First Record ofPyramica epinotalis(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for the United States

摘要

Pyramica epinotalisis an arboreal dacetine ant previously known only from Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and southern Mexico. Here we report the first records ofP. epinotalisfor the United States. Collections were made in three parishes across southern Louisiana in cypress-tupelo swamps using floating pitfall traps placed in floating vegetation and arboreal pitfall traps placed on trunks and limbs of three wetland tree species. One additional specimen of this species was collected in Highlands County, Florida. Based on collections of specimens in Louisiana, including multiple dealate females at different localities,P. epinotalisappears to be well established in this state. We discuss the design and implementation of modified arboreal pitfall traps that were instrumental in this discovery.