Two new species of Leptanilloides Mann, 1823 (Formicidae: Dorylinae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador

Two new species of Leptanilloides are described: L. copalinga Delsinne & Donoso sp. nov. and L. prometea Delsinne & Donoso sp. nov., based on workers collected in the leaf litter and soil of the Andes of southern Ecuador. Both species belong to the L. biconstricta species-group (formally diagnosed here). The metatibial gland, considered a synapomorphy for Dorylinae, is observed in L. prometea sp. nov. but seems absent in L. copalinga sp. nov. We provide a COI DNA barcode for both species and a revised key for the worker caste of all known species in the genus. We also describe a single male identified as a potential new Leptanilloides species on the basis of morphology. Furthermore, its mitochondrial COI gene sequence does not match any previously barcoded species. However, we refrain from giving it a specific name because of our lack of knowledge about the worker caste. So far, half of the 14 Leptanilloides species have been discovered above 1500 m in the mountain forests or paramos of the Ecuadorian Andes, confirming, if needed, the biological significance of these threatened habitats.

• Main Author: Donoso Vargas, D. (author)
• Other Authors: Delsinne, T. (author)
• Format: article
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Army ant syndrome; DNA barcoding; male description; metatibial gland; subterranean ants
• Online Access: http://10.5852/ejt.2015.143; http://dspace.utpl.edu.ec/handle/123456789/18923