Crematogaster ampla, Longino, J. T., 2003

Longino, J. T., 2003, The Crematogaster (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) of Costa Rica., Zootaxa 151, pp. 1-150 : 128-129

Crematogaster ampla NEW STATUS

Crematogaster brevispinosa var. ampla Forel , 1912: 211. Syntype workers: Colombia, Magdalena, Santa Cruz near Santa Marta (Forel) [ MHNG] (examined, worker here designated LECTOTYPE). Emery, 1922: 134: combination in C. (Orthocrema) .

This species has a distinctive character that distinguishes it from all other Crematogaster . The fourth abdominal tergite has a subtriangular impression posterior to the postpetiolar insertion. This impression is completely smooth and shining, contrasting with the surrounding granular microsculpture. On some small workers the fourth abdominal tergite is completely smooth and shining, but the triangular impression is still distinct. In all other Crematogaster there may be an impression anterior to the postpetiole, but not posterior to it. Other characters are similar to crinosa , including a long, acute, anteroventral petiolar tooth, abundant setae on the fourth abdominal tergite, dorsal and posterior faces of propodeum meeting at an angle, and a strongly arched promesonotum. Unlike other crinosa complex species, the scapes and tibiae sometimes have one or two erect setae, especially on large workers. I have seen material from three widely separated localities in Colombia (Departments of Magdalena, Huila, and Valle) and one collection from Bolivia.

The syntypes at MHNG were a combination of ampla and crinosa , necessitating designation of a lectotype.