Prionopelta amabilis Borgmeier, 1949

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 : 213-218

Prionopelta amabilis Borgmeier, 1949

Figures 9–13 , 35A

Prionopelta amabilis Borgmeier, 1949: 203 , figs. 3–5. Holotype worker: COSTA RICA: Hamburg Farm, F. Nevermann leg., MCZT-34787 [MCZ] (examined by images).

Diagnosis. Median tooth of mandible shorter than basal tooth; anterior clypeal margin slightly projected medially; lateral portion of frons with sparse punctulate sculpturing, with interspaces flat and shiny, corresponding to three or more puncture diameters; head with sparse pubescence in dorsal-oblique view. Twelve antennomeres. Subpetiolar process with margins parallel or subparallel.

Worker measurements (n=28). HL 0.48–0.60; HW 0.42–0.52; SL 0.24–0.34; WL 0.54 –0.71; PrL 0.22–0.30; PrW 0.28–0.36; PetNL 0.12–0.18; PetW 0.20–0.30; PetH 0.14–0.22; PetL 0.14–0.20; T1L 0.19–0.28; T1W 0.32– 0.42; TL 1.40–1.74; CI 78–89; SI 50–69; PetI 137–191; PetHI 87–150; PetWI 122–171.

Queen measurements (n=9). HL 0.65–0.68; HW 0.55–0.57; SL 0.30–0.36; WL 0.89–96; PrL 0.17–0.18; PrW 0.38–0.47; PetNL 0.20–0.22; PetW 0.35–0.37; PetH 0.24–0.28; PetL 0.21–0.22; T1L 0.34–0.36; T1W 0.52–0.57; TL 1.86–2.11; CI 81–87; SI 52–65; PetI 159–185; PetHI 114–127; PetWI 166–168.

Male measurements (n=1). HL 0.55; HW 0.60; SL 0.16; WL 0.96; PrL 0.04; PrW 0.15; PetNL 0.16; PetW 0.26; PetH 0.18; PetL 0.15; T1L 0.34; T1W 0.45; TL 2.00; CI 109; SI 26; PetI 162; PetHI 120; PetWI 173.

Worker description. Body yellow to light brown. Integument covered mainly by sparse punctulate sculpturing; space between the punctures of lateral portions of frons corresponding to three or more puncture diameters in full-face view.

Head longer than broad; length of median tooth of mandible shorter than basal tooth; basal margin of mandible convex. Anterior clypeal margin slightly projected medially. Twelve antennomeres; antennomeres 1–4 separated by deep constrictions. Eye placed immediately posterior to the head midlength.

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

Petiolar node as long as high. Subpetiolar process subquadrate or subtriangular, with its anterior and posterior margins subparallel or apically convergent respectively; posterior margin concave; posteroventral angle acute.

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

Male. Anterior clypeal margin medially projected, frontoclypeal suture medially rounded; head dorsum with sparse punctulate sculpture, relatively shiny. Distance between the propodeal spiracle and the bulla of the metapleural gland corresponding to one spiracular diameter; distance between the propodeal spiracle and the propodeal dorsum corresponding to almost two spiracular diameters.

Etymology. Unknown.

Distribution ( Fig. 35A ). Prionopelta amabilis is known from the east coast of Honduras to south Brazil.

Comments. The limits between P. antillana and P. amabilis have been one of the main taxonomic problems of the genus in the Neotropics, given their morphological similarity and sympatric distribution. South American specimens of P. amabilis have been historically considered probable morphological variations of P. antillana . In Central America, material corresponding to our new species P. dubia sp. n. has been routinely misidentified as P. amabilis or P. antillana .

Here, the differences among the species are finally clarified, mainly in terms of density of pubescence and sculpturing, shape of clypeus, comparative length between the median and basal tooth of the mandible, and convergence of the subpetiolar process margins. In P. amabilis , the pubescence is sparse, the sculpture is shallow, the anterior clypeal margin is slightly projecting medially (somewhat triangular), the median tooth of the mandible is distinctly shorter than the basal tooth, and the margins of the subpetiolar process are parallel or subparallel. Prionopelta dubia sp. n has dense pubescence, the sculpture is shallow, the anterior clypeal margin is evenly rounded, the lengths of the median and basal teeth of mandible are similar, and the margins of the subpetiolar process are subparallel or parallel. Prionopelta antillana has the anterior clypeal margin slightly projecting medially, the median tooth of the mandible is distinctly shorter than the basal tooth, and the margins of the subpetiolar process are apically convergent.

Natural history. The species is mainly known from litter samples collected in tropical forests; reported at elevations of 50– 960m. They nest in rotting logs and colonies may have large numbers of workers.

Hölldobler & Wilson (1986) and Hölldobler et al. (1992) observed captive colonies collected during the dry season in well-developed secondary rainforest of Costa Rica.

In the 1986 study, the authors censused and excavated colonies, observed the behavior of the ants and conducted a “cafeteria” experiment to study dietary choice, which consisted in offering living arthropods from leaf litter and rotting wood from the sites nearby original Prionopelta nests to the captive ants. Two large colonies were carefully excavated. The total population of the first colony was: one queen swollen with eggs, 709 workers, between 100 and 200 eggs, 82 larvae and 126 pupae; with the emergence of alate queens from the cocoons two days after the capture of the colony. The second population counted: a dealate queen, 282 workers, 100 eggs, 76 larvae and 264 pupae. Authors considered that the colonies are both monogynous and polydomous, discrete and kept apart by nestmate recognition.

Cafeteria trials suggested a preference for campodeid diplurans as prey. The authors offered land snails, isopods, spiders, ricinuleans, mites, phalangids, pseudoscorpions, geophilomorph centipedes, millipedes, pauropods, campodeid and japygid diplurans, lepismatid and machilid thysanurans, entomobryomorph collembolans, kalotermitid and nasutermitine termite nymphs and workers, zorapteran nymphs and adults, hemipteran, tettigonid, earwig and gryllid nymphs as well as larvae and adults of ants and beetles. Prionopelta amabilis was capable of kill most of the groups cited above in two or three minutes, only ignoring the snails, spiders, phalangids, ricinuleans and millipedes.

They affirm that the species has a rudimentary but well-marked division of labor based on age, correlated in turn with early rise in ovarian development and a decline as the workers turn increasingly to foraging. Also, the authors divided the workers in three classes based in age and the increasing of body pigmentation: light callow, medium callow and fully pigmented. Additionally, they provided interesting notes regarding grooming, trophallaxis, trophic eggs, brood care, alarm and what is called the phenomena of “ wall-papering” and “ foot-dragging”.

The grooming among workers and self-grooming was less frequent than from workers to queen. No evidence of adult transport nor trophallaxis was found. Workers can have well-developed eggs and older workers frequently offered eggs to the queen, with no report of she feeding from any other manner. Workers were observed segregating eggs, small larvae, large larvae and pupae into separate piles; complementarily to this, the authors observed a “wallpapering” phenomenon, where they inferred that cocoon layers present in the walls of the galleries housing pupae served to keep them from growing to moist, contrary to the galleries occupied by the queen, eggs, larvae and resting group of workers. Workers rapidly responded to air currents and sudden illumination with a body vibration, also observed in the first approach to the queen and sometimes between workers, but the authors did not find any alarm pheromone. Nevertheless, when the workers were placed in a strange surface, they observed that the ant extended the legs backwards and dragged the tarsi for short intervals. This “foot-dragging” phenomenon was thought to be probably associated with trail laying or home range.

In the 1992 study, the “foot-dragging” phenomenon was further explored. One large colony was collected, containing two queens with active ovaries and filled spermatheca, more than 500 workers and many larvae and pupae. Complementing the behavior associated with the phenomenon described above, a rapid vertical shaking of the body performed by the workers was frequently observed.

Observations of the ants’ behavior as well as histology of front, middle and hindlegs were made, and the findings suggested that P. amabilis employ recruitment communication, somewhat associated with the “foot-dragging” phenomenon and the body shaking. The authors reported the presence of basitarsal glands in the hindlegs of workers and queens of the species, and demonstrate that their secretions are employed during recruitment to food sources and to new nesting sites; this is made during the perform of mechanical signals cited above, which apparently stimulates the nestmates to follow the trail.

Prionopelta amabilis workers have been seen “walking under the fungus garden of Apterostigma sp., in the ground under a large rotten log” (Lívia Pires do Prado pers. comm., #LPP_303).

Additional material examined (2409 specimens). BOLIVIA: Beni: Est. Biol. Beni, 42km, E. San Borja, 14°48’S 66°23’W, 210m, 5.ix.1987, P.S. Ward col., #9085-20, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood, trop. moist forest), #9085-20, CASENT0863191 (3 workers) [PSWC]. BRAZIL: Acre: Mâncio Lima, PN Serra do Divisor, 07°26’17.19’’S 73°39’27.39’’W, 245m, 15-18.ix.2016, R.M. Feitosa, T.S. Silva & A.C. Ferreira cols., Winkler (1 worker) [DZUP]. Alagoas: Quebrângulo-wc, 0919s3628w, 31.vii.1999, Santos J.R.M. col. (6 workers) [CEPEC]. Amapá: Ferreira Gomes, FLONA AMAPÁ, 00°58’28.8’’N 51°38’44.6’’W, 02-06.ix.2016, Almeida R.P.S. & Siqueira E.L.S. cols., Winkler (2 workers) [MPEG]. Bahia: Colônia de Una, 15°15’42”S 39°09’12”W, 12.vi.1997, Carmo J.R.S. col. (1 worker) [CEPEC]. Faz. Boa Esperança, Camamu, 9.iii.1992, Silveira J.E. col., #4517 (2 workers) [DZUP]. 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 (3 workers, 1 male) [CEPEC]. Ilhéus, Banco do Pedro, Mata W-A 23, 144051s 0391524w, 12.i.1998, Santos J.R.M. & Carmo J.C.S. cols. (1 male) [CEPEC]; same data, CEPEC, ii.1998, Exp. JDMaje98, #5218 (1 worker) [CEPEC]. Faz. Nova Esperança, 11.ix.1997, L.S. Ramos col. (3 workers) [DZUP]. Mata da Boa Esperança, 14°47’47’’S 09°03’56’’W, 09.xi.2000, Santos J.R.M. col., Winkler (1 worker, 1 queen) [MZSP]; (1 worker) [DZUP]. Itabuna, Mata Atlântica, 14°27’50.7’’S 39°10’26.3’’W, 19.i.1998, Santos J.R.M. col. (2 workers, 1 queen) [UFGD]. Itacaré- Taboquinha, 20.xii.1996, Santos J.R.M. col. (1 worker) [CEPEC]. Jussari, 15°08’26”S 39°31’29”W, 26.v.1999, J.C.S. Carmo & J.R.M. Santos cols. (2 workers, 1 queen) [DZUP]. Mata São João, Reserva Sapiranga, 12°33’29.3’’S 33°02’35.2’’W, 21-28.vii.2001, Silva R.R & Brandão C.R.F. cols., Winkler (1 worker, 1 queen) [DZUP]; (20 workers) [MZSP]. Nilo Peçanha, 13°38’58’’S 39°12’37’’W, 195m, 2011-2012, Santos R. e cols., Winkler, dense ombrophylous (1 worker) [CEPEC]. Olivença, Mata Atlântica, 14°59’13’’S 39°00’4.2’’W, 16.xi.1996, Santos J.R.M. col. (2 workers) [UFGD]. Porto Seguro, E.E. Pau Brasil, 16°23’33’’S 39°10’99’’W, 16.vi.2000, Santos JRM, Soares JC cols., Winkler (1 worker) [MZSP]. Taboquinha, 06-20.xii.1996, Santos J.R.M. col. (2 queens) [CEPEC]. Una, 15°15’78’’S 39°03’13’’W, 04.v.1998, Carmo J.C.S. col., #5240 (1 worker) [CEPEC]. Una-EDJABE, 07-12.viii.1994, S. Lacau col. (1 worker) [DZUP]. Wenceslau Guimarães, S 13°33’14’’ W 39°42’07’’, 485m, 2011-2012, Santos R. e cols., Winkler, submontane, ombrophylous (1 worker, 1 queen) [CEPEC]. Goiás: 16.xii.2005, Gustavo col., IDSC (Direito) 11, (2 workers) [DZUP]. Campinaçu, Serra da Mesa, 13°52’S 48°23’W, 18.ii-2.iii.1996, Silvestre, Brandão & Yamamoto col., peneira (1 queen) [MZSP]. Campo Limpo, Faz. Conceição, 16°19’51.0’’S 49°09’49.2’’W, 01- 07.vii.2005, Silva R.R. & Feitosa R.M. cols., Winkler (14 workers) [MZSP]; same data, 20-24.i.2005, Silva R.R. col. (30 workers) [MZSP]. Cavalcante, Serra da Contenda, 13°42’03.6’’S 47°21’51.9’’W, 16.x.2004, Silva R.R. & Dietz B.H. cols., Winkler (5 workers) [MZSP]. Colinas do Sul, Serra da Mesa, 14°01’S 48°12’W, 2-15.xii.1995, Silvestre, Dietz & Campaner cols., cerrado (1 worker) [MZSP]. Jataí, xii.1972, F.M. Oliveira col., #8936 (2 males) [MZSP]. Faz. Aceiro, 31.x.1962, Exp. Dep. Zool. (4 workers, 2 queens) [MZSP]; (6 workers, 1 queen, 1 male) [DZUP]. Faz. Ariranha, 17°57’34’’S 51°51’34’’W, 797m, 11.ii.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (217 workers) [DZUP]. Faz. Lageado, 17°49’51’’S 51°31’21’’W, 856m, 19.ii.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (111 workers, 10 queens) [DZUP]; same data, 21.ii.2009 (3 workers) [INPA]. Faz. Leão, 17°48’24’’S 51°41’41’’W, 843m, 21.ii.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (3 workers) [DZUP]; same data, 861m (125 workers, 13 queens) [DZUP]; (2 workers, 1 queen) [INPA]. Faz. Primavera, 17°51’54’’S 51°39’56’’W, 817m, 09.xi.2008, G.G. Santos col., MiniWinkler (77 workers, 2 queens) [DZUP]; (5 workers, 1 queen) [INPA]. Faz. Rio Paraíso, 17°42’48’’S 51°37’39’’W, 02.xi.2011, Diniz col., Winkler A1: mata semidecidual (95 workers) [DZUP]; same data, 17°42’56’’S 51°37’45’’W, 28.ix.2009 (138 workers) [DZUP]; (3 workers) [INPA]; same data, 17°44’30’’S 51°37’13’’W, 03.xi.2011, A2: mata seca (92 workers, 1 queen) [DZUP]; same data, 17°44’55’’S 51°34’35’’W, 10.xi.2011, A5: mata semidecidual (104 workers, 1 queen) [DZUP]; same data, 17°44’8’’S 51°38’20’’W, 06.xi.2011, A4: Mata de galeria (32 workers, 1 queen) [DZUP]. Faz. Sta Gertrudes, 17°50’07’’S 51°43’04’’W, 876m, 02.ii.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (35 workers, 1 queen) [DZUP]; (5 workers) [INPA]. Faz. Sta. Lúcia, 17°50’15.7’’S 51°39’23.9’’W, 793m, 11.x.2008, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (110 workers) [DZUP]; (3 workers) [INPA]. Faz. Sertãozinho, 17°55’14’’S 51°45’25’’W, 843m, 18.ii.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (118 workers, 2 queens) [DZUP]. Mta. Açude, 17°51’31’’S 51°43’37’’W, 21.xii.2005, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (287 workers, 62 queens) [DZUP]; (3 workers) [INPA]; (8 workers, 7 queens) [MZSP]; (2 queens) [NHMB]; same data, 16.xii.2005, Gustavo G. Paniago col. (1 worker) [DZUP]; same data, 12.xi.2005, G. Santos & G. Paniagua cols., pelo chão (1 queen) [DZUP]. Montividiu, Faz. Veneza, 17°24’54.62’’S 51°29’2.44’’W, 960m, 07.iii.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (30 workers, 2 queens) [DZUP]; (2 workers) [INPA]. Niquelândia, 14°01’S 48°18’W, 24.ix-6.x.1995, Silvestre, Dietz & Brandão cols., cerrado, peneira (3 workers) [MZSP]. Ouro Verde, Faz. Boa Vista, 16°17’54.5’’S 49°12’42.6’’W, 01-07. vii.2005, Silva R.R. & Feitosa R.M. cols., Winkler (8 workers) [MZSP]. Faz. São Cristovão, 18°5’32.87’’S 52°2’23.85’’W, 817m, 10.i.2009, G.G. Santos col., Mini-Winkler (128 workers, 5 queens) [DZUP]; (1 queen) [INPA]. Maranhão: Açailândia, Horto Fazenda Pompéia, 04°52’30’’S 47°17’40’’W, 13-22.ii.2006, Silva R.R & Feitosa R.M., Winkler (1 queen) [DZUP]; (1 workers, 1 queen) [MZSP]. Mato Grosso: Chapada dos Guimarães, Floresta Cachoeira, Pedra Furada, 18.ii.1985, Overal W.L. col., WLO850148, Berlese, pau podre (1 worker) [DZUP]; (1 worker) [MPEG]. Cuiabá, 15.ii.1976, R.I. Araujo col., col. Isoptera MZUSP n° 6539 (1 queen) [MZSP]. Utiariti, Rio Papagaio, 10.xi.1966, Lenko & Pereira, #4489 (3 workers) [MZSP]; same data, 26.x.1966, #4487 (18 workers) [MZSP]. Mato Grosso do Sul: Alcinópolis, P.N.M. Templo dos Pilares, Gruta da Lagoa, 18°08’56.7’’S 53°40’43.5’’W, 625m, 02-04.xi.2018, Silvestre R. et al. cols., Winkler (1 worker, 2 queens) [UFGD]. Antonio João, Faz. São Gabriel, Rio Dourados, 22.vii.2004, Silvestre R. col. (2 workers) [DZUP]; same data, i.2006 (1 worker) [DZUP]; same data, 22°06’36.4’’S 55°35’31.6’’W, vii.2006, Silvestre R. et al. cols., Winkler (1 worker) [DZUP]; (2 workers) [UFGD]. Minas Gerais: Ipaba, Faz. Macedônia, RPPN CENIBRA, xi.2005, Marques T. col., UFV LABECOL n°000158 (1 worker) [UFV]. Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, 19°47’49”S 42°34’38”W, 280m, 23- 24.viii.2005, TEAM exped., Mini-Winkler, trilha da Garapa Torta, floresta atlântica estacional, semidecidual (1 worker) [DZUP]. Pará: Belém, Pirelli, 1964, R. Arlé (1 worker) [MPEG]; same data, 27.v.1974, D. Dias, #13461, c/ACM hystrix 5.74.6 (1 worker) [MZSP]. Benfica, 12-19.viii.1962, K. Lenko col., #4530 (2 workers) [MZSP]. Curionópolis, Projeto Antas do Norte, TL, 06°13’47.1’’S 49°45’20.5’’W, 5-7.viii.2017, M.G.T. Tavares col., Winkler, C2T1 (1 worker) [MPEG]; same data, Serra Leste, 05°57’17.8’’S 49°37’00.4’’W, 30.xi.2016, E.Z. Albuquerque & M.G.T. Monteiro cols., Winkler (2 workers) [DZUP]; (1 worker) [MPEG]. Itaituba, Mina do Palito, Área S3, 06°19’01.8’’S 55°47’55.7’’W, 21.i.2018, Silva R.R. & Prado L.P. cols., Winkler (2 workers) [MPEG]; same data, Copper Rios, 06°18’50.9’’S 55°48’07.3’’W, 30.i.2018, Winkler (1 worker) [MPEG]. Marituba, 1°22’S 48°20’W, 22.x.2004, Santos, J.R.M. col. (1 worker) [DZUP]. Parauapebas, Mina de Arenito , 0585852 9323986 UTM, 22m, 14-16.x.2017, E.Z. Albuquerque & M.G.T. Monteiro cols., Winkler (1 worker) [MPEG]; same data, A5, 0585343 9327185 UTM, 04.iv.2018, solo (2 workers) [MPEG]; same data, tronco (1 worker) [DZUP]. S. Norte, Carajas, viiviii.1985, Brandão & Benson col., Berlese, UNICAMP, Ecol. Campo I, M3 Mata trilha, dia (3 workers) [MZSP]. Serra Norte Serraria, 31.i.1985, Berlese (5 workers) [MPEG]; same data, Est. Manganês, 21.x.1984 (4 workers) [DZUP]; (3 workers) [MPEG]. Paraíba: Mamanguape, Rebio Guaribas II, 6°43’55.09’’S 35°10’29.46’’W, 03.vii.2015, B. Lunar col., Winkler (2 workers) [DZUP]. Paraná: Foz do Iguaçú, Parque Nacional do Iguaçú, 25°37’40’’S 54°27’46’’W, 221m, 07-13.xi.2015, Silvestre R., Trad B.M., Lopez V.M. cols., Winkler (5 workers, 3 queens) [UFGD]; (2 workers) [DZUP]. Iguaçu, iv.1965, F. Plaumann col., #4493 (7 workers, 1 queen) [MZSP]. Palotina, Parque Estadual São Camilo, 24°19.19.276’S 53°55.247’W, 23.ix.2015, Busanello D. & Caron E. cols. (10 workers) [DZUP]. Rondon, iv.1965, F. Plaumann col., #4767 (11 workers, 1 queen) [MZSP]; same data, 24°38’B 54°07’L (1 worker) [MZSP]. Tuneiras do Oeste, Reserva Biologica das Perobas, 23°50’9.78’’S 52°45’17.28’’W, 18.ix.2015, Busanello D. & Caron E. cols. (1 worker) [DZUP]; same data, 23°50’S 52°45’W, 540m, E. Caron col., Winkler (22 workers, 1 queen) [DZUP]. Santa Catarina: Painel, Base Avançada do IBAMA, 18.v.2013, Feitosa R.M. col., solo (3 workers) [DZUP]. São Paulo: Matão, Faz. Cambuhy, 21°37’35.5’’S 48°33’24.8’’W, 29-31.x.2017, Prado L.P., Adams R., Almeida R.P.S. & Silva J.A. cols., #LPP_303, busca ativa, mata da Virginia (3 workers) [MPEG]; same data, Mata do S. Joãozinho, 12.iv.2014, M.A. Ulyssea & L.P. Prado cols. (3 workers) [DZUP]; same data, Mata da Virginia, 21°36’59’’S 48°31’32.3’’W, 11.iv.2014, M.A. Ulyssea & L.P. Prado cols., Winkler (10 workers) [MZSP]; same data, 12.iv.2014 (4 workers) [MZSP]; same data, 17-22.iv.2015 (11 workers) [MZSP]; same data, 30.iii-03.iv.2016 (18 workers) [MZSP]. Teodoro Sampaio, P.E. Morro do Diabo, 22°33.8’50’’S 52°18’03.8’’W, 396m, vii.2005, Silvestre R. col. (1 worker) [UFGD]. Sergipe: Areia Branca, E.E. da Serra de Itabaiana, 10°45’54’’S 37°19’57.4’’W, 19-25.v.2003, Silva R.R., Dietz B.H. & Ferreira L.S. cols., Winkler (1 queen) [MZSP]. Nossa Senhora das Dores, 10°27.5’S 37°07.6’’W, 01.ix.2014, Almeida col., RPS área MBV (1 worker) [DZUP]; same data, área APP (4 workers) [DZUP]. Sta. L. do Itanhy, Crasto, 28.xi.1993, J. Jardim col., #4694F (3 workers) [DZUP]; same data, 11°22’39.3’’S 37°25’07.4’’W, 29.vii-03.viii.2001, Silva R.R. & Brandão C.R.F. cols., Winkler (84 workers) [MZSP]. Tocantins: Aguiarnópolis, 06°36’49.4’’S 47°28’53.2’’W, 14-19.i.2005, Silva R.R. & Silvestre R. cols. (1 worker) [MZSP]. Araguacema, 08°59’20’’S 49°40’41’’W, 16-30.xi.2005, Silva R.R. & Feitosa R.M. cols., Winkler (9 workers, 2 queens) [MZSP]; same data, 09°01’11’’S 49°42’09’’W (3 workers) [DZUP]. Araguaína, UFT, EMVE, mata de galeria, 01.iv.2016, V.E. Sandoval & S. Dantas cols., pitfall (1 worker, 1 queen) [MPEG]. Babaçulândia, 07°02’19.0’’S 47°52’03.4’’W, 14-19.i.2005, Silva R.R. & Silvestre R. cols., Winkler (1 worker) [MZSP]. Novo Jardim, 11°50’26.9’’S 46°41’11.7’’W, 09.x.2004, Silva R.R. & Dietz B.H. cols., Winkler (3 workers, 1 queen) [MZSP]. Palmeiras do Tocantins, 06°40’12.1’’S 47°31’48.6’’W, 01-09.vi.2005, Silva R.R. & Feitosa R.M. cols., Winkler (29 workers, 1 queen) [MZSP]. Paranã, Serra da Contenda, 13°21’27.5’’S 47°40’W, 15.x.2004, Silva R.R & Dietz B.H., Winkler, Mata Ciliar (2 workers) [MZSP]; (2 workers) [DZUP]. COLOMBIA: Cauca: Vda. Rosal, Piamonte, 19.ix.2017, Winkler (2 workers) [DZUP]. Meta: Cubarral, Vereda Aguas Claras, 3°47’56.1”N 73°53’48.1”W, 698m, 20-22.ii.2016, N. Ladino & C. Yara cols., Winkler, lluvias bajas, fragmento de bosque en área periurbana (12 workers) [DZUP]; (2 workers) [NHMB]. Villavicencio, C.I. Corpoica, 4°4’24.0’’N 73°28’21.6’’W, 340m, 19-21.xi.2015, N. Ladino & C. Yara cols., Winkler, bosque (2 workers) [DZUP]. Vaupés: Mitú, bosque intervenido, 2km, 08.viii.2019 (2 workers) [DZUP]; same data, Meneses leg., Winkler (1 worker) [DZUP]. COSTA RICA: Ararat, 10.06528 -83.54861, 400m, 10-11.viii.2002, Roisin & Vauthier cols., Winkler (5 workers) [CEPEC]. Cartago: CATIE, nr. Turrialba, 9.9 -83.65, 550m, 13.v.1987, J. Longino col., JTL1644-s, Winkler, wet forest, ex. sifted leaf litter, CASENT0249588 (1 queen) [JTLC]. 4km E. Turrialba 9°54’N 83°39’W, 550m, 13.v.1987, J. Longino col., ex. sifted leaf litter, wet forest, LACM ENT 142630 (1 worker, 1 queen) [JTLC]. Heredia: Est. Biol. La Selva, 10°26’N 84°01’W, 50-150m, 01.vi.1993, InBio-OET, parcelas sucesionales, B/01/099, INBIOCRI001276880 (1 queen) [DZUP]; same data, INBIOCRI001276877 (1 worker) [JTLC]; same data, 2-12.viii.2004, Ant Course 2004 cols., (3 workers) [MZSP]; same data, 10.4333 -84.01667, 100m, 14.x.2014, Berlese, ALASB/10/091, rainforest, CASENT0007009 (1 worker) [CASC]; same data, 10.41667 -84.06667, 50m, 04.viii.2004, R.A. Johnson col., RAJ3461, ex. rotten log, CASENT0052775 (2 workers) [CASC]; same data, tropical rainforest, CASENT0107555 (3 workers) [CASC]. Limón: Res. Biol. Hitoy-Cerere, 9.65727 -83.02598 ± 25m, 530m, 11.vi.2015, ADMAC, #Wm-E-02-1-03, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical rainforest, CASENT0632086 (1 worker) [JTLC]. ECUADOR: Napo: Jatun Sacha, 7km ESE Pto Misahualli, -1.0667 -77.6167, 400m, 05.viii.1991, P.S. Ward col., PSW11364-1, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), CASENT0260461 (3 workers) [PSWC]. GUYANA: Calm Water Creek along Essequibo River, near Bartica, 6.46767 -58.61933, 24.ix.2002, J.S. LaPolla col., JSL020925- 01-LS01, litter sample, USNMENT00441927 (1 worker) [USNM]. Kartabo: B.G., vii-viii.1920, W.M. Wheeler col. (3 workers) [MZSP]. HONDURAS: Gracias a Dios: Las Marias, 15.72235 -84.88480 ± 20m, 620m, 10.vi.2010, LLAMA, #Wm-C-07-I-07, CASENT0612386 (1 queen) [JTLC]. NICARAGUA: Boaco: 24km ENE Boaco, 12.58180 -85.46661, 680m, 17.iv.2011, J. Longino, JTL7321-s, ex. sifted leaf litter, 2°forest; Bold DNA voucher, CASENT0624993 (1 worker) [JTLC]. Chontales: 2.5km NE Santo Domingo, 12.27641 -85.06350 ± 100m, 730m, 21.iv.2011, J. Longino col., #JTL7365-s, ex. sifted leaf litter, wet forest, CASENT0613735 (1 worker) [DZUP]. Matagalpa: RN Cerro Musún, 12.96078 -85.23306 ± 10m, 750m, 01.v.2011, LLAMA, #Wm-D-01-1-06, ex. sifted leaf litter, tropical wet forest, CASENT0623928 (1 worker) [DZUP]. PANAMA: 18.iii.1968, Lindsay et al. cols., on orchids, CASENT0246699 (1 worker) [USNM]. Cerro Azul, 9.24533 -79.40209 ± 20m, 840m, 24.i.2015, J. Longino col., #9160, montane wet forest, in tree fern base, CASENT0632957 (1 worker) [JTLC]. Darién: Reserva Chucantí, 8.78803 -78.45035 ± 50m, 720m, 20.i.2015, J. Longino col., #9071-s, ex. sifted leaf litter, moist forest, CASENT0633572 (1 queen) [JTLC]; CASENT0633602 (1 queen) [JTLC]. PARAGUAY: Amambay: Capitan Bado, -23.266666 -55.533333, 550m, 24.x.1979, J-L. Perret col., ANTC4709, CASENT0102502 (3 workers) [MHNG]. Canindeyú: 24°03’S 55°34’W, 30.iii.1996, A. Wild col. (3 workers) [IMLA]. Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú, Jejuimí, -24.1 -55.533333, 24.vii.1996, A.L. Wild col., AW0234, humid sub-tropical inundated low forest, CASENT0173505 (3 workers) [ALWC]. PERU: Cusco: Est. Biol. Villa Carmen, -12.902437° -71.407672° ± 300m, 590m, 05-15.viii.2013, Ant Course 2013 cols., bamboo forest, secondary vegetation (3 workers) [DZUP]; same data, 9km NE Cusco, -12.8940° -71.40385°, 525m, J. Lattke col., #3382 (2 workers) [DZUP]. Junín: San Ramón de Pangoa, 40km SE Satipo, -11.42863 -74.4884, 750m, 23.iii.1972, R.T. & J.C. Schuh cols., ANTC30081, high secondary forest, soil-litter layer, ANTWEB1008581 (1 worker) [AMNH]. Madre de Dios: Est. Biol. Villa Carmen, - 12.869043°S 71.407111° 800m, 5-15.viii.2013, Ant Course 2013 cols. (1 worker) [DZUP]; same data, -12.875296° -71.410954°± 300m, 650m, rainforest (1 worker) [DZUP]; same data, -12.888005° -71.401526°± 300m, 525m, Feitosa R.M. col., riparian successional vegetation (2 workers) [DZUP]. Puerto Maldonado, Sachavacayoc Centre, 12°51’15.4”S 69°22’15.9”W, 209m, 19-31.vii.2012, R. Feitosa col., Ant Course (2 workers) [DZUP]. San Martín: Davidcillo, 20km NNE Tarapoto, 6°15’S 76°15’W, 220m 21.viii.1986, P.S.Ward col., #8684-28, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood), rainforest, PSW10127-2, CASENT0863189 (1 worker) [PSWC]. SURINAME: Sipaliwini: Lely Mountains, 4.25295 -54.7561, 619m, 03.xi.2005, Sosa-Calvo J. & Badal R. cols., JSC051103-01-LS15, litter sample, tall forest, high leaf litter decomposition, USNMENT00446073 (1 worker) [USNM]. VENEZUELA: Territorio Federal Amazonas: Alto Rio Siapa, 01°42’50’’N 64°33’40’’W, 495m, 04.ii.1989, J. Lattke col., CASENT0810413 (1 worker) [MIZA].

Figures

FIGURE 9. Holotype worker of Prionopelta amabilis (Costa Rica). A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view; C. Dorsal view. Modified from images taken by Gabriela Camacho and Alexandre Ferreira, specimen: MCZ-ENT34787.

FIGURE 10. Worker of Prionopelta amabilis (Costa Rica, Limón). A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view; C. Dorsal view. Specimen: CASENT0632086.

FIGURE 11. Queen of Prionopelta amabilis (Honduras, Gracias a Dios). A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view; C. Dorsal view. Specimen: CASENT0612386.

FIGURE 12. Male of Prionopelta amabilis (Brazil, Bahia). A. Full-face view; B. Lateral view; C. Dorsal view.

FIGURE 13. Worker of Prionopelta amabilis (Colombia, Meta).A. Head dorsum, note the sculpturing and pilosity; B. Habitus; C. Detail of subpetiolar process, also note the ventral flap on the metapleural gland opening; D. Detail of the row of tooth-like stout setae and median tooth of mandible.

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.