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Anaplastic lymphoma kinase–negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK– ALCL) is an aggressive neoplasm of T-cell/null-cell lineage. The T-Cell Project is a global prospective cohort study that consecutively enrolled patients newly diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, registered through a centralized computer database between September 2006 and February 2018. Of 1553 validated cases from 74 sites in 13 countries worldwide, 235 were reported as ALK– ALCL. The median age at diagnosis was 54 years (range, 18-89 years), with a male predominance (62%). Stage III to IV disease was identified in 71% of patients, bulky disease and bone marrow involvement were uncommon, and 66% of patients presented with a low (0-1) International Prognostic Index score. Of all treated patients, 85% received multiagent initial chemotherapy, and 8% were consolidated with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. The initial overall and complete response rates were 77% and 63%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 52 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 41-63), the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 41 months (95% CI, 17-62) and 55 months (95% CI, 36-75), respectively. The 3- and 5-year PFS rates were 52% and 43%, and the 3- and 5-year OS rates were 60% and 49%. Treatments containing both anthracycline and etoposide were associated with superior OS (P = .05) but not PFS (P = .18). In this large prospective cohort study, outcomes comparable to those previously reported in the retrospective International Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Project were observed. The study underscores the need for introducing novel platforms for ALK– ALCL and establishes a benchmark for future clinical trials. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01142674.

Acromyrmex fowleri Rabeling, Messer, Lacau and Delabie, NEW SPECIES Zoobank record: http://zoobank.org/ D96C94C2-AF2D- 4543-965E���49AB99DFE6 52. Holotype, alate gyne BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilh��us, Praia do Norte, 18 km N Ilh��us; S14.6197��, W039.0607��; elevation above sea level: 0 m; collection date: 27 November 1994, 07.00 h; col. Jacques Delabie; individual was collected from the drift line of the Atlantic Ocean on the beach. Presumably alates of A. fowleri participated in a predawn nuptial flight and drowned in the sea. The holotype is deposited at the Laborat��rio de Mirmecologia, Centro de Pesquisa do Cacau, Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil (CPCD) and carries the unique specimen identifier No. ASUSIBR00000001. Description, holotype gyne Measurements: TL 7.90, WL 2.47, HL 1.30, HW 1.45, IOD 1.59, ML 0.97, FLD 0.75, SL 1.59, EL 0.37, EW 0.33, PrW 1.38, FL 1.73, PL 0.52, PW 0.57, PPL 0.50, PPW 0.92, GL 2.15, CI 110, MI 73, SI 109. A small species of Acromyrmex fungus-growing ants (WL 2.47, TL 7.90) that is immediately recognizable as a social parasite due to its smaller body size and shiny integument. Mandibles (MI 73) and appendages (FL 1.73, SI 109) long relative to head and body size, respectively. Integument smooth and shiny, in part translucent, characteristic of the inquiline syndrome. Body surface, antennal scapes, and legs (except for tarsi) sparsely covered with pale, transversally flattened, appressed setae; only tarsi covered with semi-erect setae. Color uniformly light orange brown; anepisternum, scutellum, and masticatory margin of mandibles slightly darker, reddish-brown. Head head shape subquadrate, slightly wider than long (CI 110); lateral margins parallel to each other; posterior margin with median concavity; posterior and lateral margins with numerous distinct tubercles. Mandibles long and slender in full-face view; external margins sinuate; masticatory margins with 12 teeth; apical and preapical teeth distinctly larger, followed by five small teeth that are interspersed by smaller denticles; mandible surface smooth and shiny, not striate. Palp formula 4:2, representing the plesiomorphic condition of fungus-growing ants. Posterior margin of clypeus trapezoidal, broadly inserted between frontal lobes; anterior margin of clypeus shiny and median portion concave. Unpaired median clypeal seta short (0.09 mm), semi-erect, transversally flattened, only barely projecting over the anterior clypeal margin. Frontal lobes broadly rounded, fully covering condylar bulbs in full-face view; lateral margin of frontal lobe serrated with two distinct tooth-like projections. Frontal carinae extending towards the level of the ocelli, not forming a fully shaped antennal scrobe. Preocular carina forming a straight line in lateral view and traversing the area of the antennal scrobe by onethird of the scrobe���s width behind the level of the eye. Eyes large (EL 0.37, EW 0.33) and strongly convex. The three ocelli are small and embedded in the integument. Antennae with 11 segments. Antennal scapes long (SL 1.59, SI 109) with abundant, appressed setae, surpassing the posterior margin of the head by more than one-third of its length. Mesosoma Mesosoma slender with caste-specific modifications related to wing bearing. Dorsolateral pronotal spine long, slender, and sharply pointed in dorsal view. Ventrolateral pronotal spine reduced, triangular, with blunt, rounded tip. Dorsum of mesosoma smooth and shiny. Posterior margin of scutellum concave, but not distinctly bidentate. Bulla and meatus of metapleural gland not notably modified from the condition in the host species. Propodeal spines straight, slen- der, sharply pointed, projecting away from the propodeum at a 90�� angle in lateral view. Metasoma Anterior peduncle of petiole short, about one-fourth the length of the petiolar node. Dorsum of petiolar node with a pair of irregularly shaped ridges. Postpetiole wider (PPW 0.92) than long (PPL 0.50) in dorsal view, posterior margin slightly concave. Gaster large (GL 2.15). First gastric tergite notably smooth with few broadly rounded, reduced tubercles; on median portion of anterior half tubercles form a pair of shallow, longitudinal ridges. Except for the smaller size, fore- and hindwings resemble the wings of the host species, A. rugosus. Measurements, paratype gynes (n = 25): TL 7.33���8.13, WL 2.34���2.69, HL 1.25���1.31, HW 1.38���1.47, IOD 1.53���1.61, ML 0.89���0.98, FLD 0.73���0.78, SL 1.51���1.71, EL 0.36���0.39, EW 0.33���0.37, PrW 1.23���1.44, FL 1.65���1.76, PL 0.48���0.58, PW 0.56���0.63, PPL 0.43���0.55, PPW 0.91���1.02, GL 1.90���2.22, CI 106���114, MI 69���76, SI 107���120. Paratypes 279 alate g y n e s a n d 8 4 m a l e s, ASUSIBR00000002-00000364, from three collection sites along a 40 km stretch of ���restinga��� habitat (i.e., tropical and subtropical coastal forest habitats that form on sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soils) along the coastline with the city of Ilh��us at its center. First collection site: BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilh��us, Praia do Sul, STAC camping, 13 km south of Ilh��us; near the entrance of a subterranean nest of Acromyrmex rugosus dug in the sand about 100 m from the beach, S14.91210��, W039.02095��; elevation above sea level: 5 m; collection date: 29 October 1992; col. Jacques H. C. Delabie (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000002); same as above, but 05 November 1992 (7 alate gynes and 6 males, ASUSIBR00000003-15); same as above, but 15 January 1993; col. Harold G. Fowler (1 alate gyne ASUSIBR00000016). Second collection site: BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilh��us, Praia do Norte, Barramares village, 18 km north of Ilh��us, from the drift line of the Atlantic Ocean on the beach; S14.6197��, W039.0607��; elevation above sea level: 0 m; collection date: 01 November 1993; col Jacques H. C. Delabie (1 male, ASUSIBR00000017); same as above, but 06 November 1993 (2 males, ASUSIBR00000018-19); same as above, but 14 November 1993 (3 males, ASUSIBR00000020-22); same as above, but 13 December 1993 (1 male, ASUSIBR00000023); same as above, but 08 January 1994, 18:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000024); same as above, but 14 January 1994 (2 alate gynes ASUSIBR00000025-26); same as above, but 06 February 1994, 08:00 h (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000027-28); same as above, but 06 March 1994, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000029); same as above, but 20 March 1994, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000030); same as above, but 01 April 1994, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000031); same as above, but 02 April 1994, 07:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000032); same as above, but 21 May 1994, 08:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000033); same as above, but 12 June 1994, 08:00 h; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000034); same as above, but 12 October 1994; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (2 alate gynes and 2 males, ASUSIBR00000035-38); same as above, but 16 October 1994, 07:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne and 4 males, ASUSIBR00000039-43); same as above, but 29 October 1994, 07:00 h; col. Jacques H. C. Delabie and Clayton R. R. Delabie (17 alate gynes and 4 males, ASUSIBR00000044-64); same as above, but 13 November 1994, 07:00-08:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (84 alate gynes and 9 males, ASUSIBR00000066-158); same as above, but 20 November 1994, 07:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000159-160); same as above, but 24 November 1994 (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000161); same as above, but 27 November 1994, 07:00 h (112 alate gynes and 26 males, ASUSIBR00000162-298); same as above, but 04 December 1994, 07:00 h (4 alate gynes and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000299-303); same as above, but 18 December 1994, 06:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (2 alate gynes and 3 males, ASUSIBR00000304-308); same as above, but 27 December 1994, 07:00 h; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (2 alate gynes and 2 males, ASUSIBR00000309-312); same as above, but 31 December 1994, 06:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000313); same as above, but 01 January 1995, 06:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (3 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000314-316); same as above, but 15 January 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000317); same as above, but 19 January 1995, 07:00 h; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (1 male, ASUSIBR00000318); same as above, but 27 January 1995 (1 male, ASUSIBR00000319); same as above, but 12 February 1995, 07:00 h (2 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000320-321); same as above, but 26 February 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000322); same as above, but 28 February 1995, 06:00 h (2 alate gynes and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000323-235); same as above, but 01 March 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000326-327); same as above, but 03 March 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne and 2 males, ASUSIBR00000328-330); same as above, but 11 March 1995, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000331); same as above, but 17 March 1995, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000332); same as above, but 01 June 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000333-334); same as above, but 29 October 1995, 09:00 h (8 alate gynes and 8 males, ASUSIBR00000335-350); same as above, but 01 January 1996, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000351); same as above, but 10 February 1996, 07:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000352); same as above, but 20 February 1996, 08:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000353); same as above, but 06 April 1996, 07:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000354); same as above, but 14 July 1996 (5 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000355-359); same as above, but 22 September 1996 (3 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000360-362); same as above, but 26 October 1996 (2 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000363-364). Third collection site: BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilh��us, Praia do Malhado, from the drift line of the Atlantic Ocean on the beach; S14.781��, W039.045��; elevation above sea level: 0 m; collection date: 02 November 1994; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000065). Description, paratype males Measurements (n = 25): TL 6.89���7.32, WL 2.25���2.47, HL 0.96���1.02, HW 1.00���1.07, IOD 1.25���1.33, ML 0.64���0.70, FLD 0.49���0.51, SL 1.31���1.45, EL 0.37���0.41, EW 0.38���0.43, PrW 1.23���1.44, FL 1.67���1.76, PL 0.37���0.44, PW 0.50���0.61, PPL 0.37���0.44, PPW 0.79���0.92, GL 2.15���2.47, CI 99���108, MI 64���71, SI 128-140. A small male (WL 2.25���2.47, TL 6.89���7.32), distinctly smaller than the male of the host species, A. rugosus. Integument smooth and shiny, thin, partly translucent. Body surface covered with few appressed, transversally flattened setae. Color uniformly pale yellow- to reddish-brown. Head Approximately as wide as long (CI 99���108); behind the level of the eyes, sides rounded and tapering towards the posterior margin of head; head size small relative to mesosoma. Mandibles long, slender, with distinct apical and preapical teeth, followed by seven to eight smaller, irregularly spaced teeth of irregular size; mandible surface smooth, shiny. Palp formula 4:2. Clypeus shape as in gyne; unpaired clypeal seta projecting over the anterior clypeal margin by two-thirds its length. Frontal lobes narrow, leaving the anterior half of the condylar bulbs exposed in full-face view. Preocular carina distinct, traversing the area of the antennal scrobe almost completely, nearly touching frontal carina. Eyes very large (EL 0.37���0.41, EW 0.38���0.43), strongly convex. Ocelli large, raised above the surface of the head; unpaired median ocellus approximately one and a half times wider than paired lateral ocelli. Antennae with 13 segments. Antennal scape long (SL 1.31���1.45) with appressed setae, surpassing the posterior margin of the head by half its length. Mesosoma Mesosoma with sex-specific modifications related to wing bearing. Anteriodorsal portion of pronotum inflated. Dorsolateral pronotal spine short, broadly triangular, and blunt in dorsal view. Ventrolateral pronotal spine absent. Dorsum of mesosoma smooth. Scutellum shape as in gyne; sculpture granulate with fine rugae. Bulla and meatus of metapleural gland small, orifice of metapleural gland tiny and round, pointing posteriorly, not notably modified from the condition in A. rugosus. Propodeal spines short, narrowly triangular, sharply pointed. Metasoma Petiole and postpetiole as in gyne. Gaster less bulbous than in host. First gastric tergite smooth, shiny, laterally with few reduced, rounded tubercles; sparsely covered with few appressed setae. Fore- and hindwings resemble the wings of its host, except for smaller size and a missing detached vein at the posterior end of the hindwing. Genitalia In toto, excluding the basal ring, parameres longer (1.04 mm) than wide (0.83 mm); apical lobe of paramere evenly rounded with less than 10 long, erect setae. In lateral view, aedeagus small (0.26 mm), ventral border of penis valve bearing 12 recurved teeth of uniform length; the anterior two and posteriormost of which are small and weakly sclerotized, whereas teeth 3-11 are distinctly larger and heavily sclerotized, as notable by the darker brown coloration. Differential diagnosis The comparative morphological analysis reveals that A. fowleri is remarkably similar to its host species, A. rugosus (Figs. 1 and 2). Notwithstanding, the gyne of A. fowleri can easily be distinguished from A. rugosus by the smaller size, the smooth and shiny integument, and the presence of appressed and transversally flattened setae (Figs. 1 and 3b). Relative to its smaller body size, A. fowleri is also characterized by longer appendages, and antennal scapes, as well as by a broader postpetiole (Fig. 1, Table 1). In the field, A. fowleri can be distinguished from its host by the significantly smaller size, the shiny appearance, the distinctly orange���brown coloration, the slowness of its movements, and the occurrence of alate females and males in some host nests throughout the year, whereas alates of A. rugosus typically occur during the rainier and warmer summer months (December���March) in coastal Bahia. The male of A. fowleri resembles the male of A. rugosus and is not gynaecomorphic (Fig. 2). Large males of A. fowleri reach the same size as small and medium size of A. rugosus males, but never reach the body size of large A. rugosus males. Despite slightly overlapping size ranges, the males of A. folweri can be distinguished from the A. rugosus males by their shiny integument, the slenderer and less bulbous gaster, the relatively longer antennal scapes, the absence of the inferior pronotal spine, the more pronounced tubercles on the first gastral tergite, and the presence of few, dorsoventrally flattened, appressed setae (Fig. 2, Table 1). The parasites��� genitalia are smaller than the hosts��� genitalia (paramere length: A. fowleri = 1.04 mm, A. rugosus = 1.66 mm), the length of the ventral aedeagal lobe is smaller in A. rugosus (A. fowleri = 0.26 mm, A. rugosus = 0.21���0.22 mm; Fig. 4). It is important to note that the aedeagus of A. rugosus bears a very large dorsal lobe that is absent from A. fowleri (Fig. 4). The ventral border of the aedeagus bears 12 teeth in A. fowleri and 12���14 teeth in A. rugosus (Fig. 4). Worker caste The worker caste is unknown and potentially nonexistent. Etymology This inquiline social parasite is named in honor of our colleague, the late Harold Gordon Fowler, in recognition of his numerous important contributions to leaf-cutting ant biology, taxonomy, biogeography, and pest management in Brazil and Paraguay. Previous studies referring to A. fowleri Acromyrmex fowleri was discovered 27 years ago and aspects of its biology were discussed in previous publications, where A. fowleri was referred to as either ��� Pseudoatta new species���, ��� Pseudoatta from Bahia ���, ��� Pseudoatta from Brazil ���, or ��� Acromyrmex new species��� (Delabie et al. 1993, Delabie et al. 2002; Schultz et al. 1998; Sumner et al. 2004; Schultz and Brady 2008; Rabeling and Bacci 2010; Soares et al. 2011; Rabeling et al. 2015). In this paper, we summarized the published and unpublished observations on the biology of A. fowleri. Key aspects of A. fowleri ���s biology and life history remain unknown and will require detailed field studies as well as conclusive behavioral experiments., Published as part of Rabeling, C., Messer, S., Lacau, S., do Nascimento, I. C., Jr., M. Bacci & Delabie, J. H. C., 2019, Acromyrmex fowleri: a new inquiline social parasite species of leaf-cutting ants from South America, with a discussion of social parasite biogeography in the Neotropical region, pp. 435-451 in Insectes Sociaux 66 on pages 445-448, DOI: 10.1007/s00040-019-00705-z, http://zenodo.org/record/3274215, {"references":["Delabie JHC, Fowler HG, Schlindwein MN (1993) Ocorrencia do parasita social Pseudoatta sp. nova em ninhos de Acromyrmex rugosus em Ilheus, Bahia: primeiro registro para os tropicos. In: IV International Symposium on Pest Ants, XI Encontro de Mirmecologia, 21 - 24 November 1993, Belo Horizonte, Brazil","Delabie JHC, do Nascimento IC, Mariano CSF (2002) Estrategias de reproducao e dispersao em formigas attines, com exemplos do sul da Bahia. In: XIX Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 16 - 21 June 2002, Manaus, Brazil","Schultz TR, Bekkevold D, Boomsma JJ (1998) Acromyrmex insinuator new species: an incipient social parasite of fungus-growing ants. Insectes Soc 45: 457 - 471","Sumner S, Aanen DK, Delabie J, Boomsma JJ (2004) The evolution of social parasitism in Acromyrmex leaf-cutting ants: a test of Emery's rule. Insectes Soc 51: 37 - 42","Schultz TR, Brady SG (2008) Major evolutionary transitions in ant agriculture. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105: 5435 - 5440","Rabeling C, Bacci M (2010) A new workerless inquiline in the Lower Attini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a discussion of social parasitism in fungus-growing ants. Syst Entomol 35: 379 - 392","Soares IMF, Della Lucia TMC, De Souza D (2011) Parasitismo social em formigas-cortadeiras. In: Della Lucia TMC (ed) Formigas- Cortadeiras: da bioecologia ao manejo. Editora da UFV, Vicosa, pp 344 - 358","Rabeling C, Schultz TR, Bacci M, Bollazzi M (2015) Acromyrmex charruanus: a new inquiline social parasite species of leaf-cutting ants. Insectes Soc 62: 335 - 349"]}

Acromyrmex fowleri Rabeling, Messer, Lacau and Delabie, NEW SPECIES Zoobank record: http://zoobank.org/ D96C94C2-AF2D- 4543-965E−49AB99DFE6 52. Holotype, alate gyne BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilhéus, Praia do Norte, 18 km N Ilhéus; S14.6197°, W039.0607°; elevation above sea level: 0 m; collection date: 27 November 1994, 07.00 h; col. Jacques Delabie; individual was collected from the drift line of the Atlantic Ocean on the beach. Presumably alates of A. fowleri participated in a predawn nuptial flight and drowned in the sea. The holotype is deposited at the Laboratório de Mirmecologia, Centro de Pesquisa do Cacau, Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil (CPCD) and carries the unique specimen identifier No. ASUSIBR00000001. Description, holotype gyne Measurements: TL 7.90, WL 2.47, HL 1.30, HW 1.45, IOD 1.59, ML 0.97, FLD 0.75, SL 1.59, EL 0.37, EW 0.33, PrW 1.38, FL 1.73, PL 0.52, PW 0.57, PPL 0.50, PPW 0.92, GL 2.15, CI 110, MI 73, SI 109. A small species of Acromyrmex fungus-growing ants (WL 2.47, TL 7.90) that is immediately recognizable as a social parasite due to its smaller body size and shiny integument. Mandibles (MI 73) and appendages (FL 1.73, SI 109) long relative to head and body size, respectively. Integument smooth and shiny, in part translucent, characteristic of the inquiline syndrome. Body surface, antennal scapes, and legs (except for tarsi) sparsely covered with pale, transversally flattened, appressed setae; only tarsi covered with semi-erect setae. Color uniformly light orange brown; anepisternum, scutellum, and masticatory margin of mandibles slightly darker, reddish-brown. Head head shape subquadrate, slightly wider than long (CI 110); lateral margins parallel to each other; posterior margin with median concavity; posterior and lateral margins with numerous distinct tubercles. Mandibles long and slender in full-face view; external margins sinuate; masticatory margins with 12 teeth; apical and preapical teeth distinctly larger, followed by five small teeth that are interspersed by smaller denticles; mandible surface smooth and shiny, not striate. Palp formula 4:2, representing the plesiomorphic condition of fungus-growing ants. Posterior margin of clypeus trapezoidal, broadly inserted between frontal lobes; anterior margin of clypeus shiny and median portion concave. Unpaired median clypeal seta short (0.09 mm), semi-erect, transversally flattened, only barely projecting over the anterior clypeal margin. Frontal lobes broadly rounded, fully covering condylar bulbs in full-face view; lateral margin of frontal lobe serrated with two distinct tooth-like projections. Frontal carinae extending towards the level of the ocelli, not forming a fully shaped antennal scrobe. Preocular carina forming a straight line in lateral view and traversing the area of the antennal scrobe by onethird of the scrobe’s width behind the level of the eye. Eyes large (EL 0.37, EW 0.33) and strongly convex. The three ocelli are small and embedded in the integument. Antennae with 11 segments. Antennal scapes long (SL 1.59, SI 109) with abundant, appressed setae, surpassing the posterior margin of the head by more than one-third of its length. Mesosoma Mesosoma slender with caste-specific modifications related to wing bearing. Dorsolateral pronotal spine long, slender, and sharply pointed in dorsal view. Ventrolateral pronotal spine reduced, triangular, with blunt, rounded tip. Dorsum of mesosoma smooth and shiny. Posterior margin of scutellum concave, but not distinctly bidentate. Bulla and meatus of metapleural gland not notably modified from the condition in the host species. Propodeal spines straight, slen- der, sharply pointed, projecting away from the propodeum at a 90° angle in lateral view. Metasoma Anterior peduncle of petiole short, about one-fourth the length of the petiolar node. Dorsum of petiolar node with a pair of irregularly shaped ridges. Postpetiole wider (PPW 0.92) than long (PPL 0.50) in dorsal view, posterior margin slightly concave. Gaster large (GL 2.15). First gastric tergite notably smooth with few broadly rounded, reduced tubercles; on median portion of anterior half tubercles form a pair of shallow, longitudinal ridges. Except for the smaller size, fore- and hindwings resemble the wings of the host species, A. rugosus. Measurements, paratype gynes (n = 25): TL 7.33–8.13, WL 2.34–2.69, HL 1.25–1.31, HW 1.38–1.47, IOD 1.53–1.61, ML 0.89–0.98, FLD 0.73–0.78, SL 1.51–1.71, EL 0.36–0.39, EW 0.33–0.37, PrW 1.23–1.44, FL 1.65–1.76, PL 0.48–0.58, PW 0.56–0.63, PPL 0.43–0.55, PPW 0.91–1.02, GL 1.90–2.22, CI 106–114, MI 69–76, SI 107–120. Paratypes 279 alate g y n e s a n d 8 4 m a l e s, ASUSIBR00000002-00000364, from three collection sites along a 40 km stretch of “restinga” habitat (i.e., tropical and subtropical coastal forest habitats that form on sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soils) along the coastline with the city of Ilhéus at its center. First collection site: BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilhéus, Praia do Sul, STAC camping, 13 km south of Ilhéus; near the entrance of a subterranean nest of Acromyrmex rugosus dug in the sand about 100 m from the beach, S14.91210°, W039.02095°; elevation above sea level: 5 m; collection date: 29 October 1992; col. Jacques H. C. Delabie (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000002); same as above, but 05 November 1992 (7 alate gynes and 6 males, ASUSIBR00000003-15); same as above, but 15 January 1993; col. Harold G. Fowler (1 alate gyne ASUSIBR00000016). Second collection site: BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilhéus, Praia do Norte, Barramares village, 18 km north of Ilhéus, from the drift line of the Atlantic Ocean on the beach; S14.6197°, W039.0607°; elevation above sea level: 0 m; collection date: 01 November 1993; col Jacques H. C. Delabie (1 male, ASUSIBR00000017); same as above, but 06 November 1993 (2 males, ASUSIBR00000018-19); same as above, but 14 November 1993 (3 males, ASUSIBR00000020-22); same as above, but 13 December 1993 (1 male, ASUSIBR00000023); same as above, but 08 January 1994, 18:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000024); same as above, but 14 January 1994 (2 alate gynes ASUSIBR00000025-26); same as above, but 06 February 1994, 08:00 h (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000027-28); same as above, but 06 March 1994, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000029); same as above, but 20 March 1994, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000030); same as above, but 01 April 1994, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000031); same as above, but 02 April 1994, 07:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000032); same as above, but 21 May 1994, 08:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000033); same as above, but 12 June 1994, 08:00 h; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000034); same as above, but 12 October 1994; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (2 alate gynes and 2 males, ASUSIBR00000035-38); same as above, but 16 October 1994, 07:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne and 4 males, ASUSIBR00000039-43); same as above, but 29 October 1994, 07:00 h; col. Jacques H. C. Delabie and Clayton R. R. Delabie (17 alate gynes and 4 males, ASUSIBR00000044-64); same as above, but 13 November 1994, 07:00-08:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (84 alate gynes and 9 males, ASUSIBR00000066-158); same as above, but 20 November 1994, 07:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000159-160); same as above, but 24 November 1994 (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000161); same as above, but 27 November 1994, 07:00 h (112 alate gynes and 26 males, ASUSIBR00000162-298); same as above, but 04 December 1994, 07:00 h (4 alate gynes and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000299-303); same as above, but 18 December 1994, 06:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (2 alate gynes and 3 males, ASUSIBR00000304-308); same as above, but 27 December 1994, 07:00 h; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (2 alate gynes and 2 males, ASUSIBR00000309-312); same as above, but 31 December 1994, 06:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000313); same as above, but 01 January 1995, 06:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (3 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000314-316); same as above, but 15 January 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000317); same as above, but 19 January 1995, 07:00 h; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (1 male, ASUSIBR00000318); same as above, but 27 January 1995 (1 male, ASUSIBR00000319); same as above, but 12 February 1995, 07:00 h (2 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000320-321); same as above, but 26 February 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000322); same as above, but 28 February 1995, 06:00 h (2 alate gynes and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000323-235); same as above, but 01 March 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000326-327); same as above, but 03 March 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne and 2 males, ASUSIBR00000328-330); same as above, but 11 March 1995, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000331); same as above, but 17 March 1995, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000332); same as above, but 01 June 1995, 06:00 h (1 alate gyne and 1 male, ASUSIBR00000333-334); same as above, but 29 October 1995, 09:00 h (8 alate gynes and 8 males, ASUSIBR00000335-350); same as above, but 01 January 1996, 07:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000351); same as above, but 10 February 1996, 07:00 h; col. Clayton R. R. Delabie (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000352); same as above, but 20 February 1996, 08:00 h (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000353); same as above, but 06 April 1996, 07:00 h (1 male, ASUSIBR00000354); same as above, but 14 July 1996 (5 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000355-359); same as above, but 22 September 1996 (3 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000360-362); same as above, but 26 October 1996 (2 alate gynes, ASUSIBR00000363-364). Third collection site: BRAZIL, Bahia, Ilhéus, Praia do Malhado, from the drift line of the Atlantic Ocean on the beach; S14.781°, W039.045°; elevation above sea level: 0 m; collection date: 02 November 1994; col. Ivan C. do Nascimento (1 alate gyne, ASUSIBR00000065). Description, paratype males Measurements (n = 25): TL 6.89–7.32, WL 2.25–2.47, HL 0.96–1.02, HW 1.00–1.07, IOD 1.25–1.33, ML 0.64–0.70, FLD 0.49–0.51, SL 1.31–1.45, EL 0.37–0.41, EW 0.38–0.43, PrW 1.23–1.44, FL 1.67–1.76, PL 0.37–0.44, PW 0.50–0.61, PPL 0.37–0.44, PPW 0.79–0.92, GL 2.15–2.47, CI 99–108, MI 64–71, SI 128-140. A small male (WL 2.25–2.47, TL 6.89–7.32), distinctly smaller than the male of the host species, A. rugosus. Integument smooth and shiny, thin, partly translucent. Body surface covered with few appressed, transversally flattened setae. Color uniformly pale yellow- to reddish-brown. Head Approximately as wide as long (CI 99–108); behind the level of the eyes, sides rounded and tapering towards the posterior margin of head; head size small relative to mesosoma. Mandibles long, slender, with distinct apical and preapical teeth, followed by seven to eight smaller, irregularly spaced teeth of irregular size; mandible surface smooth, shiny. Palp formula 4:2. Clypeus shape as in gyne; unpaired clypeal seta projecting over the anterior clypeal margin by two-thirds its length. Frontal lobes narrow, leaving the anterior half of the condylar bulbs exposed in full-face view. Preocular carina distinct, traversing the area of the antennal scrobe almost completely, nearly touching frontal carina. Eyes very large (EL 0.37–0.41, EW 0.38–0.43), strongly convex. Ocelli large, raised above the surface of the head; unpaired median ocellus approximately one and a half times wider than paired lateral ocelli. Antennae with 13 segments. Antennal scape long (SL 1.31–1.45) with appressed setae, surpassing the posterior margin of the head by half its length. Mesosoma Mesosoma with sex-specific modifications related to wing bearing. Anteriodorsal portion of pronotum inflated. Dorsolateral pronotal spine short, broadly triangular, and blunt in dorsal view. Ventrolateral pronotal spine absent. Dorsum of mesosoma smooth. Scutellum shape as in gyne; sculpture granulate with fine rugae. Bulla and meatus of metapleural gland small, orifice of metapleural gland tiny and round, pointing posteriorly, not notably modified from the condition in A. rugosus. Propodeal spines short, narrowly triangular, sharply pointed. Metasoma Petiole and postpetiole as in gyne. Gaster less bulbous than in host. First gastric tergite smooth, shiny, laterally with few reduced, rounded tubercles; sparsely covered with few appressed setae. Fore- and hindwings resemble the wings of its host, except for smaller size and a missing detached vein at the posterior end of the hindwing. Genitalia In toto, excluding the basal ring, parameres longer (1.04 mm) than wide (0.83 mm); apical lobe of paramere evenly rounded with less than 10 long, erect setae. In lateral view, aedeagus small (0.26 mm), ventral border of penis valve bearing 12 recurved teeth of uniform length; the anterior two and posteriormost of which are small and weakly sclerotized, whereas teeth 3-11 are distinctly larger and heavily sclerotized, as notable by the darker brown coloration. Differential diagnosis The comparative morphological analysis reveals that A. fowleri is remarkably similar to its host species, A. rugosus (Figs. 1 and 2). Notwithstanding, the gyne of A. fowleri can easily be distinguished from A. rugosus by the smaller size, the smooth and shiny integument, and the presence of appressed and transversally flattened setae (Figs. 1 and 3b). Relative to its smaller body size, A. fowleri is also characterized by longer appendages, and antennal scapes, as well as by a broader postpetiole (Fig. 1, Table 1). In the field, A. fowleri can be distinguished from its host by the significantly smaller size, the shiny appearance, the distinctly orange–brown coloration, the slowness of its movements, and the occurrence of alate females and males in some host nests throughout the year, whereas alates of A. rugosus typically occur during the rainier and warmer summer months (December–March) in coastal Bahia. The male of A. fowleri resembles the male of A. rugosus and is not gynaecomorphic (Fig. 2). Large males of A. fowleri reach the same size as small and medium size of A. rugosus males, but never reach the body size of large A. rugosus males. Despite slightly overlapping size ranges, the males of A. folweri can be distinguished from the A. rugosus males by their shiny integument, the slenderer and less bulbous gaster, the relatively longer antennal scapes, the absence of the inferior pronotal spine, the more pronounced tubercles on the first gastral tergite, and the presence of few, dorsoventrally flattened, appressed setae (Fig. 2, Table 1). The parasites’ genitalia are smaller than the hosts’ genitalia (paramere length: A. fowleri = 1.04 mm, A. rugosus = 1.66 mm), the length of the ventral aedeagal lobe is smaller in A. rugosus (A. fowleri = 0.26 mm, A. rugosus = 0.21–0.22 mm; Fig. 4). It is important to note that the aedeagus of A. rugosus bears a very large dorsal lobe that is absent from A. fowleri (Fig. 4). The ventral border of the aedeagus bears 12 teeth in A. fowleri and 12–14 teeth in A. rugosus (Fig. 4). Worker caste The worker caste is unknown and potentially nonexistent. Etymology This inquiline social parasite is named in honor of our colleague, the late Harold Gordon Fowler, in recognition of his numerous important contributions to leaf-cutting ant biology, taxonomy, biogeography, and pest management in Brazil and Paraguay. Previous studies referring to A. fowleri Acromyrmex fowleri was discovered 27 years ago and aspects of its biology were discussed in previous publications, where A. fowleri was referred to as either “ Pseudoatta new species”, “ Pseudoatta from Bahia ”, “ Pseudoatta from Brazil ”, or “ Acromyrmex new species” (Delabie et al. 1993, Delabie et al. 2002; Schultz et al. 1998; Sumner et al. 2004; Schultz and Brady 2008; Rabeling and Bacci 2010; Soares et al. 2011; Rabeling et al. 2015). In this paper, we summarized the published and unpublished observations on the biology of A. fowleri. Key aspects of A. fowleri ’s biology and life history remain unknown and will require detailed field studies as well as conclusive behavioral experiments.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) encompasses a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with generally poor clinical outcome. Currently 50% of PTCL cases are not classifiable: PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS). Gene-expression profiles on 372 PTCL cases were analyzed and robust molecular classifiers and oncogenic pathways that reflect the pathobiology of tumor cells and their microenvironment were identified for major PTCL-entities, including 114 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), 31 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive and 48 ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, 14 adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and 44 extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma that were further separated into NK-cell and gdT-cell lymphomas. Thirty-seven percent of morphologically diagnosed PTCL-NOS cases were reclassified into other specific subtypes by molecular signatures. Reexamination, immunohistochemistry, and IDH2 mutation analysis in reclassified cases supported the validity of the reclassification. Two major molecular subgroups can be identified in the remaining PTCL-NOS cases characterized by high expression of either GATA3 (33%; 40/121) or TBX21 (49%; 59/121). The GATA3 subgroup was significantly associated with poor overall survival (P = .01). High expression of cytotoxic gene-signature within the TBX21 subgroup also showed poor clinical outcome (P = .05). In AITL, high expression of several signatures associated with the tumor microenvironment was significantly associated with outcome. A combined prognostic score was predictive of survival in an independent cohort (P = .004).

Purpose Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) are rare and heterogeneous forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that, in general, are associated with a poor clinical outcome. Patients and Methods A cohort of 1,314 cases of PTCL and NKTCL was organized from 22 centers worldwide, consisting of patients with previously untreated PTCL or NKTCL who were diagnosed between 1990 and 2002. Tissue biopsies, immunophenotypic markers, molecular genetic studies, and clinical information from consecutive patients at each site were reviewed by panels of four expert hematopathologists and classified according to the WHO classification. Results A diagnosis of PTCL or NKTCL was confirmed in 1,153 (87.8%) of the cases. The most common subtypes were PTCL not otherwise specified (NOS; 25.9%), angioimmunoblastic type (18.5%), NKTCL (10.4%), and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL; 9.6%). Misclassification occurred in 10.4% of the cases including Hodgkin's lymphoma (3%), B-cell lymphoma (1.4%), unclassifiable lymphoma (2.8%), or a diagnosis other than lymphoma (2.3%). We found marked variation in the frequency of the various subtypes by geographic region. The use of an anthracycline-containing regimen was not associated with an improved outcome in PTCL-NOS or angioimmunoblastic type, but was associated with an improved outcome in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, ALK positive. Conclusion The WHO classification is useful for defining subtypes of PTCL and NKTCL. However, expert hematopathology review is important for accurate diagnosis. The clinical outcome for patients with most of these lymphoma subtypes is poor with standard therapies, and novel agents and new modalities are needed to improve survival.

Diaphoromyrma sofiae, sp. n. (Figs. 1 & 2) Type material: Holotype worker, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-b, Veracel Celulose reserve areas, Winkler trap, 16°16'32"S39°16'13"W, 5 November 2006, I. C. do Nascimento col., deposited in CPDC. Paratypes: 18 workers, same data as holotype; 19 workers, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-c, Winkler traps,16°15'08"S39°16'55"W, 1 December 2006, I. C. do Nascimento col.; 13 Workers, Brazil, Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-c, Winkler traps, 16°15'08"S 39°16'55'W, 19 January 2007, I. C do Nascimento col., deposited in BMNH, CASC, CPDC, IAvH, IBUS, ICN, IMLA, INPA, LACM, MCZC, MIZA, MNHN, MZSP, PSWC, USNM. Non type material: 2 workers, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Pequizeiro, Winkler traps, 16°17'28"S39°25'05"W, 8 August 2006, J. R. M. Santos & J. C. S. Carmo cols.; 9 workers, Brazil, Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, EVC-E - Etapa 2, Winkler traps, 16°18'54"S39°09'34"W, 12 April 2007, I. C do Nascimento col.; 4 workers, Brazil, Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-b, Winkler traps, 16°16'32"S39°16'13"W, 19 January 2007, I. C do Nascimento col.; 5 workers, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-c - Etapa 2, Winkler traps, 16°15'08"S39°16'55"W, 10 January 2007, I. C. do Nascimento col., deposited in CPDC; 2 workers, Brazil, Bahia, Porto Seguro, Estacao Pau-Brasil (ESPAB-CEPLAC), Projeto BIOTA/FAPESP, Winkler traps [8, 26], 16o23'33"S 39o10'99"W, 16 June 2000, J. R. M. Santos & J. C. S. Carmo cols., deposited in MZSP. Worker measurements. Holotype (Paratypes n = 10): HW 0.54 (0.51 - 0.54); HL 0.58 (0.57 - 0.60); SL 0.40 (0.39 - 0.40); EL 0.14 (0.14); PW 0.42 (0.39 - 0.42); WL 0.51 (0.47 - 0.56); PL 0.18 (0.15 - 0.22); PPL 0.13 (0.08 - 0.13); GL 0.90 (0.76 - 0.90); TL 2.39 (2.09 - 2.48); CI 93 (85 - 93); SI 74 (71 - 76). Description. Head broadly triangular, with rounded sides, narrowed anteriorly, vertex and sides slightly convex (Fig. 1A). Mandibles triangular, with 5 teeth on the masticatory border, the apical and subapical larger than the others. Antenna with 9 segments. Scape clearly fails to reach the vertexal margin. Eyes well developed, situated near anterior margin of the head, with about 8 ommatidia in their maximum diameter.. In dorsal view, promesonotum trapezoidal, sides and dorsum well defined (Fig. 1D). Promesonotum strongly convex in lateral view (Fig. 1C). Promesonotal suture well defined dorsally and laterally. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal spiracles conspicuous, situated on the edge of declivitous face of propodeum, their aperture obliquely directed backward and upward (Fig. 2C). Metapleural gland bullae conspicuous, bigger than propodeal spiracle. Propodeal lobes small, rounded. Petiole in profile with short anterior peduncle, followed by a high and narrow node, its apex narrowly pointed. Petiolar peduncle attains petiolar mid length. Petiolar spiracle at base of node. Subpetiolar process present, as a keel-like lamella that ends in rounded apex anteriorly. Postpetiole low, rounded in frontal view (Fig. 2E), noticeably wider than long in dorsal view. Gaster without humeral angles basally. Head, promesonotum, petiole, postpetiole, gaster, scapes and legs smooth and shining. Lower side of mesopleuron and petiolar peduncle finely reticulated; propodeum with fine reticulation on the declivous face, between the propodeal spiracles and on the metasternal lobes. Body devoid of standing pilosity, except for very short, sparse minute hairs on head, legs and scape. Reclined minute hairs on thorax and gaster. Pilosity denser and longer on antennae. Row of hairs on the anterior clypeal margin, including median hair (not visible in the Automontage Picture). Central clypeal hair accompanied by two lateral hairs, although both lateral hairs not in the same plane (in full face view the 3 hairs appearing as the same length). Body yellow, eyes and mandibular teeth dark. Pilosity golden. Gyne, male, and larva: Unknown. Etymology. The specific name honors our colleague myrmecologist Sofia Campiolo, from Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (Bahia, Brazil) and Driades Institution, who obtained the research funds from Veracel Celulose, allowing an extensive regional ant survey. Comments. The combination of traits in the diagnosis differentiates this thus far monotypic genus from any other myrmicine. The unique shape of the promesonotum, trapezoidal in dorsal view and with well defined angles at the sides; the comparatively high and narrow petiolar node, contrasting with the broader, low and round postpetiolar node, the low position of the insertion of the postpetiole on the anterior face of first gastral segment, and the dorsal extensions of abdominal sternite 4 are unique and represent potential apomorphies of Diaphoromyrma. Usually in myrmicine ants the dorsal margin of the postpetiole is higher than the top of first gastral tergite, in lateral view. In Diaphoromyrma the joining of the postpetiole with the gaster is so ventral that the postpetiole in lateral view is very low relative to the upper margin of the gaster. The rounded and recurved anterolateral extensions of the fourth abdominal sternite, which curve up onto the dorsal surface of the segment and are visible in dorsal view, delimiting two round semicircular areas (Figs. 1D, E), are unique in Myrmicinae. Some cephalotines have differentiated anterolateral extensions on abdominal segment 4, but from the tergite, and not from the sternite (Ward, comm. per.). There are rows of setae on the anterior clypeal margin, including a central seta. Although not shown on the Automontage view (Fig. 1B), the central seta is visible on the SEM picture (Fig. 2A). As with some other myrmicine ant genera recently described (Tyrannomyrmex, Dolopomyrmex, Tropidomyrmex), Diaphoromyrma is difficult to relate to any of the tribal taxa defined by Bolton (2003). The central clypeal seta is characteristic of the Solenopsidini (sensu Bolton 1987), although they may not be homologous, but the clypeal configuration differentiates Diaphoromyrma from this group as defined in Bolton (2003:57). As pointed out by Bolton (1987 and 2003:57), Allomerus and Diplomorium are problematical genera in the Solenopsidini, as the posterior portion of the clypeus is relatively broad. However, Diaphoromyrma lacks any of the diagnostic attributes of both genera (antennal club segments constricted basally in Allomerus and postpetiole broadly attached to the gaster in Diplomorium; and also antennal club 3- segmented in both genera). The 2-segmented antennal club and the specialized first segment of the gaster suggest that Diaphoromyrma is not closely related to either of these genera. The membership of Diaphoromyrma in Stenammini or Adelomyrmecini (the other tribes of the solenopsidine tribe group [Bolton 2003]) is unlikely. Diaphoromyrma lacks the specialized lamellate hairs on the ventral side of masticatory margin of adelomyrmecine mandibles (Fernandez 2004) or the various traits listed in Bolton (2003:58) for stenammines, namely the clypeal configuration. Although Diaphoromyrma possess the clypeus broadly inserted between the frontal lobes, it lacks any of the traits defining the tribes Myrmicini, Lenomyrmecini, Pheidolini, Tetramoriini or Paratopulini. Diaphoromyrma should also be compared with the formicoxenine tribe group (Bolton 2003:65). The membership of the genus in the tribe Formicoxenini is complicated by several differences: the toruli are slightly exposed in Diaphoromyrma (partially visible in only a few taxa of Formicoxenini, Bolton 2003), the propodeal lobes are relatively reduced (present and usually rounded in Formicoxenini), the antenna is 9-segmented with 2-segmented club (antenna with 8 to 12 segments and with 3 or 4-segmented club in Formicoxenini, but never with this combination, Bolton 2003). This genus is also clearly not a member of the other myrmicine tribes as presented or proposed in Bolton (2003). According to an ongoing ant phylogenetic study by Phil Ward's research group in Davis, University of California, Diaphoromyrma is not closely related to Solenopsis group. These studies offer strong support for a Solenopsidini sensu stricto clade, which is quite distinct from Diaphoromyrma and other myrmicines (Ward, com. per.). Further collections and studies on gynes and males may throw some light on the phylogenetic affiliations of this new, enigmatic genus. Ecological comments. This undescribed taxon was collected in litter samples taken in three rain forest remnants in the extreme southern portion of the State of Bahia, Brazil, using the Winkler technique, according to Agosti et al. (2000) methodology. The landscape is dominated by forested valleys inserted in the coastal plateau (Barreiras Formation, Tertiary origin). Most of the vegetation of the remnants was in an initial or medium stage of regeneration, in a region where eucalypt plantations currently predominate. Forty 1m2 litter samples were taken in each remnant, and D. sofiae was found in 5%, 10%, and 25% of samples in the remnants Pequizeiro, Sucupira B, and Sucupira C at Santa-Cruz Cabralia, respectively, while it was collected in 4% of samples in the ESPAB Mata Atlantica coastal wet forest reserve at Porto Seguro using the same methodology. This finding reinforces the biotic importance of this region and the Atlantic coastal forest of Brazil in general, an abundant source of recent information on ant biodiversity and other important biological features (Lacau & Delabie 2002, Lacau et al. 2004, Mariano et al. 2004, Delabie et al., 2007, Fernandez 2007).

Diaphoromyrma sofiae, sp. n. (Figs. 1 & 2) Type material: Holotype worker, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-b, Veracel Celulose reserve areas, Winkler trap, 16��16'32"S39��16'13"W, 5 November 2006, I. C. do Nascimento col., deposited in CPDC. Paratypes: 18 workers, same data as holotype; 19 workers, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-c, Winkler traps,16��15'08"S39��16'55"W, 1 December 2006, I. C. do Nascimento col.; 13 Workers, Brazil, Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-c, Winkler traps, 16��15'08"S 39��16'55'W, 19 January 2007, I. C do Nascimento col., deposited in BMNH, CASC, CPDC, IAvH, IBUS, ICN, IMLA, INPA, LACM, MCZC, MIZA, MNHN, MZSP, PSWC, USNM. Non type material: 2 workers, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Pequizeiro, Winkler traps, 16��17'28"S39��25'05"W, 8 August 2006, J. R. M. Santos & J. C. S. Carmo cols.; 9 workers, Brazil, Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, EVC-E - Etapa 2, Winkler traps, 16��18'54"S39��09'34"W, 12 April 2007, I. C do Nascimento col.; 4 workers, Brazil, Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-b, Winkler traps, 16��16'32"S39��16'13"W, 19 January 2007, I. C do Nascimento col.; 5 workers, Brazil: Bahia, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Sucupira-c - Etapa 2, Winkler traps, 16��15'08"S39��16'55"W, 10 January 2007, I. C. do Nascimento col., deposited in CPDC; 2 workers, Brazil, Bahia, Porto Seguro, Estacao Pau-Brasil (ESPAB-CEPLAC), Projeto BIOTA/FAPESP, Winkler traps [8, 26], 16o23'33"S 39o10'99"W, 16 June 2000, J. R. M. Santos & J. C. S. Carmo cols., deposited in MZSP. Worker measurements. Holotype (Paratypes n = 10): HW 0.54 (0.51 - 0.54); HL 0.58 (0.57 - 0.60); SL 0.40 (0.39 - 0.40); EL 0.14 (0.14); PW 0.42 (0.39 - 0.42); WL 0.51 (0.47 - 0.56); PL 0.18 (0.15 - 0.22); PPL 0.13 (0.08 - 0.13); GL 0.90 (0.76 - 0.90); TL 2.39 (2.09 - 2.48); CI 93 (85 - 93); SI 74 (71 - 76). Description. Head broadly triangular, with rounded sides, narrowed anteriorly, vertex and sides slightly convex (Fig. 1A). Mandibles triangular, with 5 teeth on the masticatory border, the apical and subapical larger than the others. Antenna with 9 segments. Scape clearly fails to reach the vertexal margin. Eyes well developed, situated near anterior margin of the head, with about 8 ommatidia in their maximum diameter.. In dorsal view, promesonotum trapezoidal, sides and dorsum well defined (Fig. 1D). Promesonotum strongly convex in lateral view (Fig. 1C). Promesonotal suture well defined dorsally and laterally. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal spiracles conspicuous, situated on the edge of declivitous face of propodeum, their aperture obliquely directed backward and upward (Fig. 2C). Metapleural gland bullae conspicuous, bigger than propodeal spiracle. Propodeal lobes small, rounded. Petiole in profile with short anterior peduncle, followed by a high and narrow node, its apex narrowly pointed. Petiolar peduncle attains petiolar mid length. Petiolar spiracle at base of node. Subpetiolar process present, as a keel-like lamella that ends in rounded apex anteriorly. Postpetiole low, rounded in frontal view (Fig. 2E), noticeably wider than long in dorsal view. Gaster without humeral angles basally. Head, promesonotum, petiole, postpetiole, gaster, scapes and legs smooth and shining. Lower side of mesopleuron and petiolar peduncle finely reticulated; propodeum with fine reticulation on the declivous face, between the propodeal spiracles and on the metasternal lobes. Body devoid of standing pilosity, except for very short, sparse minute hairs on head, legs and scape. Reclined minute hairs on thorax and gaster. Pilosity denser and longer on antennae. Row of hairs on the anterior clypeal margin, including median hair (not visible in the Automontage Picture). Central clypeal hair accompanied by two lateral hairs, although both lateral hairs not in the same plane (in full face view the 3 hairs appearing as the same length). Body yellow, eyes and mandibular teeth dark. Pilosity golden. Gyne, male, and larva: Unknown. Etymology. The specific name honors our colleague myrmecologist Sofia Campiolo, from Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (Bahia, Brazil) and Driades Institution, who obtained the research funds from Veracel Celulose, allowing an extensive regional ant survey. Comments. The combination of traits in the diagnosis differentiates this thus far monotypic genus from any other myrmicine. The unique shape of the promesonotum, trapezoidal in dorsal view and with well defined angles at the sides; the comparatively high and narrow petiolar node, contrasting with the broader, low and round postpetiolar node, the low position of the insertion of the postpetiole on the anterior face of first gastral segment, and the dorsal extensions of abdominal sternite 4 are unique and represent potential apomorphies of Diaphoromyrma. Usually in myrmicine ants the dorsal margin of the postpetiole is higher than the top of first gastral tergite, in lateral view. In Diaphoromyrma the joining of the postpetiole with the gaster is so ventral that the postpetiole in lateral view is very low relative to the upper margin of the gaster. The rounded and recurved anterolateral extensions of the fourth abdominal sternite, which curve up onto the dorsal surface of the segment and are visible in dorsal view, delimiting two round semicircular areas (Figs. 1D, E), are unique in Myrmicinae. Some cephalotines have differentiated anterolateral extensions on abdominal segment 4, but from the tergite, and not from the sternite (Ward, comm. per.). There are rows of setae on the anterior clypeal margin, including a central seta. Although not shown on the Automontage view (Fig. 1B), the central seta is visible on the SEM picture (Fig. 2A). As with some other myrmicine ant genera recently described (Tyrannomyrmex, Dolopomyrmex, Tropidomyrmex), Diaphoromyrma is difficult to relate to any of the tribal taxa defined by Bolton (2003). The central clypeal seta is characteristic of the Solenopsidini (sensu Bolton 1987), although they may not be homologous, but the clypeal configuration differentiates Diaphoromyrma from this group as defined in Bolton (2003:57). As pointed out by Bolton (1987 and 2003:57), Allomerus and Diplomorium are problematical genera in the Solenopsidini, as the posterior portion of the clypeus is relatively broad. However, Diaphoromyrma lacks any of the diagnostic attributes of both genera (antennal club segments constricted basally in Allomerus and postpetiole broadly attached to the gaster in Diplomorium; and also antennal club 3- segmented in both genera). The 2-segmented antennal club and the specialized first segment of the gaster suggest that Diaphoromyrma is not closely related to either of these genera. The membership of Diaphoromyrma in Stenammini or Adelomyrmecini (the other tribes of the solenopsidine tribe group [Bolton 2003]) is unlikely. Diaphoromyrma lacks the specialized lamellate hairs on the ventral side of masticatory margin of adelomyrmecine mandibles (Fernandez 2004) or the various traits listed in Bolton (2003:58) for stenammines, namely the clypeal configuration. Although Diaphoromyrma possess the clypeus broadly inserted between the frontal lobes, it lacks any of the traits defining the tribes Myrmicini, Lenomyrmecini, Pheidolini, Tetramoriini or Paratopulini. Diaphoromyrma should also be compared with the formicoxenine tribe group (Bolton 2003:65). The membership of the genus in the tribe Formicoxenini is complicated by several differences: the toruli are slightly exposed in Diaphoromyrma (partially visible in only a few taxa of Formicoxenini, Bolton 2003), the propodeal lobes are relatively reduced (present and usually rounded in Formicoxenini), the antenna is 9-segmented with 2-segmented club (antenna with 8 to 12 segments and with 3 or 4-segmented club in Formicoxenini, but never with this combination, Bolton 2003). This genus is also clearly not a member of the other myrmicine tribes as presented or proposed in Bolton (2003). According to an ongoing ant phylogenetic study by Phil Ward's research group in Davis, University of California, Diaphoromyrma is not closely related to Solenopsis group. These studies offer strong support for a Solenopsidini sensu stricto clade, which is quite distinct from Diaphoromyrma and other myrmicines (Ward, com. per.). Further collections and studies on gynes and males may throw some light on the phylogenetic affiliations of this new, enigmatic genus. Ecological comments. This undescribed taxon was collected in litter samples taken in three rain forest remnants in the extreme southern portion of the State of Bahia, Brazil, using the Winkler technique, according to Agosti et al. (2000) methodology. The landscape is dominated by forested valleys inserted in the coastal plateau (Barreiras Formation, Tertiary origin). Most of the vegetation of the remnants was in an initial or medium stage of regeneration, in a region where eucalypt plantations currently predominate. Forty 1m2 litter samples were taken in each remnant, and D. sofiae was found in 5%, 10%, and 25% of samples in the remnants Pequizeiro, Sucupira B, and Sucupira C at Santa-Cruz Cabralia, respectively, while it was collected in 4% of samples in the ESPAB Mata Atlantica coastal wet forest reserve at Porto Seguro using the same methodology. This finding reinforces the biotic importance of this region and the Atlantic coastal forest of Brazil in general, an abundant source of recent information on ant biodiversity and other important biological features (Lacau & Delabie 2002, Lacau et al. 2004, Mariano et al. 2004, Delabie et al., 2007, Fernandez 2007)., Published as part of Fern��ndez, F., Delabie, J. H. C. & do Nascimento, I. C., 2009, Diaphoromyrma, a new myrmicine ant genus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from North Eastern Brazil., pp. 52-62 in Zootaxa 2204 on pages 59-61

Diaphoromyrma gen. n. Type species: Diaphoromyrma sofiae, sp. n., by present designation. Diagnosis (worker). Monomorphic ants belonging to the subfamily Myrmicinae. Palp formula 3,2 (in situ). Anterior clypeal border broadly convex. Clypeus broad, evenly rounded, devoid of carinae and broadly inserted between the widely separated frontal lobes. Row of hairs on the anterior clypeal margin, including median seta. Tentorial pits inserted midway in the clypeal margin. Antennal scrobe absent. Antenna with 2-segmented club. In lateral view, promesonotum strongly convex. In dorsal view the promesonotum triangular, with sides well defined. Propodeal spiracles conspicuous, situated on the dorsal edge of declivous face of propodeum, breaking the propodeal outline in lateral view. Propodeum unarmed. Propodeal lobes small and rounded, not linked by a dorsal carina. Petiolar node high in relation to the postpetiolar node, narrow (in dorsal view) in contrast with the broader, postpetiole node. Postpetiole attached low on the gaster, so the top of the first gastral tergum at about the same level as the postpetiole. Abdominal sternite 4 (first gastral) with a pair of rounded recurved anterolateral extensions which curve up on to the dorsal surface of the segment, and are visible in dorsal view on either side of the postpetiole. Comments. The combination of the following traits differentiate this taxon from any other in the subfamily Myrmicinae: antenna 9-segmented with a 2-segmented club, clypeus broad, clypeus with central apical hair, promesonotum trapezoidal, propodeal spiracles situated on lateral propodeal edges. The low position of the postpetiole and the sternal configuration of the first gastric segment are unique in Myrmicinae and apomorphic for the genus. Etymology. Diaphoromyrma is a neologism forged from the Greek words [[...]] (diaphoros), meaning different or remarkable, and [[...]] (myrmekos), ant. This name alludes to the several traits that differentiate this genus from any other Myrmicinae, especially those relative to the gaster., Published as part of Fern��ndez, F., Delabie, J. H. C. & do Nascimento, I. C., 2009, Diaphoromyrma, a new myrmicine ant genus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from North Eastern Brazil., pp. 52-62 in Zootaxa 2204 on pages 56-59

Ectatomma parasiticum Feitosa & Fresneau, sp. nov. Figures 1, 2 Holotype gyne. MEXICO: Apazapan, Veracruz, 19��19'38"N96��43'21"W, ix.1999, D. Fresneau col. [INEC]. Paratypes. same data as holotype (1 gyne) [CPDC]; (1 gyne) [UNCB]; (1 gyne) [INEC]; vii.2000, D. Fresneau & R. Hora cols. (1 gyne) [LACM]; (2 gynes) [MZSP]; (1 gyne) [USNM]. Diagnosis. Size relatively small (WL approximately 3.80 mm); clypeus and frontal area without sculpture; antennal scapes longer than the maximum head width (SI> 108); petiole relatively thick in lateral view. Gyne description. Holotype (paratypes): HL 2.10 (2.06-2.16); HW 1.85 (1.73-1.88); SL 2.04 (1.92- 2.06); EL 0.51 (0.50-0.58); PW 1.69 (1.62-1.77); WL 3.88 (3.65-4.04); PTL 0.79 (0.78-0.88); PTW 0.92 (0.92-1.07); CI 88.07 (84.11-88.89); SI 110.42 (108.57-113.04); OI 27.50 (27.50-31.25); PTI 85 (82.14- 85.71). Color yellowish brown to dark reddish brown, including appendages. Mandibles finely and densely striate, with sparse piligerous punctures; clypeus, genae, and frontal area predominantly smooth, but opaque; dorsal surface of head densely and coarsely reticulated, except for the areas of antennal articulations, which are finely punctate; ventral surface of head with sparse longitudinal striae; antennal scapes finely and longitudinally striate. Mesosoma with variously oriented costulae, from sparse and transverse on dorsum of pronotum and propodeum to dense and subconcentric on the dorsum of scutum and scutellum; forecoxae with dense, fine, regular transverse striation; legs mostly smooth and shining. Lateral and posterior faces of petiolar node with sparse, short, longitudinal costulae; sculpture of gaster consisting of arched, transverse costulae, becoming gradually finer from first to terminal segment. Pilosity cream-colored. Body covered by relatively sparse, long, suberect hairs; antennal scapes and legs with short, suberect hairs; antennal funiculi and tarsi covered by fine apressed pubescence. Head subrectangular, with weakly convex lateral borders and vertexal margin straight; masticatory margins of mandibles multidenticulate and with a large apical tooth; clypeus strongly convex anteriorly; frontal lobes reduced; scapes in repose fairly surpassing the posterolateral margins of vertex; funicular segments gradually thickened distally; compound eyes placed near the posterolateral portions of head; ocelli present and reduced in size. Pronotum with a distinct median eminence directed forward and a conspicuous pair of dorsolateral (humeral) projections; scutum large and rounded; notauli almost indistinct among sculpturation; parapsidial lines feebly visible and subparallel; scutoscutellar sulcus deeply impressed; scutellum relatively narrow and strongly convex, in lateral view; dorsal face of propodeum meeting the declivous face in a pair of reduced, blunt teeth; propodeal spiracle elliptical. Wing venation fully developed. Forewing with a weakly colored stigma; longitudinal veins Sc+R, SR, M, Cu, and A present; SR extending distally beyond stigma, forming 1R and 2R cells; cross vein 1r vestigial, not forming the 2R cell; M and Cu also extend distally as tubular veins for most of their length; A not extending beyond the junction with Cu; C, R, Cu, 1M, 1Cu, and SR cells closed. Hind wing with Sc+R extending beyond point where they connect to M, which continues as a tubular vein as much as Sc+R and then extends as spectral vein to wing distal border; basally M+Cu extending as a tubular vein beyond junction with Anal vein, which continues shortly beyond this point; seven submedian hamuli present. Petiole ventrally carinate; in lateral view, petiolar node thick and subtriangular; anterior slope nearly concave and posterior slope slightly convex. Sternite of first gastral segment with a distinct anterior projection. Worker. Unknown (but see comments bellow). Male. Unknown. Etymology. The specific epithet is a reference to the parasitic nature of this species. Comments. Gynes of the socially parasitic Ectatomma parasiticum can be distinguished from the gynes of its host species, E. tuberculatum, by the following features: sparser sculpture on the body; smaller size (Fig. 2), with WL approximately 3.80 mm (around 5.40 mm in E. tuberculatum); clypeus and frontal area devoid of any sculpture (usually longitudinally striate in E. tuberculatum); antennal scapes longer than the maximum head width, with SI> 108 (, Published as part of Feitosa, R. M., Hora, R. R. & Delabie, J. H. C., 2008, A new social parasite in the ant genus Ectatomma F. Smith (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Ectatomminae)., pp. 47-52 in Zootaxa 1713 on pages 49-52

Typhlomyrmex meire Lacau, Villemant & Delabie, new species (Plates 1-5) Type Material. Holotype worker from Brazil, labeled: "Bahia state, Ilheus, Fazenda Recreio, alt. 36 m, 14°45'21"S - 39°13'34"W, 14.vi.2002, S. Lacau & B. Jahyny coll.", in [CPCC].Paratypes: 61 nidoparatypical specimens (21 workers, 27 winged queens and 13 males), same data as the holotype, 9 workers, 15 winged queens and 4 males in [CPCC];5 workers, 5 winged queens and 2 males in [MZUSP];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [MPEG];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [INPA];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [MNHN];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [BMNH];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [LACM];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [AMNH];1 worker, 1 winged queen and 1 male in [MCZC]. Other material examined: 4 workers and 1 winged queen, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, Area da Zoologia, CEPEC, alt. 15 m, 14°15'S - 39°13'W, x.1986, J.H.C. Delabie coll. in [CPCC]; 1 worker, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, 1986- 1987, J.H.C. Delabie coll., N°42 in [CPCC]; 1 winged queen, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC, 21.v.1987, P. Terra coll., N°4587 in [CPCC]; 1 male, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC, 29.ix.1987, P. Terra coll., N°4587 in [CPCC]; 1 male, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC, 03.v.1988, P. Terra coll., N°4587 in [CPCC]; 2 queens winged, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC, Q. G', 08.iii.1991, M. R. Smith coll. in [CPCC]; 1 worker and 1 winged queen, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC, Q. G', 08.vii.1992, J. C. Soares do Carmo coll. in [CPCC]; 1 worker, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC/CEPLAC, Q. G', 21.vii.1992, J.C. Soares do Carmo coll. in [CPCC]; 1 worker, 1 winged queen, 1 male, Brazil, Bahia, Ilheus, CEPEC, 03.x.1995, J. Assis coll. in [CPCC]; 1 dealate queen, Brazil, Bahia, near Una, 260 II CO 22, projeto RestaUna coll. in [CPCC]; 1 worker, Brazil, Bahia, Canavieiras, Oiticica, 14°24'43"S - 39°01'00'W, 30.iii.1998, J. R. M. Santos coll. in [CPCC]. Etymology. Named in honor of Mrs. Lucimeire de Souza Ramos Lacau. Diagnosis. Medium-sized species, easily identified by the following characters: worker and queen both with 10-segmented antennae, including a 2-segmented apical club; male with 12 segmented antennae; queen and worker with subtriangular mandibles, bearing5 to 7 large teeth varying in size and bluntness among individuals of the same colony; anterior face of the clypeal dome vertical in females. Worker (Plate 1). Measurements (mm) and indices: data for holotype given in [brackets]; means with standard deviations for paratypes (n=10) given in (parenthesis); maximum range for paratypes (n=10) given in {}: CivW [0.42] (0.44±0.02) {0.41-0.46}; DPeW [0.25] (0.24±0.01) {0.24-0.26}; HeW [0.17] (0.17±0) {0.17-0.18}; HL [0.52] (0.54±0.01) {0.52-0.56}; HW [0.50] (0.5±0.02) {0.47-0.53}; ML [0.33] (0.33±0.02) {0.28-0.37}; SL [0.33] (0.33±0.02) {0.32-0.36}; PW [0.35] (0.35±0.01) {0.33-0.38}; PeL (0.23±0.01) {0.21-0.24}; WL [0.73] (0.75±0.01) {0.72-0.77}; CI [96.4] (93.9±1.8) {90.9-96.4}; MI [63.6] (61±4.69) {58.3-69.6}; PrI [69.81] (69.65±2.94) {64.29-75.47}; SI1 [66] (68.68±4.07) {62.5-76}; SI2 [63.6] (62.54±3.13) {58.3-69.1}. Head: subquadrate, weakly elongated; holotype CI 96.4; average CI 94.1 (n= 11, holotype+ 10 paratypes); CI range 90.9-96.4; head distinctly wider than alitrunk; average PrI 69.65 (n=10 paratypes); range PrI 64.29-75.47; maximal head width occurs at 2/3 distance from anterior clypeal margin to vertexal margin; vertexal margin weakly concave; posterolateral corners rounded; sides of head weakly convex and slightly converging anteriorly; clypeus medially dome-shaped, the dome conspicuously protruding from the lateral clypeal margins and with a vertical anterior face; clypeal margin medially convex and partially concealed by the dome in dorsal view; anterior clypeal lamella narrow, without a medial lobe; tentorial pits well separated from toruli and located in a weakly impressed depression at the basal clypeal margin; eyes minute with 4 or 5 poorly defined ommatidia situated just before the middle of the capsule sides; frontal lobes well developed, weakly inclined, close together, but conspicuously separated by a short frontal groove limited anteriorly by the clypeal dome and posteriorly by the convergence of frontal striae and rugosities; antennal sockets partially concealed by the frontal lobes frontal carinae slightly diverging and softening posteriorly; toruli circular and definitely separated, visible by transparency through the frontal groove integument, their internal rim rising and fused with frontal lobes base; antenna 10-segmented; scape robust, as wide as the pedicel length, and lacking a longitudinal carina at its anterior margin; it appears conspicuously bent ventrally at one third of its length in frontal view and is sharply enlarged at its midlength in dorsal view, the maximal width being more or less equal to the pedicel length; when folded backward, its apex does not reach the vertexal margin; pedicel about twice as long as wide, and about as long as the 3 following segments together; segments A3-A8 much wider than long; segment 3 longer than each one of the 5 following segments; segment 9 much wider at its base than segment 8 in dorsal view, and forming with segment 10 a club conspicuously larger than the rest of funicle; segment 10 approximately 3.5 times longer than segment8, and about 3 times longer than segment 9; apical club approximately 1.5 times longer than segments 3 to 8 together; mandible shape elongated-subtriangular, the apical margin joining basal margin at an obtuse angle; mandibles ventrally curved, crossed when closed, their basal margins weakly convex and not reaching the anterior clypeal margin; outer margin of mandible almost straight basally and curved at the level of apical tooth; masticatory margin toothed from base to apex as follows: four or five large teeth of increasing size, more or less spaced and variably shaped, often large and blunted (occasionally flattened), but sometimes small and acute, as well as an elongate apical tooth; mandible falciform and more or less acute while strongly enlarged basally; maxillary and labial palps 1-segmented (2 specimens dissected); hypostomal bridge well developed, its extremities greatly enlarged and ending in a small rounded tooth which weakly emerges under the base of the mandible; genal bridge distinct, its extremities enlarged and in contact with the hypostomal bridge; occipital carina lacking. Mesosoma: sub-rectangular in lateral view; pronotum anteriorly rounded in dorsal view, a little wider than long, and strongly sloping anteriorly in lateral view, its posterior part horizontal; promesonotal suture underlined by a weak furrow, forming an arch widely concave posteriorly; mesonotum almost flat dorsally; ventral parts of anterior and posterior margins of mesopleura straight and dorsal parts inclined; mesothoracic spiracle very small and partially concealed; metanotal groove distinct but weak; sides of the propodeum weakly converging posteriorly in dorsal view; meso-metapleural suture almost straight, underlined by a narrow groove bordered laterally by two thin carinae; metapleural gland orifice in profile as a short oblique slit, bounded below by a convex rim of cuticle that directs the orifice posterodorsally; the swollen bulla of the gland is visible by transparency through the integument, its anterior margin placed slightly before the propodeal spiracle; dorsal face of the propodeum weakly inclined and almost flat, gradually rounding beyond the spiracle towards the sloping posterior face; propodeal spiracle opened laterally and slightly downward, its large and somewhat elliptic orifice bordered by a thin cuticular ring; propodeal lobes lacking; dorsal margin of the propodeal foramen surrounded by a strong horizontal crest preceded by a narrow horizontal groove. Pro- and mesothoracic legs slightly shorter and more robust than the metathoracic legs; femora ventrally thickened, with the distal half of their ventral face weakly concave and sometimes bordered posteriorly by a discrete carina; pro- and metafemora conspicuously compressed basally, their axes bent forward and backward respectively; tibial spurs 1, 1, 1; meso- and metatibial spurs simple, very small and barely visible; strigile curved and enlarged basally; probasitarsus curved, slightly longer than two thirds of the protibia length; mesotibia and metabasitarsus about 3 times longer than the mesobasitarsus, and metatibia about 2 times longer than the metabasitarsus; protarsal claws acute, with a small tooth behind the apical point; meso- and metatarsal claws acute and simple; arolia small. Metasoma: petiole short, weakly pedunculate and broadly constricted between abdominal pre- and postsegment; the posterior foramen of the postsclerite higher than the anterior foramen of the presclerite in relation to the horizontal body axis; petiolar node broad, scale shaped and strongly rounded apically with a very short and almost flat posterior face; anterior face of node weakly concave basally and its posterior half vertical; anterodorsal margin rounded; dorsal face of node sub-rectangular to trapezoidal with well rounded angles in dorsal view; node about 1.5 times wider than long, its lateral faces convex and slightly converging forward in dorsal view; spiracles on lateral protuberances near anterolateral base of node, their orifices circular, opening laterally and slightly posteriorly; laterosclerite lacking, the tergite and sternite fused but the suture visible over its entire length, opened posteriorly where the tergal crests of the helcium fit; node narrowed ventrally as on fig. G of Plate 1; sternite with a short medial carina lengthened anteriorly by a medium sized smoothed tooth, translucent but lacking a fenestra; the sternal carina divided posteriorly into a "V" which encloses a weakly concave area; petiole well separated from gaster in side view, its articulation with abdominal segment III relatively wide (HeW Holotype 0.17) but perfectly mobile; gaster elongated, its maximal width at the level of abdominal segment IV; abdominal tergite III with a short anterior vertical face; spiracle small but well sclerotized, circular and open laterally; abdominal sternite III with two thin converging carinae rising from the tergal crests of the helcium and enclosing a weakly concave ventral area which receives the posteroventral face of petiole when the gaster folds down; carinae laterally visible and forming small protuberances at their base, but not representing a crest; constriction present between pre- and postsegments of abdominal segment IV; spiracle diameters decreasing from segments III to V, the last one very small yet distinct without artificial distension of the gaster; spiracles VI and VII not visible; pygidium conspicuously rounded in lateral view; sting short, slightly curved at the apex. Sculpture: cephalic sculpture typical of the genus. Capsule wholly sculptured with a combination of striae, rugosities and punctuations; frons and vertex medially impressed by a narrow longitudinal band of 4 to 6 long parallel striae, rising from the base of the frontal lobes and diverging just before the vertexal margin; the lateral margins of frons and vertex and the genae entirely covered by weakly sinuous aligned rugosities, the anterior two thirds of the head capsule seems uniformly striate; the rugosities appear coarser in the anterior one third because of their broader size and lack of punctuation and pilosity; frontal lobes rugo-striated; a small, smooth and shiny depression, not concealed by the scrobe, is obvious behind the external margin of toruli; ventral face of cephalic capsule with weak rugosities, diverging forward from both the sides of the genal carinae; almost all the dorsum of capsule is covered by scattered piliferous punctuations more or less aligned except on genae at the level of the antennal sockets, on the medial part of the frons and the vertex as well as on an area behind the hypostomal carina; punctuations denser dorsally than ventrally, conspicuously more impressed on the posterior two third of the capsule and especially dense at the transition between vertex and genae; clypeal dome smooth and shiny at its median third, dull and longitudinally striate laterally; mandibles smooth and shiny; pronotum and mesonotum with a dense piliferous punctuation except on a narrow median band and on anterolateral margins of the pronotum which are smooth and shiny; anterior margin of mesonotum lacking transverse striation; anepisternum smooth and katepisternum with sparse and weak longitudinal striae; metapleura conspicuously striated longitudinally; propodeum finely striated and punctuated laterally but medially smooth on its dorsal and posterior face, except several thin transverse apical striae on the dorsal rim of the propodeal foramen; petiole node dull with fine punctuations denser anteriorly and laterally; gaster and femora entirely covered by a sparse piliferous punctuation, weaker than on head and thorax; tibiae dull with denser punctuation. Pilosity: abundant on head and body, including at least five types of setae of variable size and location: (1) long simple setae scattered on head as follows: 1 erect pair on each side of the clypeal dome, their length equal to the distance separating their bases, 1 erect pair conspicuously curved forward at the base of the mentum, 5-6 suberect and curved ventral setae, aligned on the external margin of mandibles, their length increasing towards the mandible apex; (2) setae slightly shorter than the previous ones, sparsely distributed on the body as follows: several setae bent apically on each side of the clypeal dome, 1 upward inclined pair on the anterior margin of the pronotum, 2-3 pairs on the lateral margins of the mesonotum, 5-6 aligned pairs on the lateral margins of the propodeum, 1 almost vertical and curved pair on each protuberance below the orifices of the metapleural glands, 3-4 pairs on the laterodorsal margins of the petiole node and several other very sparse erect setae on the tergites or inclined on the sternites of the gaster (including a row of setae at the posterior margin of the sternites and numerous very dense setae on pygidium and hypopygium; (3) appressed pubescence formed by dense setae, slightly shorter than the previous ones, rising from piliferous punctuation and distributed on most of the body as follows: several curved and very dense setae on the posterodorsal half of the head dorsum, several more or less curved setae sparser on the antennae but denser on their apical segment(sensillae), some appressed setae very sparsely distributed on the dorsal face of the mandible (including one seta inserted at the base of each tooth), many very dense setae on procoxae, 4-5 setae emerging at posterior margin of the ventral tooth of petiole; (4) setae conspicuously shorter than the previous ones, forming small fringe above the clypeal lamella; (5) erect setae, very thick and denticuliform, slightly shorter than the previous ones and distributed as follows: 10 setae on the anterior face of mesotibiae, one basal seta on the posterior face of the probasitarsus, inserted basally in the concavity in front of the strigile comb, several setae inserted at the apex of the four tarsomeres, as follows: prothoracic legs: 4, 2, 2, 0, meso- and metathoracic legs: 5, 4, 2, 0; in addition, a row of intermediate sized setae, from type (3) to type (4), are present on each side of vertex. Color: body yellow-reddish, but cephalic capsule and antennae more reddish-brown; anterior and internal margins of toruli dark brown to reddish-brown visible through cuticle between frontal lobes; clypeal lamella margin with a fine reddish-brown border; mandibles yellowish to reddish, hardly clearer than cephalic capsule, its apical margin underlined by a wide dark brown-reddish border; teeth dark brownish to reddish, the apical tooth entirely black; outer margins of mandibles with a fine dark-brown border; ring of propodeal spiracle more reddish than remainder of propodeum; legs more yellowish than remainder of mesosoma; denticuliform setae of mesotibia conspicuously reddish. Queen (plate 2). Measurements (mm) and indices: means with standard deviations for the paratypes (n=10) given in (parenthesis); maximum range for the paratypes (n=10) given in {}: CivW (0.53±0,02) {0.51-0.56}; DPeW (0.31±0.02) {0.29-0.34}; HeW (0.22±0.02) {0.21-0.27}; HL (0.58±0.01) {0.57-0.60}; HW (0.55±0.01) {0.54-0.56}; ML (0.40±0.02) {0.38-0.42}; PW (0.54±0.02) {0.51-0.56}; PeL (0.32±0.02) {0.29-0.34}; SL (0.35±0.02) {0.33-0.38}; WL (0.94±0.02) {0.90-0.97}; CI (94.4±1.1) {93.4-96.7}; MI (68.3±3.51) {64.5-73.8}; SI1 (64.32±2.63) {59.3-67.8}; SI2 (60.69±2.53) {57.4- 63.5}; PrI (97.44±2.93) {93.22-101.72}. Head: similar to worker but with well developed compound eyes and ocelli; average CI 94.4 (n=10 paratypes); CI range 93.4-96.7; head proportionally less broad in comparison with thorax, average PrI 97.44 (n=10 paratypes); PrI range 93.22-101.72; head sides not converging anteriorly; maximal width of head capsule at three-fourths distance from anterior clypeal margin to vertexal margin; ocelli well developed; eyes subcircular and globular, inserted slightly before the middle of head side, consisting of about 18 well defined ommatidia in its length and 13 in its width; antennae 10-segmented; scape very robust, conspicuously enlarged at three-fourths of its length; mandibles with stronger and acute apical and subapical teeth; maxillary and labial palps 1-segmented (2 dissected specimens). Mesosoma: clearly broader than in worker, with typical pterosclerites of ectatommine queens, subrectangular in side view; dorsal faces of mesoscutum and scutellum weakly convex, separated by a quite visible suture; dorsal sclerite margin underlined by more or less developed bordering carinae; sides of mesothorax weakly convex and slightly converging posteriorly; posterior edge of mesoscutum with a clear median notch, prolonged anteriorly by a short superficial furrow, probably homologous, but in a very attenuated form, with the medial furrow that posteriorly prolongs the medially converging notauli in the male; parapsides parallel and weakly impressed, merely reaching the midlength of the sclerite; tegulae well developed; scutellum in the same plane as mesoscutum; mesoscutoscutellar suture rather broad; axillae well developed and laterally compressed, forming a large and deep depression near the bases of wing articulations; metanotum slightly compressed medially; suture between anepisternum and katepisternum well impressed and straight, reaching about the posterior three-fourths of the mesopleura length; mesospiracle barely visible with a very small elliptical orifice; propodeum short and rounded with a high subvertical posterior face; propodeal spiracle large, subcircular and opened posterolaterally; a weak depression is visible beyond. Wings normally developed; length of mesothoracic wing about 2.88 mm (n=1 paratype), its venation typical of the genus: cells R, 1R1, 1M and 1Cu closed; base of Rs and cu-a interrupted by a bulla; 2R1 opened, Rs not reaching the costal margin; 1Rs lacking; claval lobe depigmented and transparent; length of metathoracic wing about 2.15 mm (n=1 paratype); its venation very reduced: cell R long and closed, 1Cu opened (vein cu-a lacking), C lacking; 3 hamuli present at the level of a little sclerotized spot, not far beyond the middle of anterior wing margin; no juga, Published as part of Lacau, S., Villemant, C. & Delabie, J. H. C., 2004, Typhlomyrmex meire, a remarkable new species endemic to Southern Bahia, Brazil (Formicidae: Ectatomminae)., pp. 1-23 in Zootaxa 678 on pages 5-16

[[Genus Typhlomyrmex Mayr]] Typhlomyrmex Mayr, 1862 (Formicidae: Ectatomminae: Typhlomyrmecini) is a small genus of Neotropical ants, which included six valid species and one nomen nudum prior to this report (Brown, 1965; Kempf, 1972; Brandao 1991; Bolton, 1995 and 2003). It is today the single genus of the tribe Typhlomyrmecini Emery, 1911, since Prionopelta Mayr, 1866 and Rhopalopone Emery, 1897 (junior synonym of Gnamptogenys) have been combined in the Amblyoponini (Brown, 1960) and Ectatommini (Brown, 1958), respectively. In his Typhlomyrmex revision, Brown (1965) described a new species, T. prolatus, and suggested that the taxon pusillus certainly included several species. The genus is morphologically homogenous, but there is interspecific variation in petiole shape, head shape, and body size (Brown, 1965; Lacau et al., unpublished data). The terricolous species are the smallest. Bolton (2003: 46) proposed the following potential autapomorphies for the genus: "workers eyes vestigial to absent," and "male hypopygium with an elongate upcurved and median digitiform process." The first character has been reported as homoplasic for the entire family by Baroni Urbani et al. (1992): the eye reduction occurs in many other ant genera with hypogaeic habits, in several subfamilies (Hoelldobler & Wilson, 1990). All Typhlomyrmex species share a cryptic ecology and reduced eyes, but it is unknown if this character represents an autapomorphy for the genus in the clade Ectatomminae and/or a convergent adaptation between different Typhlomyrmex species. The digitiform process on the male hypopygium, proposed as autapomorphic by Bolton, is uniformly present in Typhlomyrmex but also occurs in some Gnamptogenys. The digitiform process is possibly homologous in the two taxa (Lacau, unpub.) and should be considered homoplasic. Thus, no clear autapomorphy distinguishes Typhlomyrmex from other ectatommine genera and its position in this subfamily remains unclear. According to Brown (1965), a range of characters position the Typhlomyrmecini nearer to the Amblyoponinae (formerly Amblyoponini), while another brings them nearer the Ectatommini. The cladistic analyses of Lattke (1994) and Keller (2000) showed a close phylogenetic relationship between Typhlomyrmecini and Ectatommini, but these results cannot be corroborated as long as the monophyly of the Ponerinae sensu Bolton (1990) remains uncertain inside the poneroid group (Ward, 1994; Grimaldi et al, 1997; Keller, 2000; Ward & Brady, 2003; Lattke, 2003). Recently, Bolton (2003) reclassified the whole family Formicidae, combining Ectatommini and Typhlomyrmecini in the new subfamily Ectatomminae, which has been recently confirmed by Saux et al. (2004, in press) based on nuclear 28S rDNA sequences. Compared to other poneromorph genera (sensu Bolton, 2003), Typhlomyrmex biology remains largely unknown but the rare available data reveal a strong ecological diversity between species. Although the distributions of individual species are highly variable, the genus has one of the largest distributions among the New World endemic poneromorph genera (Kempf, 1972). For example, the type species, T. rogenhoferi Mayr, 1862, which was described from Amazonas State (Brazil), is spread from northern Argentina to southern Mexico (Kempf, 1972; Longino, 1999; Lattke, 2003; Lacau et al, in progress). In contrast, others species have a much more reduced distribution and several are known only from a single locality. The new species described here is only found in a narrow part of the cocoa producing region of southern Bahia (Brazil). Typhlomyrmex prolatus Brown, 1965 and Typhlomyrmex foreli Santschi, 1924 are two other endemic species respectively described from San Jose (Costa Rica) and Rio Negro (Brazil, Parana State) regions (Brown, 1965). These restricted geographic ranges must be considered with circumspection owing to the scarcity and the disparity of the data concerning the diversity and the distribution of the Neotropical Formicidae according to the regions (Kempf, 1972). In fact, ants remain undersampled in large areas of South and Central America. Many species currently regarded as rare or endemic could be relatively common in poorly known regions. This is particularly true for Typhlomyrmex species because they are all cryptobiotic, nesting and foraging within soil or rotting wood. The autoecology of Typhlomyrmex species appears as variable as their distribution. Typhlomyrmex rogenhoferi is an epigaeic species that colonizes large dead trunks lying on the rain forest floor (Lacau et al., 2001), while the others species are subterranean and terricolous. In particular, the small colonies of T. pusillus nest in minute soil chambers (Brown, 1965; Lacau, pers. obs.); its biological cycle remains almost completely subterranean and only the winged gynes and males periodically emerge for mating. The genus Typhlomyrmex is generally considered to be rare (Brown, 1965) because these ants are very difficult to find in the field. The terricolous species are rarely collected with extraction traps such as Winkler or Berlese-Tullgren eclectors because workers only occasionally forage in the litter (Ward, 2000; Lacau, pers. obs.). Also they are not found in woody macro-elements of litter, such as little branches or dried fruits, nor in logs (see Carvalho& Vasconcelos, 2002; Delabie et al. 1997; Lacau, pers. obs.). The best technique to find living colonies is to look for individuals by careful hand fragmentation of soil elements. Such laborious field collecting explains the scarcity of Typhlomyrmex specimens in museum collections, especially when compared with those of other poneromorph genera such as Pachycondyla and Hypoponera (Lacau et al., unpublished data). Furthermore, the morphology of the different castes is rarely known. For example, T. prolatus and T. foreli are only known from their winged queen holotype. In the other taxa, the castes were frequently described separately, from material collected in different localities so that complete series including workers, queens and males coming from the same colony or even from a single location are extremely rare in collections (Lacau et al., unpublished data)., Published as part of Lacau, S., Villemant, C. & Delabie, J. H. C., 2004, Typhlomyrmex meire, a remarkable new species endemic to Southern Bahia, Brazil (Formicidae: Ectatomminae)., pp. 1-23 in Zootaxa 678 on pages 1-3