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Subfamily FORMICINAE
Tribe PLAGIOLEPIDINI

Brachymyrmex sp.-03
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Introduction
Brachymyrmex is a New World genus whose members are minute, soft-bodied, have a small petiolar scale, and a nine segmented antenna without a club. Workers have well developed eyes. Color ranges from pale light-yellow to dark brown. Species is this genus usually nest in soil or rotting wood. This group is in drastic need of revision.

Identification

Brachymyrmex sp.-03 appears to be a new species, although this group is in dissarray, and without revising the entire genus, it may be difficult to say for sure until more specimens are collected and examined. This particular species or form, is yellow, with 2-4 relatively short, stout, erect hairs present on the promesonotum, and several similar hairs present on the occipital region of the head and femora. The gaster has relatively dense pubescense. The eyes have about 8 facets in greatest diameter and are about the size as those in B. depilis.

This species is most similar to B. depilis, but differs in having erect hairs on the promesonotum and femora. It is also similar to a couple of other yellowish species that are possible to this area, B. minutus and B. heeri, but lacks erect pubescense on the gastral tergites (except along the edges) and it also has erect hairs on the femora, which are absent in the other two species. One additional undescribed yellow species is known from Florida, but it lacks erect hairs and has dense semi-erect pubescence covering much of the body and appendages giving it a somewhat fuzzy appearance. All other known species present in this region are dark brown in color.

Biology and Economic Importance

Distribution

Literature Cited

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