Temnothorax rudis (Wheeler, Mayr, 1861

Ward, P. S., 2005, A synoptic review of the ants of California (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Zootaxa 936, pp. 1-68 : 19-20

Temnothorax rudis (Wheeler 1917a) stat. reval., comb. nov.

(Figure 10)

Leptothorax nevadensis subsp. rudis Wheeler 1917a: 508. Six syntype workers, Camp Curry, Yosemite , California [ MCZC] [Examined]. Note: original description also includes dealate queen, and cites the type locality as Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley . Incorrectly synonymized under T. nevadensis by Mackay 2000: 376.

Leptothorax rudis Wheeler ; Stuart and Page 1991: 375. Genetic study ( rudis implicitly raised to species).

Comments. This is a distinct species that occurs sympatrically with T. nevadensis in many parts of northern and central California, without showing any sign of intergradation. T. rudis is readily distinguished from T. nevadensis by petiole shape. In T. rudis the petiole is broader in profile, with the anterior and posterodorsal faces meeting at approximately 90º, and the posterodorsal face declining gently (Fig. 10). In T. nevadensis the petiole is more slender in profile, with the anterior and posterodorsal faces forming an acute angle (Fig. 9). In addition T. rudis has coarser body sculpture and is lighter in color than T. nevadensis . T. rudis is common in mixed coniferous forests of California, up to about 1750m elevation. Colonies can be found in rotten wood, under stones, in fallen acorns, and in the leaf litter.

Bolton (1995) stated that rudis Wheeler 1917a, then combined with Leptothorax , was a primary junior homonym of rudis Mayr 1868c. Mayr’s species, a fossil taxon, was originally combined with Macromischa , however, and then later with Nothomyrmica (Wheeler 1915i), prior to Macromischa being subsumed under Leptothorax . Mayr’s rudis was never treated as a species of Leptothorax , so no homonymy arises.