Two new species of Leptanilloides Mann, 1823 (Formicidae: Dorylinae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador

Two new species of <em>Leptanilloides</em> are described: <em>L. copalinga</em> Delsinne &amp; Donoso sp. nov., and <em>L. prometea </em>Delsinne &amp; Donoso sp. nov., based on workers collected in the leaf litter and soil of the Andes of southern Ecuador. Both species belong to the <em>L. biconstricta </em>species-group (formally diagnosed here). The metatibial gland, considered a synapomorphy for Dorylinae, is observed in <em>L. prometea</em> sp. nov. but seems absent in <em>L. copalinga</em> sp. nov. We provide a COI DNA barcode for both species and a revised key for the worker caste of all known species in the genus. We also describe a single male identified as a potential new <em>Leptanilloides </em>species on the basis of morphology. Furthermore, its mitochondrial COI gene sequence does not match any previously barcoded species. However, we refrain from giving it a specific name because of our lack of knowledge about the worker caste. So far, half of the 14 <em>Leptanilloides </em>species have been discovered above 1500 m in the mountain forests or páramos of the Ecuadorian Andes, confirming, if needed, the biological significance of these threatened habitats.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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