177,165 research outputs found
Rhynchotermes piauy Cancello
No full textRhynchotermes piauy Cancello Rhynchotermes piauy Cancello 1997: 153 –156 (soldier, fig. 7–10; worker mandible, fig. 11); Krishna et al. 2013: 1475 (catalog). Holotype. Soldier. 10 km N of Corrente, Fazenda Maracujá, 26.xi. 1991, E. M. Cancello & M. T. Ponte col, MZUSP 10090. Type locality. BRAZIL. Piauí: Corrente. Paratypes. Same data as holotype (12 soldiers and 39 workers), MZUSP 10091 (25 soldiers and 22 workers); 10092 (6 soldiers and 24 workers); 10093 (8 soldiers and 13 workers); 10094 (2 soldiers and 2 workers); 10095 (2 soldiers and 13 workers); 10096 (3 soldiers and 5 workers). Imago. Unknown. Soldier (Fig. 3 I, 4 I, 5 I). Described and illustrated by Cancello 1997: 153–156. Additional measurements given in table 3. Worker (Fig. 8 D). Described by Cancello 1997: 153–156. Additional measurements given in table 2. Biological notes. Rhynchotermes piauy was first collected in logs and under leaf-litter. They were observed in constructions resembling those describe by Silvestri (1903), especially during a collect trip in Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas. Most of these constructions were exposed just below the litter with very delicate carton parts. Many (Fig. 11 A) were found with numerous juveniles but neither the royal pair nor eggs were found. At one of the sites, the constructions were in an area with sand about twenty centimeters below the ground, so the area about one meter around was dug up, where a few more of these constructions were found. Very thin tunnels were also found throughout the excavation site where workers and soldiers of R. piauy emerged. The holotype was collected under decaying bark in an agglomerate of thin roots and sand. The paratypes were collected in litter, under logs and in the soil. Comparisons. (see under R. nasutissimus and R. matraga). Other material examined. BRAZIL. Federal District: Fazenda Água Limpa, 22. iv. 1999, R. A. Calderon leg., UnB 2240; 20.v. 1999, UnB 2238; Minas Gerais: Buritis, Fazenda São Miguel, lat 15.9727 S, long 46.5350 W, 01.viii. 2002, R. A. Calderon leg., UnB 4811, 4845; Chapada Gaúcha, lat 15.1801 S, long 45.6506 W, 10.x. 2012, R. G. Santos col., MZUSP 16127; lat 15.3368 S, long 45.8231 W, 12.x. 2012, MZUSP 16128; lat 15.4131 S, long 45.9169 W, J. P. Constantini col., MZUSP 16134; lat 15.1811 S, long 45.6504 W, 10.x. 2012, MZUSP 16126; lat 15.4239 S, long 45.8900W, 14.x. 2012, T. F. Carrijo col., MZUSP 16133; lat 15.2645 S, long 45.6500W, 10.x. 2012, MZUSP 16131; João Pinheiro, 11.xi. 1998, N. R. A. Castro leg., UnB 1764; Lagoa Santa, 13.viii. 1992, T. A. Gontijo col., UFV 5245; Paracatu, Fazenda Rossato, lat 17.3950 S, long 47.2761 W, 27.x. 2001, R. Constantino leg., UnB 3101; Serra das Araras, lat 15.6156 S, long 45.3625 W, 09.x. 2012, R. G. Santos col., MZUSP 16135; Uberlândia, Próximo à UNITRI, 20.vii. 2009, M. M. Rocha col., MZUSP 16129; Piauí: Corrente, 10 km N, Fazenda Maracujá, 26.xi. 1991, C. R. F. Brandão col., MZUSP 10097; Floriano, Fazenda Buriti-Sol, 5.xi. 1991, MZUSP 10343; Bom Jesus, Rodovia Transcerrado, 09.xi. 2010, R. Constantino leg., UnB 7877.Published as part of Constantini, Joice P. & Cancello, Eliana M., 2016, A taxonomic revision of the Neotropical termite genus Rhynchotermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Syntermitinae), pp. 501-522 in Zootaxa 4109 (5) on pages 518-520, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4109.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/26054
Rhynchotermes matraga Constantini & Cancello, 2016, sp. nov.
No full textRhynchotermes matraga, sp. nov. Holotype. Soldier, 17–27.iv. 2011, R.R. Silva & E.Z. Albuquerque cols., part of sample MZUSP 16130. Type-repository: MZUSP. Type-locality. BRAZIL. Minas Gerais: Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serra da Serpentina., lat 19.0502 S, long 43.3635 W. Paratypes. BRAZIL. Minas Gerais: Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serra da Serpentina, lat 19.0502 S, long 43.3635 W, 17–27.iv. 2011, R. R. Silva & E. Z. Albuquerque cols., MZUSP 16125 (4 soldiers, 5 workers), 16130 (suplementary of holotype, 3 soldiers). Imago. Unknown. Soldier (Fig. 3 F, 4 F, 5 F). Monomorphic. Head capsule pear-shaped in dorsal view (Fig 3 F). Antenna articles short (Fig. 4 F). Frontal tube conical, about one-third longer than length of head. Dorsal margin of head and margin of frontal tube straight in profile. Mandible strongly curved (Fig. 5 F), with subrectangular marginal tooth, apical region of each mandible aligns to the proximal region of the opposite mandible when closed. Inner margin of mandible serrated. Postmentum quadrangular. Forecoxa process subcylindrical. Head capsule with six long bristles; four laterally and two centrally. Pronotum with two to four long bristles on anterior lobe followed by a set of short bristles. Head capsule orange to reddish, body yellow. Measurements given in Table 3. Worker. Fontanelle inconspicuous. Postclypeus with a medium line light, inconspicuous. Measurements given in Table 2. Etymology. Augusto Matraga is a fictional character created by João Guimarães Rosa (Rosa 1966, translation), an important writer known for his work that values the country people of Minas Gerais. The author compares the strength of Augustus Matraga to termites: “(…) tired his body with hard work and said prayers for his soul, all this without effort, like the white ants that raise red mounds in the pasture (…)” (Op. cit.). Biological notes. Rhynchotermes matraga sp. nov. was collected with Winkler extractors without other biological data. Comparisons. The soldier of R. matraga sp. nov. is morphologically similar to R. piauy but is more robust with a wider head capsule and has proportionally shorter legs than R. piauy. In R. piauy the frontal tube length is almost as long as the head length while R. matraga sp. nov. has a frontal tube that is markedly longer than the head.Published as part of Constantini, Joice P. & Cancello, Eliana M., 2016, A taxonomic revision of the Neotropical termite genus Rhynchotermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Syntermitinae), pp. 501-522 in Zootaxa 4109 (5) on page 510, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4109.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/26054
Biratermes robustus Rocha & Cancello, 2022, new combination
No full text<i>Biratermes robustus</i>, new combination <p> <i>Embiratermes robustus</i> Constantino, 1992: 332–334 (soldier and worker), figs 4–6.</p> <p> <b>Type Material</b>. Holotype, one soldier deposited at Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), Belém, Pará state, Brazil, from Brazil, Amapá state, Serra do Navio, 02.xi.1989, R. Constantino coll. (not examined), and paratypes, soldiers, and workers from same holotype colony (examined).</p> <p> <b>Imago.</b> Unknown.</p> <p> <b>Soldier and worker</b>. As for the genus (see above). Additional figures of the soldier are presented (Fig. 1) and the worker gut is described herein (Figs 2, 3).</p> <p> <b>Material examined</b>. BRAZIL. <i>Amapá</i>: Serra do Navio, 02.xi.1989, R. Constantino (9545, paratypes soldiers and workers).</p>Published as part of <i>Rocha, Mauricio M. & Cancello, Eliana M., 2022, Updated taxonomy of Syntermitinae (Blattodea: Isoptera, Termitidae), with the description of three new genera, pp. 445-463 in Zootaxa 5138 (4)</i> on page 450, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.4.6, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/6571669">http://zenodo.org/record/6571669</a>
Erratum: Patients with Severe Obesity during the COVID- 19 Pandemic: How to Maintain an Adequate Multidisciplinary Nutritional Rehabilitation Program? (Obes Facts. (2021) DOI: 10.1159/000513283)
No full textIn the article by De Amicis et al. entitled "Patients with Severe Obesity during the COVID- 19 Pandemic: How to Maintain an Adequate Multidisciplinary Nutritional Rehabilitation Program?" [Obes Facts. 2021, DOI: 10.1159/000513283], the author list is incorrect. The correct author list is: De Amicis R. Cancello R. Capodaglio P. Gobbi M. Brunani A. Gilardini L. Castelnuovo G. Molinari E. Barbieri V. Mambrini S.P. Battezzati A. Bertoli S
Taxonomic revision of genus Rhynchotermes Holmgren 1912 (Isoptera, Termitidae, Syntermitinae)
No full textO presente trabalho é uma revisão taxonômica do gênero Rhynchotermes Holmgren, 1912 (Termitidae, Syntermitinae), que até esta revisão contava com as sete espécies, a saber: R.nasutissimus (Silvestri, 1901), R. perarmatus (Snyder, 1925b), R. nyctobius Mathews 1977, R. diphyes Mathews, 1977, R. piauy Cancello, 1997, R. guarany Cancello, 1977 e R. bulbinasus Scheffrahn, 2010, ocorrendo na Região Neotropical. Proponho duas espécies novas e duas sinonímias (R. nyctobius sinônimo júnior de R. diphyes e R. guarany sinônimo júnior de R. nasutissimus). Estudei 198 amostras entre as quais as do Museu de Zoologia e emprestadas de outras instituições. Todos os soldados, operários e alados (quando disponível) foram descritos e ilustrados, inclusive tubo digestório do operário que até então havia sido pouco estudado. Também elaborei uma chave dicotômica, baseada na casta do soldado, para identificação de todas as espécies, fiz mapas de distribuição geográfica das espécies, bem como reuni as notas sobre a biologia.This work is a taxonomic revision of the genus Rhynchotermes Holmgren, 1912 (Termitidae, Syntermitinae), that until this revision had seven species namely: R.nasutissimus (Silvestri, 1901), R. perarmatus (Snyder, 1925b), R. nyctobius Mathews, 1977, R.diphyes Mathews, 1977, R. piauy Cancello, 1997, R. guarany Cancello, 1977 e R. bulbinasus Scheffrahn, 2010, occurring in the Neotropical Region. I propose two new species and two synonyms (R. nyctobius junior synonym of R. diphyes and R. guarany junior synonym R. nasutissimus). I have examined 198 samples among which those Museum of Zoology and borrowed from other institutions. All soldiers, workers and winged (when available) are described and illustrated, including the digestive tract of the worker that until then had been little studied. Also dichotomous key was made based on the soldier caste to identification of all species, and maps of the geographic distribution of species, as well a compilation of notes on biology of species
Amitermes bandeirai Rocha & Cancello 2020, sp. n.
No full text<i>Amitermes bandeirai</i> sp. n. <p> <b>Holotype.</b> Soldier, part of lot MZUSP 26717, 19.xi.2016, J.P. Constantini coll.</p> <p> <b>Type-locality.</b> Teixeira de Freitas Municipality (-17.5078, -39.6318, <i>in loco</i> coordinates), Bahia State, Brazil. Collection notes: “Backyard with fruit trees and probably fertilized soil (smelling of NPK). <i>Amitermes</i> in a triangular nest of soft periphery and very hard and clear interior. Strong mango scent, attracting “jataí bees”(Meliponinae)”.</p> <p> <b>Paratypes.</b> BRAZIL. <b>Bahia.</b> <i>Andaraí</i>: Mata do Carrasco. 12–13.xii.1990, E.M. Cancello & M. T. Ponte (11360, 11362, 11366, 11369, 11370); <i>Conde</i>: 15.xi.2016, J.P. Constantini (26694, 26745, 26746); <i>Ilhéus</i>: CEPLAC Mata Zoobotânica, 02–05.x.2001, Y. T. Reis (14948, 14949, 14950, 14951, 14952, 14953, 14955, 14956, 14957, 14958, 14959, 14960, 14961, 14962, 14963, 14964, 14966), Distrito Olivença, 25.vii.1974, R.L. Araujo (5565), Mata da Esperança, 06–16.xi.2000, Y. T. Reis (12404, 12426, 12427, 14272, 14290, 14954*, 15738,), 11.xi.2000, C. Bordereau (15552*), 16.xi.2000 (15734, 15744), 21–24.v.2001, Y. T. Reis (14965, 15731, 15732, 15733, 15735, 15736, 15737, 15739, 15740, 15741, 15742, 15743); <i>Itaberaba</i>: 02–03.xii.1990, C. R.F. Brandão & J.L.M. Diniz (11376, 11377), 04.xii.1990 E.M. Cancello & M. T. Ponte (11379), Faz. Riacho do Uruçu, 01–03.xii.1990, E.M. Cancello & M. T. Ponte (11361, 11371, 11372, 11373, 11374, 11375, 11378); <i>Itapetinga</i>: 28.ii.1972, R.L. Araujo (5040); <i>Jacobina</i>: Morro do Chapéu (Serra do Tombador), 16.i.1980, E.M. Cancello (7982); <i>Jequié</i>: 22–23.vii.1974, R.L. Araujo (5559, 5555); <i>Maracás</i>: Faz. Maria Inácia, 23–26.xi.1990, E.M. Cancello & M. T. Ponte (11358, 11359, 11365, 11380); <i>Mata de São João</i>: R. Ecol. de Sapiranga, 23–26.vii.2001, Y. T. Reis (12396, 12398, 12399, 12400, 12401, 14274, 14275, 14276, 14277, 14278, 12397), 27.vii.2001, Y. T. Reis & E.M. Cancello (14273); <i>Milagres</i>: 16.vii.2010, J. V.N. Lima, J.D. Cruz & E.A. Alves (14891), 03.ii.2011 (14890); <i>Mucugê</i>: 06–11.xii.1990, E.M. Cancello & M. T. Ponte (11381, 15751, 15754, 15755, 15756, 15757, 15758, 15753), 08.xii.1990 C. R.F. Brandão & J.L.M. Diniz (11382); <i>Porto Seguro</i>: ESPAB, 21–22.i.2003, Y. T. Reis (12428, 12429, 12430), P.Nac. Pau Brasil, 17.xi.2016, J.P. Constantini (26689, 26742, 26743); <i>Salvador</i>: Ondina (Instituto Biológico), 07.vii.1970, R.L. Araujo (4822, 4823), Praia de Itapuã, 05.vii.1970, R.L. Araujo (4817, 4819); <i>Teixeira de Freitas</i>: 19.xi.2016, J.P. Constantini (26717*); <i>Uruçuca</i>: Escola Média de Agricultura, 25.ii.1972, R.L. Araujo (5123); <b>Espírito Santo.</b> <i>Aracruz</i>: 27.v.1954, R.L. Araujo (4155); <i>Guarapari</i>: 28.v.1954, R.L. Araujo (4180); <i>Linhares</i>: R.B. da Cia. Vale do Rio Doce, 28.i.1993, E.M. Cancello & B.A.O. Silva (9817, 9818*), R.B. de Sooretama, 26.v.1954, R.L. Araujo (4149), 31.viii.1966, H. Reichardt (1084, 1175, 1176), 04–11.iv.2001, L.C.M. Oliveira & E.M. Cancello (14280, 14282, 14283, 14284, 14285, 14286, 14281), 03–10.iv.2001, L.C.M. Oliveira (12380, 12381, 12382, 12383, 12384, 12385, 12386, 12387); <i>Santa Teresa</i>: Distrito de São João de Petrópolis, 25.v.1954, R.L. Araujo (4136, 12379); <i>Sooretama</i>: 24.xi.2014, N.C.C.P Barbosa (24916), 25–26.xi.2014, A.F. Santos (24914, 24921, 24922, 24923), Estrada do Meio, 26.xi.2014, R.G. Santos (24913), Trilha da Abóbora, 25.xi.2014, R.G. Santos (24911), Trilha do Cupido, 25.xi.2014, T.F. Carrijo (24912), Trilha do Quirinão, 26.xi.2014, R.G. Santos (24917), 26.xi.2014, T.F. Carrijo (24924); <b>Minas Gerais.</b> <i>Itaobim</i>: 26.vi.1966, H. Reichardt (2090); <i>Teófilo Otoni</i>: 27.vii.1970, R.L. Araujo (4772); <b>Paraíba.</b> <i>Areia</i>: Mata do Pau Ferro, 08.xii.1999, A. Vasconcellos (23295); <i>Campina Grande</i>: 19.xi.1975, R.L. Araujo (6439); <i>João Pessoa</i>: A.P.A. Mata do Buraquinho, 01.vi.2000, A. Vasconcellos (11363, 13604, 13605, 13606, 13607, 13608, 13609, 13610, 13611, 13612, 13613, 13614), R.B. Guaribas, 23.x.2015, N.C.C.P. Barbosa (24915), UFPB, 21.x.2015, N.C.C.P. Barbosa (24918); <b>Pernambuco.</b> <i>Caruaru</i>: 14.vii.1974, R.L. Araujo (5482); <i>Igarassu</i>: Usina São José, 18.ix.1966, M.M. Chaves (1177); <i>Mataraca</i>: 18.xi.1975, R.L. Araujo (6433); <i>Recife</i>: BR 232, 13.vii.1974, R.L. Araujo (5467), P.E. Dois Irmãos, 04.vii.2000, A. Vasconcellos (13596, 13597, 13598, 13599, 13600, 13601), M.P. Silva (13602, 13603), 04.viii.2000, A. Vasconcellos (12432), 09/1969, G. Arruda (5381); <i>Sanharó</i>: Sítio Boi Manso, 14.vii.1974, R.L. Araujo (5483); <b>Rio Grande do Norte</b>. <i>Extremoz</i>: Centro Tecnológico de Agricultura, 06.xii.2012, M.P. Valim (16098, 16099); <i>Natal</i>: 17.xi.1975, R.L. Araujo (6426), Praia de Ponta Negra, 17.xi.1975, R.L. Araujo (6423); <b>Sergipe.</b> <i>Itaporanga d’Ajuda</i>: Faz. Caju, 06.ix.1983, C. R.F. Brandão (9904, 9905); <i>Santa Luzia do Itanhy</i>: R. Ecol. do Crasto, 30/vii–01.viii.2000, Y. T. Reis (12402, 12403, 12431), 30.vii.2001, E.M. Cancello & Y. T. Reis (11364).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species epithet “bandeirai” is given in honor of our dearly departed colleague Adelmar Gomes Bandeira, who assembled new and important termite collections and whose invaluable contributions to the field and role as teacher, paved the way for other termitologists.</p> <p>Imago (Figs. 10 C, 10D): Head round; eyes small and oval, separated from ventral margin of head by less than half their diameter. Ocelli small, short, oval, separated from eyes by at least their longest diameter. Postclypeus short, not swollen. Fontanelle white, drop-shaped, with pointed frontal end. Antennae with 15 articles, third the shortest, increasing in size from 4th to 11th, last four articles longer and about same size. Mandibles as in worker. Pronotum almost square, anterior margin nearly straight or slightly concave, narrower than head width. Densely haired; head with some erect bristles, many decumbent bristles and many hairs; pronotum with hairs and decumbent bristles on surface and some erect bristles on margins; tergites with many hairs and erect bristles on posterior margin. Head, pronotum, body and wings brown; antennae, sternites and legs paler brown. Measurements (12 individuals, males and females from two colonies, in millimeters), LH: 0.58–0.75, WH: 0.93–1.00, MDE: 0.18–0.20, MaDO: 0.09–0.11, MiDO: 0.07, LP: 0.45–0.48, WP: 0.75–0.82, MiLW: 7.33–7.92, LT: 1.00–1.10, DEHM: 0.03–0.06.</p> <p>Soldier (Figs. 27A, 27B, 33B): Head subrectangular, with sides slightly convergent toward front, top of head convex in profile; labrum rounded, slightly angled at apex; postmentum elongated and with sinusoid margins. Mandibles arched inward, with continuous curvature, fishhook-shaped, marginal teeth marked, directed slightly backward. Antennae with 14 articles. Anterior and posterior margins of pronotum rounded. Head with scatted bristles dorsally and laterally; labrum with 8–10 bristles, longest pair of these apically; pronotum with bristles concentrated at anterior and posterior margins; abdomen covered densely with bristles dorsally and ventrally, and short bristles ventrally; legs with sparse bristles. Measurements (10 individuals, from five colonies, in millimeters), CLM: 0.72– 0.83, LH: 1.38–1.67, WH: 0.97–1.12, LT: 0.75–0.93.</p> <p>Worker mandibles (Fig. 28A): With typical xylophagous pattern. Left mandible: apical tooth slightly larger than M1+2, M3 easily recognizable, with marked cutting edge between marginal teeth, molar tooth hidden by molar prominence; molar prominence with marked striations. Right mandible: apical tooth larger than M1, M2 easily recognizable, with marked posterior cutting edge; molar plate with four marked ridges.</p> <p> Gut anatomy (Figs. 22C, 23C, 23D, 29A, 30A): Gut torsion and morphology of segments as in <i>A. amifer</i> (Fig. 4), except for P1 cuticular ornamentation composed of groups of parallel very small spines around mesenteric tongue (Figs. 22C, 23C), followed by elongated area of spines with sclerotized base located proximally (Figs. 22C, 23D) and sparse spines on distal portion, just before enteric valve (Fig. 22C); enteric-valve armature (P2) weakly sclerotized, with six elongated cushions ornamented with a heterogeneous coverage of small scattered spines. Some cushions present only few spines distally (Fig. 30A, arrows).</p> <p> Comparisons: Regarding the soldiers, in <i>A. aporema</i> the marginal teeth are absent or poorly marked (Figs. 11A, 11C); the mandibles of <i>A</i>. <i>excellens</i> are more elongated with a less pronounced curve, with the marginal teeth locat- ed proximally (Fig. 15C); and <i>A</i>. <i>amicki</i>, <i>A</i>. <i>amifer</i>, <i>A</i>. <i>foreli</i> and <i>A</i>. <i>lilloi</i> have the marginal teeth more distinct, with the general slender and continuous mandible shape (Figs. 1A, 1C, 15E, 27C). <i>Amitermes bandeirai</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, shares the same fishhook-shaped mandibles with <i>A</i>. <i>beaumonti</i> and <i>A. lunae</i>, but can be distinguished from <i>A</i>. <i>beaumonti</i> by the larger size and the robust mandibles; and from <i>A. lunae</i> by the proportion of the mandibles to the head capsule, which is relatively smaller in the new species. The geographic distribution of these three species is very distinct, <i>A. bandeirai</i> occur predominantly in the South American Atlantic Forest from the state of Espírito Santo northward, plus a few localities in the northeastern Caatinga biome (Fig. 31), while <i>A</i>. <i>beaumonti</i> is restricted to Central America and <i>A. lunae</i> is typical of very dry environments on the western coast of South America (Fig. 26).</p> <p> The worker gut does not have marked characteristics and cannot be distinguished from <i>A. amifer</i> by the coiling. The soldier morphology is more useful for identification purposes, and it is desirable to compare a good series of individuals.</p> <p> <b>Comments.</b> The distribution of <i>Amitermes bandeirai</i>, <b>sp. n.</b> is remarkable, occurring mainly in rain forest (Atlantic Forest) with few registries in northeastern Brazil in the Caatinga or high-altitude fields (<i>campo rupestre</i>), such as in Mucugê, state of Bahia. This species is xylophagous and has been collected in dead logs, on a partially buried branch, in a dead branch on a living tree, and in a standing dead tree. In the Caatinga, it is most common in the dead leaves surrounding the dry base of individuals of Bromeliaceae, and also occupies abandoned nests constructed by other species. One sample was collected inside an epigeic nest of <i>Syntermes dirus</i>, in the upper region of the nest, in paved galleries contrasting with the loose earth of the <i>Syntermes</i> nest.</p>Published as part of <i>Rocha, Mauricio M. & Cancello, Eliana M., 2020, Comparative anatomy of the gut of the South American species of Amitermes, with description of two new species and an identification key based on soldiers and workers, pp. 75-104 in Zootaxa 4751 (1)</i> on pages 88-96, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4751.1.4, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/3711794">http://zenodo.org/record/3711794</a>
Orthognathotermes mirim Rocha & Cancello, 2009, new species
No full textOrthognathotermes mirim, new species (figs. 5, 19, 31) Holotype: soldier, part of lot MZUSP- 4056, 4.i. 1954, R.L. Araujo coll. Type-locality: Brazil: Minas Gerais State, Belo Horizonte. (20 º 54 ' 36 " S, 47 º W) Paratypes: BRAZIL: Distrito Federal: Brasília: 1970, K. Kitayama coll. (6996); Fazenda Agua Limpa: 19.ii. 1986, R. Constantino coll. (MPEG- 2622); 4.x. 1999, (UnB- 1890 *); 19.vii. 1981, I. Egler coll. (UnB- 1105); 1.viii. 1982, (UnB- 1109); 1.xi. 1985 (UnB- 1106); 1993, K. Kitayama coll. (UnB- 1107, UnB- 1112); 10.v. 1993, Suzana coll. (UnB- 1120, UnB- 1126); 7.v. 1993, (UnB- 1113); 16.xii. 1993 (UnB- 1114); 28.v. 1993, Carlos coll. (UnB- 1119); 30.ix. 1993, (UnB- 1123); 21.xii. 1992, Marcelo Lima coll. (UnB- 1122); Planaltina - CPAC: 16.iv. 1998, V.S. Dias coll. (UnB- 941, UnB- 943, UnB- 947); Reserva Ecológica do IBGE: 18.ix. 1998, R. Constantino coll. (UnB- 1301). Goiás: Alexania: 25.x. 1973, A.C. Santos coll. (7368); Cristalina: 11.iv. 1991, D. Brandão coll. (UFG- 399); Fazenda São Cipriano: 26.x. 2001, R. Constantino coll. (UnB- 3028); Parque Nacional das Emas: 28.iii- 6.iv. 1984, Exp. MZ-IQUSP coll. (8427); 17, 24.i. 2004, D.A. Costa coll. (12120, 12124); 19, 20, 25.iv. 2004 (12121, 12122, 12123); Pirenópolis: 26.vii. 2004, G.F. Lima Filho coll. (12119). Minas Gerais: Belo Horizonte: 23.viii. 1962, R.L. Araujo coll. (59); 4.i. 1954 (4056, 4058), 29.xi. 1956 (4498 *); 16.viii. 1971 (4935); Bom Sucesso: 12.xi. 1972, (5770); Campos Altos:, 12.xi. 1972 (5877); Campanha: 28.vii. 1954, (4228); Curvelo: 15.ii. 1972, (5084); Lagoa Santa: 3.i. 1957, (4702); Lagoa Dourada: 29.vii. 1975 (6256); Fazenda Susano: 28.x. 2001, R. Constantino coll. (UnB- 3116, UnB- 3150); Fazenda Rossato: 27.x. 2001 (3076); Francisco Sá: 16.vii. 1975, R.L. Araujo coll. (5979); Paraopeba: 14.x. 1993, Terezinha coll. (UFV- 4828); São Sebastião do Paraiso: 23.ii. 1945, R.L. Araujo coll. (4122); Uberlândia: 8.xi. 1972, (5711). São Paulo: Araçatuba: 8.xii. 1953, R.L. Araujo coll. (3991); Campinas: 17.i. 1970 (4751); Novo Horizonte: 24.xi. 1944, R. Araujo & Silva coll. (11357); Pirassununga: 28.ix. 1947, R.L. Araujo coll. (3876); Santo Amaro: 10.x. 1950 (3230); São José dos Campos: 26.v. 1953 (4321); São Paulo (Ipiranga): 6.xii. 1907, Herman Luederwaldt coll. (10822, 10823). Etymology: mirim (small) from Tupi, a Brazilian Indian language, in reference to soldier size, smaller than most other Orthognathotermes species. Imago. Eyes small, distant from the inferior margin of head, equal to the larger diameter of the ocellus. Ocelli in dorsal view reniform and narrow, oval and remote from the eye by distance equal to its minimum diameter in lateral view. Fontanelle narrow and small size. Head capsule covered by short hairs, scattered bristles. Labrum with bristles on two rows. Pronotum with short hairs and scattered bristles, mainly on the margins. Mesonotum and metanotum covered by short hairs, concentrated distally and on posterior margins. Head and pronotum sepia brown, tergites brown to pale brown, sternites pale brown to yellow, legs brown to pale brown, wing scales sepia brown. Comparisons. The imago of O. mirim sp. nov. differs from those of the other species by the combination of small fontanelle and eyes. The most similar species is O. okeyma sp. nov., from which it differs by the labrum with bristles in two rows. Soldier. Head sides parallel in dorsal view. In profile dorsal lump slightly salient, situated between the flanges. Mandibles of the first pattern, tooth-like projection at proximal half. Head capsule with sparse bristles, short hairs variable, from sparse on entire head capsule to denser only distally, scattered microscopic hairs on all surfaces. Posmentum with bristles and short hairs. Pronotum with bristles and short hairs on the surface, denser at margins. Mesonotum and metanotum with bristles and short hairs on posterior margins. Abdominal tergites densely covered with short hairs and bristles. Sternites covered with short hairs and erect bristles on posterior margins. Comparisons. O. mirim sp. nov. soldier has a head capsule smaller than all other species of the same mandible pattern and differs from all by the labrum without lobes. The most similar species is O. pilosus sp. nov. whose soldier displays a head capsule covered with denser short hairs. Geographical distribution. All records of O. mirim sp. nov. are in open formations (Fig. 31).Published as part of Rocha, Mauricio Martins Da & Cancello, Eliana M., 2009, Revision of the Neotropical termite genus Orthognathotermes Holmgren (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae), pp. 1-26 in Zootaxa 2280 on pages 11-12, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19117
Muelleritermes Cancello, Oliveira & Rocha, new genus
No full text<i>Muelleritermes</i> Cancello, Oliveira & Rocha, new genus <p> <b>Type-species:</b> <i>Muelleritermes fritzi</i>, <b>sp. n.</b></p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> Named in honor of the renowned naturalist Fritz Müller (1821–1897) who lived in southern Brazil and made important contributions to ecology, evolution, botany, and also termitology.</p> <p> <b>Imago</b>: Head rounded, broad (Fig. 1), with carina on dorsal surface appearing as half-moon ridge in anterior region, in frontal view forming narrower line between ocelli, as an inverted V, reaching central portion of postclypeus, delimiting a depressed area, anterior to the fontanelle (Fig. 2 B, white arrow). In profile, carina forming head contour with anterior elevation extending from postclypeus to posterior margin of ocellus, where an almost abrupt depression occurs before posterior third part of head. Posterior margin of head capsule behind eyes semi-circular, in dorsal view. Oval spot present in front of each ocellus, and sometimes few small spots near carina. Fontanelle distinct, cross-shaped, paler than and distinct from head surface. Postclypeus moderately arched in profile, short in dorsal view, with distinct median line. Ocellus perpendicular in profile. Ocellus separated from eye by distance equal to its major diameter. Antennae with 15 articles. Pronotum broad and long, not as wide as maximum width of head with eyes. Posterior margin of pronotum not emarginate, slightly emarginate or very strongly emarginate. Lateral surfaces of forecoxae rugose (Fig. 2 B, black arrow). Wings very long, surpassing tip of abdomen by about total length of body, surface densely covered with asteroid micrasters and also with sparse curved hairs, posterior margins covered with papillae curved toward apex. Pilosity: very hairy, with many erect bristles, and hairs of different sizes; base of posterior region, just above neck, without bristles and with only few very short hairs.</p> <p> <b>Soldier:</b> Trimorphic. Head capsule of major soldier broad, rounded, almost square or slightly oval, without constriction behind antennae (<i>M. globiceps,</i> <b>sp. n.</b>), occasionally very slightly constricted (some individuals in <i>M. fritzi</i>, <b>sp. n.</b>), oval or slightly oval in intermediate soldier. Head capsule of minor soldier narrower, elongate, or oval with constriction behind antennae, which is conspicuous in <i>M. fritzi</i>, <b>sp. n.</b> and less marked in <i>M. globiceps</i>, <b>sp. n.</b> Behind antennae of all soldiers are a few vestigial ommatids, and between base of nasus and base of antennae, in profile, is a kind of lens, reminiscent of a vestigial ocellus, not very clear in the figures. Mandibles with distinct, easily visible points. Nasus slightly conical in major and intermediate soldiers, cylindrical in minor soldier. Tibial spurs 2:2:2. Pilosity of soldier head consisting of short hairs oriented in different directions, denser in major soldier, less dense in intermediate soldier and sparse in minor soldier, plus some bristles that differ in size and number in the three soldier morphs (major, intermediate and minor) and in the two species.</p> <p> <b>Worker</b>: Dimorphic, the minor worker occurs rarely. Major worker has two types of mandibles (termed narrow- and broad-gap by Fontes, 1987). Head rounded (Fig. 3), antennae with 14 articles, postclypeus not inflated, fontanelle inconspicuous, anterior lobe of pronotum larger than posterior lobe, anterior margin of anterior lobe not emarginate. Head and body covered with sparse bristles and hairs. Mandibles of minor worker (Fig. 4 A) and narrow-gap worker (Fig. 4 B): Left mandible, apical tooth shorter than M1+2; region between apical tooth and M1+2 tooth subconcave; anterior edge of M1+2 almost twice length of anterior edge of M3; narrow-gap between M3 and molar prominence; molar tooth fully hidden by molar prominence; molar prominence with conspicuous ridges. Right mandible, apical tooth approximately as long as M1 (slightly smaller in short-gap worker); anterior edge of M2 reduced, about one-third of M1 length; molar plate with conspicuous ridges. Mandibles of broad-gap worker (Fig. 4 C): Left mandible, apical tooth larger than M1+2; angle between base of apical tooth and M1+2 tooth more acute than in narrow-gap mandible; anterior edge of M3 half length of M1+2; large gap between M3 and molar prominence; molar tooth fully hidden by molar prominence; molar prominence with conspicuous ridges. Right mandible, apical tooth approximately equal in length to M1; anterior margin of M2 reduced, one-third length of M1; molar plate with conspicuous ridges. Worker digestive tube (Figs. 5–7): Crop well developed, covered with finely pectinate scales (Fig. 5 B). Gizzard of generalized type, narrowing at end, forming 'neck' (Fig. 5 A). Mixed segment about twice as long as wide. Malpighian tubules in two pairs, well separated from each other, attached at edge of mesenteron, all curved toward P1. P1 short, at left side of abdomen (Fig. 6 A and D). P2 curved (Fig. 7 A), also on left side, after dorsal loop of mesenteron (Fig. 6 C). Enteric valve with two rings, each composed of six weakly sclerotized plates, covered with spines (Fig. 7 B). First ring with elongated plates, covered with tiny, isolated spines. Second ring with three elliptical plates alternating with three cylindrical ones, all plates more heavily sclerotized and with larger spines than plates of first ring. P3 large, with striated protuberance around P2 (Fig. 6 C and E, arrow).</p> <p> <b>Geographical distribution</b>. This genus has been found only in the southern Atlantic Forest (Fig. 8).</p> <p> <b>Comparisons with other Nasutitermitinae genera</b>. <i>Muelleritermes</i> <b>gen. nov.</b> can be easily distinguished from other members of Nasutitermitinae, except <i>Velocitermes</i> and <i>Diversitermes</i>, by the presence of three types of soldiers and a pair of vestigial ocelli (described below) on the soldier's head. The main characteristics that distinguish these two genera from <i>Muelleritermes</i> <b>gen. nov.</b> are: <i>Diversitermes</i>: soldiers with head densely covered with microscopic hairs; third segment of antennae longer than fourth; intermediate soldier with constriction behind antennae; nasus cylindrical, with narrow base; workers with mixed segment proportionally shorter; Malpighian tubules in two pairs attached closely to each other, frequently attached to nodule of mesenteron; P3 with protuberance separated from rest of segment by conspicuous constriction. <i>Velocit ermes</i>: heads of major and intermediate soldiers with constriction behind antennae; intermediate soldier with cylindrical nasus; workers with mixed segment proportionally shorter; P4 crossing mesenteron at lateral side of abdomen.</p> <p> <b>Phylogenetic position</b>. <i>Muelleritermes</i> <b>gen. nov.</b> shares many characteristics with <i>Velocitermes</i> and <i>Diversitermes</i> (see above) and most likely is phylogenetically related to them. The gut morphology is almost identical to <i>Ngauratermes,</i> particularly in the shape of the mixed segment and the attachment of the Malpighian tubules. The presence of three types of soldiers; the shape of the head of the intermediate soldier, and the pilosity of the head, along with the differences listed above, strongly support <i>Muelleritermes</i> as a new genus included in the “ <i>Velocitermes</i> group” i.e. <i>Velocitermes, Diversitermes</i> and <i>Ngauratermes</i>. The phylogenetic relationships within this group remain uncertain, and are under study by the first author</p> <p> <b>Remarks</b>. The species of <i>Muelleriterme</i> s, <b>gen. nov.</b> seem to feed on very rotten wood. They do not build a nest, but carve galleries in decayed fallen logs. The presence of ommatids on the soldier's head is reported for the first time in a genus of Nasutitermitinae. This was formerly known only in basal groups such as Kalotermitidae, Hodotermitidae, Stolotermitidae and <i>Serritermes.</i> The vestigial ocelli between the nasus and antennae are also present in most species of <i>Velocitermes</i> and <i>Diversitermes</i>. Whether these ommatids and the vestigial ocelli have a specific function is unknown.</p>Published as part of <i>Oliveira, Danilo E., Rocha, Mauricio R. & Cancello, Eliana M., 2015, Muelleritermes: A new termite genus with two species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), pp. 258-270 in Zootaxa 4012 (2)</i> on pages 259-263, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4012.2.2, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/238110">http://zenodo.org/record/238110</a>
Muelleritermes Cancello, Oliveira & Rocha, new genus
No full text<i>Muelleritermes</i> Cancello, Oliveira & Rocha, new genus <p> <b>Type-species:</b> <i>Muelleritermes fritzi</i>, <b>sp. n.</b></p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> Named in honor of the renowned naturalist Fritz Müller (1821–1897) who lived in southern Brazil and made important contributions to ecology, evolution, botany, and also termitology.</p> <p> <b>Imago</b>: Head rounded, broad (Fig. 1), with carina on dorsal surface appearing as half-moon ridge in anterior region, in frontal view forming narrower line between ocelli, as an inverted V, reaching central portion of postclypeus, delimiting a depressed area, anterior to the fontanelle (Fig. 2 B, white arrow). In profile, carina forming head contour with anterior elevation extending from postclypeus to posterior margin of ocellus, where an almost abrupt depression occurs before posterior third part of head. Posterior margin of head capsule behind eyes semi-circular, in dorsal view. Oval spot present in front of each ocellus, and sometimes few small spots near carina. Fontanelle distinct, cross-shaped, paler than and distinct from head surface. Postclypeus moderately arched in profile, short in dorsal view, with distinct median line. Ocellus perpendicular in profile. Ocellus separated from eye by distance equal to its major diameter. Antennae with 15 articles. Pronotum broad and long, not as wide as maximum width of head with eyes. Posterior margin of pronotum not emarginate, slightly emarginate or very strongly emarginate. Lateral surfaces of forecoxae rugose (Fig. 2 B, black arrow). Wings very long, surpassing tip of abdomen by about total length of body, surface densely covered with asteroid micrasters and also with sparse curved hairs, posterior margins covered with papillae curved toward apex. Pilosity: very hairy, with many erect bristles, and hairs of different sizes; base of posterior region, just above neck, without bristles and with only few very short hairs.</p> <p> <b>Soldier:</b> Trimorphic. Head capsule of major soldier broad, rounded, almost square or slightly oval, without constriction behind antennae (<i>M. globiceps,</i> <b>sp. n.</b>), occasionally very slightly constricted (some individuals in <i>M. fritzi</i>, <b>sp. n.</b>), oval or slightly oval in intermediate soldier. Head capsule of minor soldier narrower, elongate, or oval with constriction behind antennae, which is conspicuous in <i>M. fritzi</i>, <b>sp. n.</b> and less marked in <i>M. globiceps</i>, <b>sp. n.</b> Behind antennae of all soldiers are a few vestigial ommatids, and between base of nasus and base of antennae, in profile, is a kind of lens, reminiscent of a vestigial ocellus, not very clear in the figures. Mandibles with distinct, easily visible points. Nasus slightly conical in major and intermediate soldiers, cylindrical in minor soldier. Tibial spurs 2:2:2. Pilosity of soldier head consisting of short hairs oriented in different directions, denser in major soldier, less dense in intermediate soldier and sparse in minor soldier, plus some bristles that differ in size and number in the three soldier morphs (major, intermediate and minor) and in the two species.</p> <p> <b>Worker</b>: Dimorphic, the minor worker occurs rarely. Major worker has two types of mandibles (termed narrow- and broad-gap by Fontes, 1987). Head rounded (Fig. 3), antennae with 14 articles, postclypeus not inflated, fontanelle inconspicuous, anterior lobe of pronotum larger than posterior lobe, anterior margin of anterior lobe not emarginate. Head and body covered with sparse bristles and hairs. Mandibles of minor worker (Fig. 4 A) and narrow-gap worker (Fig. 4 B): Left mandible, apical tooth shorter than M1+2; region between apical tooth and M1+2 tooth subconcave; anterior edge of M1+2 almost twice length of anterior edge of M3; narrow-gap between M3 and molar prominence; molar tooth fully hidden by molar prominence; molar prominence with conspicuous ridges. Right mandible, apical tooth approximately as long as M1 (slightly smaller in short-gap worker); anterior edge of M2 reduced, about one-third of M1 length; molar plate with conspicuous ridges. Mandibles of broad-gap worker (Fig. 4 C): Left mandible, apical tooth larger than M1+2; angle between base of apical tooth and M1+2 tooth more acute than in narrow-gap mandible; anterior edge of M3 half length of M1+2; large gap between M3 and molar prominence; molar tooth fully hidden by molar prominence; molar prominence with conspicuous ridges. Right mandible, apical tooth approximately equal in length to M1; anterior margin of M2 reduced, one-third length of M1; molar plate with conspicuous ridges. Worker digestive tube (Figs. 5–7): Crop well developed, covered with finely pectinate scales (Fig. 5 B). Gizzard of generalized type, narrowing at end, forming 'neck' (Fig. 5 A). Mixed segment about twice as long as wide. Malpighian tubules in two pairs, well separated from each other, attached at edge of mesenteron, all curved toward P1. P1 short, at left side of abdomen (Fig. 6 A and D). P2 curved (Fig. 7 A), also on left side, after dorsal loop of mesenteron (Fig. 6 C). Enteric valve with two rings, each composed of six weakly sclerotized plates, covered with spines (Fig. 7 B). First ring with elongated plates, covered with tiny, isolated spines. Second ring with three elliptical plates alternating with three cylindrical ones, all plates more heavily sclerotized and with larger spines than plates of first ring. P3 large, with striated protuberance around P2 (Fig. 6 C and E, arrow).</p> <p> <b>Geographical distribution</b>. This genus has been found only in the southern Atlantic Forest (Fig. 8).</p> <p> <b>Comparisons with other Nasutitermitinae genera</b>. <i>Muelleritermes</i> <b>gen. nov.</b> can be easily distinguished from other members of Nasutitermitinae, except <i>Velocitermes</i> and <i>Diversitermes</i>, by the presence of three types of soldiers and a pair of vestigial ocelli (described below) on the soldier's head. The main characteristics that distinguish these two genera from <i>Muelleritermes</i> <b>gen. nov.</b> are: <i>Diversitermes</i>: soldiers with head densely covered with microscopic hairs; third segment of antennae longer than fourth; intermediate soldier with constriction behind antennae; nasus cylindrical, with narrow base; workers with mixed segment proportionally shorter; Malpighian tubules in two pairs attached closely to each other, frequently attached to nodule of mesenteron; P3 with protuberance separated from rest of segment by conspicuous constriction. <i>Velocit ermes</i>: heads of major and intermediate soldiers with constriction behind antennae; intermediate soldier with cylindrical nasus; workers with mixed segment proportionally shorter; P4 crossing mesenteron at lateral side of abdomen.</p> <p> <b>Phylogenetic position</b>. <i>Muelleritermes</i> <b>gen. nov.</b> shares many characteristics with <i>Velocitermes</i> and <i>Diversitermes</i> (see above) and most likely is phylogenetically related to them. The gut morphology is almost identical to <i>Ngauratermes,</i> particularly in the shape of the mixed segment and the attachment of the Malpighian tubules. The presence of three types of soldiers; the shape of the head of the intermediate soldier, and the pilosity of the head, along with the differences listed above, strongly support <i>Muelleritermes</i> as a new genus included in the “ <i>Velocitermes</i> group” i.e. <i>Velocitermes, Diversitermes</i> and <i>Ngauratermes</i>. The phylogenetic relationships within this group remain uncertain, and are under study by the first author</p> <p> <b>Remarks</b>. The species of <i>Muelleriterme</i> s, <b>gen. nov.</b> seem to feed on very rotten wood. They do not build a nest, but carve galleries in decayed fallen logs. The presence of ommatids on the soldier's head is reported for the first time in a genus of Nasutitermitinae. This was formerly known only in basal groups such as Kalotermitidae, Hodotermitidae, Stolotermitidae and <i>Serritermes.</i> The vestigial ocelli between the nasus and antennae are also present in most species of <i>Velocitermes</i> and <i>Diversitermes</i>. Whether these ommatids and the vestigial ocelli have a specific function is unknown.</p>Published as part of <i>Oliveira, Danilo E., Rocha, Mauricio R. & Cancello, Eliana M., 2015, Muelleritermes: A new termite genus with two species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), pp. 258-270 in Zootaxa 4012 (2)</i> on pages 259-263, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4012.2.2, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/238110">http://zenodo.org/record/238110</a>
Obtusitermes formosulus Cuezzo & Cancello, new species
No full text<i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i> Cuezzo & Cancello, new species <p>(Figs. 1–5)</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> From Latin “ <i>formosulus</i> ” meaning “pretty”.</p> <p> <b>Holotype:</b> minor soldier, part of lot no. MZUSP 10250, kept separately and labeled: “ MZUSP 10250. VENEZUELA, <i>Sucre</i>, Parque Nacional de Mochima, 2.xi.1986, E. M. Cancello and C. R. F. Brandão coll., field number 76”. Field observation: “inside a forest, collected in small wood items in litter, among rocks and in the soil”.</p> <p> <b>Paratypes</b>. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, Mount St. Benedict (10°39’49’’N, 61°23’56’’W), 27- 30.vi.1999, R. Pinto da Rocha coll., soldiers (major, minor) and workers (broad and narrow gap mandibles), MZUSP 11254; “ Tobago ”, Gasparee Isld., 8.iii.1991, J.P.E.C. Darlington coll., soldiers (major, minor) and workers (narrow gap mandibles), USNM 8473. VENEZUELA, <i>Sucre</i>, soldiers (major, minor) and workers (narrow gap mandibles) of lot no. MZUSP 10250, with the same data as the holotype; soldiers (major) and workers (narrow gap mandibles) of lot no. MZUSP 10252, field number 74, and same data as holotype.</p> <p> <b>Imago.</b> Unknown.</p> <p> <b>Soldier.</b> Dimorphic. Nasus subconical (major soldier) or subcylindrical (minor soldier) in profile. Vestigial mandibles without points. Postclypeus inflated. Labrum short, with anterior margin rounded. Carina from postclypeus through superior margin of antennal insertion. Antenna with 11 articles; 3rd subclavate, longer than 2nd and 4th; 5th to 8th similar in size and shape and 9th to 11th similar in size and shape. Anterior margin of pronotum rounded, not emarginated. Tibial spurs 2:2:2. Nasus dark brown, lighter at apex; anterior half of head capsule yellowish brown, becoming light yellow at rear; antenna yellowish; pronotum, mesonotum and metanotum yellowish.</p> <p> <b>Major soldier</b> (Figs. 1 A, B). Head capsule in dorsal view, with a moderated but clear constriction directly behind base of antennae. Maximum width behind the constriction, at middle of posterior part. Dorsal margin of head in profile, converging toward nasus with no depression or elevation at base of nasus. Nasus and head capsule with scattered microscopic hairs; four erect bristles at base of nasus, plus two erect bristles, some scattered shorter ones, and hairs of various size and orientation at vertex. Nasus with four bristles and short hairs at apex. Postmentum with two rows of bristles on anterior margin, at least four bristles on a front row and two bristles on a back row. Pronotum with microscopic hairs on both anterior and posterior margins; mesonotum and metanotum also with microscopic hairs on posterior margin. Tergites with four erect bristles on posterior margin and decumbent hairs on surface; sternites with a row of long bristles on posterior margin and scattered bristles on surface.</p> <p>Measurements of six soldiers from lots MZUSP 10250 and 11254 are given as range: LH: 1.14–1.23; LHp: 0.70–0.78; WH: 0.61–0.70; HH: 0.43–0.50; WP: 0.35–0.38; LT: 0.59–0.63.</p> <p> <b>Minor soldier</b> (Figs. 1 C–E). Head capsule, in dorsal view, with a conspicuous constriction a little before middle of head, considering from base of nasus to rear margin of head. Anterior part of head capsule, distal to constriction, about as broad as posterior part. Dorsal margin of head, in profile, with a slight hump at the base of nasus, followed by a weak depression. Pilosity following same pattern as major soldier but fewer decumbent bristles at head capsule vertex.</p> <p>Measurements of six soldiers from lots MZUSP 10250 and 11254 are given as range, followed by values for the holotype in parentheses: LH: 1.01–1.05 (1.05); LHp: 0.61–0.65 (0.65); WHfr: 0.45–0.48 (0.46); WHr: 0.45–0.50 (0.49); HH: 0.33–0.36 (0.35); WP: 0.30–0.35 (0.34); LT: 0.59–0.64 (0.60).</p> <p> <b>Worker</b> (Figs. 2 A–D). Two kinds of workers identifiable by morphology of mandibles, head capsule pigmentation, and profile of dorsal surface of head capsule: “minor darker workers” with broad gap mandibles, darker head capsule and dorsal surface of head capsule, in profile, with a concavity at front followed by a hump; and in other category “major lighter workers” with narrow gap mandibles characterized by lighter head capsule, and dorsal surface of head capsule convex in profile. Besides, in the category of “major lighter workers”, there are differences in head capsule size (see measurements). “Minor darker workers” with broad gap mandibles much less frequent than “major lighter workers” with narrow gap mandibles. Differences in head pilosity between “major lighter workers” with narrow gap mandibles and “minor darker workers” with broad gap workers as shown in Figs. 2 A–D. Head capsule of “major lighter workers” with scattered erect bristles and numerous hairs; postclypeus with bristles on anterior margin and two stout bristles plus hairs on surface. All workers, major and minor, in dorsal view, with lateral margins of head capsule nearly parallel or converging toward front, and posterior margin rounded; fontanelle region slightly depressed; postclypeus moderately inflated; antenna with 12 articles. Anterior lobe of pronotum more developed than posterior one; anterior margin of pronotum rounded, not emarginated. Tibial spurs 2:2:2. Digestive tube visible through abdominal wall. Pronotum with just a few short hairs on anterior and posterior margins; tergites with short hairs over surface and bristles on posterior margin.</p> <p>Minor darker worker with broad gap mandibles: measurements of one specimen from MZUSP 11254, WH: 0.69; LT: 0.59; LMI: 0.44.</p> <p>Major lighter worker with narrow gap mandibles, large size: measurements of five specimens from MZUSP 10250, WH: 0.80–0.85; LT: 0.50–0.53; LMI: 0.44–0.56.</p> <p>Major lighter worker with narrow gap mandibles, small size: measurements of five specimens from MZUSP 10250 and three specimens from MZUSP 11254, WH: 0.70–0.74; LT: 0.50–0.55; LMI: 0.40–0.56.</p> <p> <b>Mandibles</b> (Figs. 3 A–B) Major lighter workers with narrow gap (Figs. 2 C–D; 3B) having left mandible with apical tooth no more prominent than M1+2; posterior margin of apical tooth concave; acute angle between posterior margin of apical tooth and anterior margin of M1+2; posterior margin of M1+2 almost straight; third marginal tooth distinct, separated from molar prominence by a V-shaped gap; molar tooth barely visible at small gap, apex hidden beneath molar prominence; molar prominence with ridges, visible by translucence. Right mandible with an apical tooth about same size as first marginal tooth, a smaller second marginal tooth with blunt apex; molar plate with five conspicuous and one weakly developed ridges; basal notch well-defined. Minor darker worker with broad gap (Figs. 2 A–B; 3A), differing from major lighter workers with narrow gap by having on the left mandible an apical tooth with posterior margin straight; broader gap between third tooth and molar prominence; on right mandible apical tooth having a peculiar posterior margin, second marginal tooth less prominent; molar plate narrower, with four conspicuous and one weakly developed ridges; basal notch less defined.</p> <p> <b>Digestive tube</b> (Figs. 4 A–I; 5A–B). Gut coiling showing a similar generic pattern (Roisin <i>et al.</i> 1996). Crop and gizzard (G) not clearly visible in dorsal view (Fig. 4 A). Gizzard with a complete weakly sclerotized cuticular armature (hexaradial symmetry), without ornamentations (spines, scales); pulvillar belt more developed than columnar belt (Fig. 5 A). Mesenteron short, dorsally extending to right side but not reaching medial line in ventral view. Mixed segment well-developed with a unique mesenteric tongue proximally on the internal face, and distally turning ventral (Fig. 4 B). In this way, the mixed segment constitutes an asymmetrical structure. Malpighian tubules attached on a short projection of mesenteric tissue in two pairs very close together at junction midgut-hindgut on inner face of midgut ring (Figs. 4 G–I). Tubules dilated along mixed segment length. Ileum (P1) not dilated, turning back on itself to form a short loop distally on right side of abdomen. Enteric valve (P2) lying beneath P1 dorsally on right side of abdomen, or on a subdivision clearly visible on P3 (Figs. 4 E–F). P2 with a weak armature of six spiny areas; minor areas alternating with major ones (Fig. 5 B). Paunch (P3) as a pyriform sac, not protruding throughout midgut ring. Dorsal torsion not developed. P3 joined to colon (P4) on left side. P4 tubular, reaching rectum (P5) after passing beneath P1 loop on right side (Figs. 4 B, E, F). No apparent differences in digestive tube of different kinds of workers.</p> <p> <b>Comparisons</b>. The major soldier of <i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i> differ from that of <i>O. panamae</i> by having a larger head capsule with the dorsal surface, in profile, converging toward nasus with no depressions; vertex outward, in profile; nasus somewhat longer and not or only slightly upturned in profile. Pilosity of head capsule and pronotum distinctly different, being the microscopic hairs and short hairs less abundant. The minor soldier of <i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i> has a larger head capsule, with the posterior part about as wide as the anterior part in dorsal view; dorsal surface of the head capsule in profile, with a slight hump at the base of nasus, followed by a weaker depression; nasus somewhat longer and not or only slightly upturned in profile; and also pilosity of head capsule and pronotum different, being the microscopic hairs and short hairs less abundant. Worker gut of <i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i> has a mesenteric tongue which turns ventrally at its distal part; there is a projection of mesenteric tissue on the internal side where the Malpighian tubules are attached, and a minor P1 loop at the right side, not visible ventrally; these characters are different from those figured by Roisin <i>et al</i>. (1996, Fig. 1 C).</p> <p> <b> Comparisons with <i>Parvitermes bacchanalis</i> Mathews.</b> <i>Parvitermes bacchanalis</i> soldier does not resemble that of <i>Obtusitermes</i> as Fontes (1998) had affirmed. First, the soldier of <i>P. bacchanalis</i> differs by having vestigial mandibles with points, while <i>Obtusitermes</i> soldier mandibles are vestigial without points. The soldier of <i>P. bacchanalis</i> has a head capsule with a stronger constriction near the antennal insertion, antenna with 13 antenomeres, postclypeus not inflated, nasus thinner, and a uniform pattern of coloration (see Mathews 1977, pg. 177–179, Figs. 130, 131, 154). Although either taxa could be understood as wood-feeders (or litter- feeders that feed on wood items in litter), it is possible to recognize some differences in their worker mandibles. Also, the worker gut coiling does not resemble that of <i>Obtusitermes</i>. In <i>P. bacchanalis</i> (see Fontes 1998, pg. 381, Figs. 101–104) the mesenteric tongue extends dorsally; P3 protrudes through the mesenteric arc, dorsal torsion well-developed; P1 leads to the right side and then turns to the left, passing bellow the mesenteric arc to reach P2; P4 with a conspicuous "U-turn".</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Issa (2000) mentioned <i>Obtusitermes</i> <b>n. sp.</b> for two localities of Venezuela (Uverito, Canaima). Also, Adamson (1937) and Scheffrahn <i>et al.</i> (2003) indicated another record of a new species for Trinidad and Tobago, and Constantino (2002) provides figures of <i>Obtusitermes</i> sp. (major and minor soldier, Figs. 121–124). Dr. Scheffrahn, who was one of the reviewers of this text, has affirmed that the material from Issa (2000) and Scheffrahn <i>et al.</i> (2003) match the description of <i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i>. Dr. Constantino also state that those figures (Constantino 2002, Figs. 121–124) were of <i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i>. One of us (CC) has examined samples of <i>Obtusitermes</i> from Adamson Collection deposited at the AMNH and it was possible to confirm that the record of Adamson (1937) is <i>Obtusitermes formosulus</i> as well.</p>Published as part of <i>Cuezzo, Carolina & Cancello, Eliana M., 2009, A new species of Obtusitermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) from South America, pp. 61-68 in Zootaxa 1993</i> on pages 62-66, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/185588">10.5281/zenodo.185588</a>
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