Abstract: Pogonomyrmex stefani sp.n. is described from gallery forests of the Orinoco Watershed in southern Venezuela. In contrast with other species of Pogonomyrmex Mayr, 1868 from northern South America that usually occur in more open, semiarid environments or occasionally in cloud forests, it nests in humid soil in the dense shade of gallery forest canopy. A key for identifying workers of Pogonomyrmex from northern South America is included.