomapan , 18.58333 -95.08333, 200m, 20.iii.1985, P.S. Ward col., PSW07333-12, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), CASENT0260460 (3 workers) [ PSWC]. NICARAGUA: Chontales: 2.5km NE Santo Domingo , 12.27678 -85.06368 ± 50m, 730m, 21.iv.2011, J. Longino col., #JTL7381, wet forest, under large stone, CASENT0619329 (1 worker) [ JTLC]; CASENT0619921 (1 queen) [JTLC]; same data, 12.27641 -85.06350 ± 100m, JTL7365-s, Winkler, wet forest, CASENT0619986 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. Jinotega: Cerro Saslaya , 13.77199 -84.99771 ± 20m, 710m, 08.v.2011, LLAMA cols., #Wm-D-02-1-09, ex. sifted leaf litter, montane wet forest, CASENT0628800 (1 queen) [ JTLC]; CASENT0628797 (1 worker) [JTLC]. PANAMA: Darién: Reserva Chucantí , 8.78803 -78.45035 ± 50m 720m, 20.i.2015, J. Longino col., #9071, ex. sifted leaf litter, moist forest, CASENT0633570 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. PERU: Cusco: Est. Biol. Villa Carmen , -12.894740° -71.403850, 520m, 5-15.viii.2013, Ant Course 2013, successional vegetation, crops and pasture (2 workers) [ DZUP]; (1 worker) [ NHMB]; same data, 29.vii.2013, B.L. Fisher & F.A. Esteves cols., BLF31444, successional vegetation, crops and pasture, ex. soil 10cm below ground, CASENT0370886 (1 worker) [ CASC]; same data, -12.90244 -71.40767, 590m, 06-08.viii.2013, B.L. Fisher & F.A. Esteves cols., BLF31553, bamboo forest, secondary vegetation, sifted litter, miscellaneous collection, not a nest series, CASENT0374727 (1 worker) [ CASC]; CASENT0375939 (1 worker) [ CASC]. Quincemil , km 8, 13°13’03”S 70°43’40”W, 633m, 20.viii-1.ix.2012, Cavichioli R., Santos & Takiya cols., Malaise (2 males) [ DZUP]. Divisoria: 02.iv.1988, SJS16 (3 workers) [ CEPEC]. Madre de Dios: Puerto Maldonado, Sachavacayoc Centre , 12°51’15.4”S 69°22’15.9”W, 209m, 19-31.vii.2012, Ant Course (2 workers) [ DZUP]; same data, R. Feitosa col. (5 workers) [ DZUP]. Reserva Nacional Tambopata, Sachavacayoc , 12°51’21’’S 69°21’43’’W, 210m, 19-31.vii.2012, J. Chaúl col., manual, Neotropical Ant Course, UFV LABECOL n° 000041 (1 worker) [ UFV]; same data, UFV LABECOL n°000045 (1 worker) [ UFV]. San Martín: Davidcillo , 20km NNE Tarapoto, 6°15’S 76°15’W, 220m 21.viii.1986, P.S.Ward col., #8684-1, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), rainforest, PSW10127-2, CASENT0863188 (2 workers) [ PSWC]. SURINAME: La Poulle: viii.1959, I.v.d. Drift col., 18.xivcd.13, (3 workers) [ DZUP]; (3 workers) [ MZSP]. VENEZUELA: Aragua: Est. Biol. Rancho Grande , 10.34756°N 67.68787°W, 1140m, 11.x.2008, J. Longino col., #6439-s, ex. sifted leaf litter, montane wet forest, JTLC000015024 (1 worker) [ JTLC]. PN Henri Pittier, Paso Portachuelo , 10.34761°N 67.68780°W, 1100m, 11.viii.2008, C. Rabeling col., 080811-02 (1 queen) [ ASU]. Henri Pittier National Park, Valle Santa Maria, 4.8km SW Cumboto, 10.36667 -67.82667, 860m, 03.ix.2003, E. Rodríguez, A. Grotto & J. Lattke cols., JEL2832, La Esperanza, Bosque Semi decíduo, ex. hojarasca, CASENT0178695 (1 worker) [ MIZA]. Paso Portachuelo, PN Henri Pittier, 10.34761°N 67.68780°W, 1100m, 9- 19.viii.2008, Ant Course, #1211, cloud forest (2 queens) [ MZSP]. Bolívar: 10km Icabarú, 700m, 05.vii.1987, corteza árbol y musgo, CASENT0810411 (1 queen) [ MIZA]. Rio Cuyuni , 66 km, 6°09’N 61°30’W, 250m, 11.viii.1986, P.S. Ward col., 8537.1, sifted litter, leaf mold, rotten wood, rainforest, CASENT0810417 (2 workers) [ MIZA]. Miranda: 220m, P.N. Guatopo, Qda. La Culebra, Via Sta. Teresa, Agua Blanca , 18.viii.1984 J. Lattke col., #560, CASENT0810415 (2 workers) [ MIZA]; same data, 35km N Altagracia, Guatopo NP Agua Blanca, 400m, 31.v.1988, S.J. Peck col., hojarasca quebrada, CASENT0810420 (1 worker) [ MIZA]. Portuguesa: Qda. La Guata , 12km de Biscucuy, 600m, 21.v.1983, J. Lattke col., CASENT0810419 (1 worker, 1 male) [ MIZA]; #462, CASENT0810421 (1 worker, 1 queen) [ MIZA]; #466, CASENT0810422 (2 workers, 1 male) [ DZUP]. Táchira: S. Cristóbal, La Florida, Rd. Caño Seco, La Blanca , 1125m, 09.xii.1985, J. Lattke & W.L. Brown cols., CASENT0810409 (3 workers) [ DZUP]; CASENT0810410 (1 worker) [ MIZA]; CASENT0810410 (1 queen) [MIZA].

Figures

FIGURE 18. Holotype worker of Prionopelta dubia (Bolivia, Beni). A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view, C. Dorsal view. Specimen: DZUP549772.

FIGURE 19. Queen of Prionopelta dubia (Brazil, Bahia).A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view; C. Dorsal view; D. Wings (Costa Rica, Península de Osa, Corcovado, Specimen: LACM ENT 142624).

FIGURE 20. Male of Prionopelta dubia (Brazil, Bahia). A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view; C. Dorsal view.

FIGURE 21. Worker of Prionopelta dubia (Peru, Cusco). A. Head dorsum, note the sculpturing, pilosity and detail of median tooth of mandible; B. Habitus; C. Detail of subpetiolar process, also note the posteroventral propodeal lobe and the petiolar tergite anterior carina.

FIGURE 35. Distribution maps for Neotropical Prionopelta species. Black triangles indicate already known species, white circles indicate new species described here. Red symbols indicate the type locality of each species.