Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus.
Author
Wilson, E. O.
text
2003
Harvard University Press
Cambridge, MA, USA
http://atbi.biosci.ohio-state.edu/HymOnline/reference-full.html?id=20017
book
20017
Pheidole scimitara
new species
Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard.
Etymology Pers
scimitara
, a curved sword, referring to the propodeal spines.
diagnosis A very distinctive member of the
diligens
group, somewhat similar to
calimana
,
cataractae
,
demeter
,
machetula
,
sicaria
, and
tenuis
, distinguished in both major and minor by the very long propodeal spines and extremely large eyes. Also, the antennal scape of the major exceeds the occipital corner by more than its own maximum width, and the minor has a narrowed occiput with nuchal collar.
Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.00, HL 1.10, SL 1.00, EL 0.24, PW 0.54. Paratype minor: HW 0.54, HL 0.74, SL 0.98, EL 0.22, PW 0.40.
Color Major: head and mandibles medium to dark reddish brown; rest of body and appendages light yellowish brown Minor: head and gaster light yellowish brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages yellow.
Range Known only from the type locality.
Biology Unknown.
Figure Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. PERU: Estacion Biologica de Cocha Cashu, Madre de Dios, 400 m (Diane W. Davidson). Scale bars = 1 mm.