Sericomyrmex myersi, Neal A. Weber, University of North Dakota, 1936

Neal A. Weber, University of North Dakota, 1936, The biology of the fungus-growing ants. Part. I. New forms. 1, Revista de Entomologia 7, pp. 378-409 : 400

Sericomyrmex myersi , sp. nov.

Worker: Length 2.6 mm. - Head, excluding mandibles, 0.9 as long as broad, broadly impressed at posterior margin. Antennal scrobes feeble, not reaching occipital corners. Antennal scapes not quite extending to occipital corners. Terminal joint of funiculus about as long as joints 6-9 taken together or joints 2-6 taken together. Joints 2-9 of funiculus broader than long.

Thorax, in profile, with pronotum evenly convex, rising steeply to the acutely pointed anterior mesonotal tubercles. Posterior mesonotal tubercles slightly lower than anterior because of truncate apex. Mesoepinotal depression moderately deep and rounded, rising to the angular anterior margin of basal surface of epinotum. Basal surface of epinotum bordered by distinct, though irregular, diverging lateral ridges which terminate in stout epinotal tubercles. These are as massive at the base as the mesonotal tubercles and obliquely truncate at apex. Declivous surface of epinotum irregularly concave.

Sloping anterior surface of petiole very slightly convex. Dorsal surface in profile slightly concave, angle between the two surfaces irregularly rounded. Dorsal surface of postpetiole in profile plane, rising anteriorly.

Gaster and pedicel from above with longitudinal median impression, gaster feebly marginate on sides. Legs of moderate length and stoutness.

Opaque, surface obscured by pilosity. - Abundant fine, whitish pubescence, with sparser and coarser reclinate, dark hairs. - Dull ferruginous, appendanges paler distally.

Holotype: One worker taken at King Frederick William, the Fourth Falls on the Upper Courantyne River, Surinam, December 29, 1935, by Dr. J. G. Myers (No. 5931).

This species, dedicated to my friend Dr. Myers, who discovered it, differs from two cotypes of S. lutzi Wheeler in distinctly smaller size, more shallowly impressed posterior margin of head, feebler antennal scrobes, in much lower anterior mesonotal tubercles, higher epinotal tubercles and in other ways. From S. urichi Forel and S. harekulli sp. nov. it differs chiefly in lower anterior mesonotal tubercles, in higher epinotal tubercles, and in smaller size.