Two New Strumigenys F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) from Montane Forests of Ecuador

Abstract

Two new species from the myrmicine ant genus Strumigenys found in cloud forests above 2000 m in southern Ecuador are described and illustrated. S. lojanensis n. sp. is a member of the gundlachi complex described from 8 workers and 2 queens. S. madrigalae n. sp. is a member of the schulzi group described from 1 worker and 1 queen. Characters that permit separation from closely appearing species are presented. The gundlachi group of Strumigenys now has at least 5 species known from andean cloud forests above 2000 m in northern South America.

Keywords

• ants
• cloud forests
• northern Andes
• biodiversity