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Three new species of Leptanilloides Mann from Andean Ecuador (Formicidae: Leptanilloidinae)

Abstract:

We report three new species of the ant genus Leptanilloides from Andean Ecuador. Leptanilloides nomada sp. n. and L. caracola sp. n. are described from the worker caste, the latter from a unique specimen; L. nubecula sp. n. is described from workers, males, and two gyne subcastes previously unknown for the entire subfamily. Phenotypic variation in morphological characters in the new species L. nomada and L. nubecula is more plastic than suggested by the traditional generic diagnosis. These records represent the first case of three Leptanilloides species occurring in sympatry. We discuss aspects of the army ant syndrome and its relevance to the genus Leptanilloides. Copyright © 2006 Magnolia Press.