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 machetula new species Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard. Etymology Gr machetula , little warrior. DIAGNOSIS A small member of the diligens group, similar to calimana , cataractae , demeter , scimitara , sicaria , and tenuis in various characters, differing as follows. Major: small (HW 0.80 mm), with equilaterally triangular propodeal spines; antennal scape exceeds occipital corner by a little less than its own maximum width; head in full-face subrectangular, with nearly straight, parallel sides; carinulae on head do not extend posteriorly beyond eye level; in dorsal-oblique view, mesonotal convexity prominently lobose, its rounded apex directed posteriorly. Minor: propodeal spines equilaterally triangular; occiput narrowed but lacking nuchal collar. Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.80, HL 0.86, SL 0.72, EL 0.18, PW 0.46. Paratype minor: HW 0.46, HL 0.56, SL 0.64, EL 0.14, PW 0.30. COLOR Major: body concolorous medium brown, legs light brown. Minor: very dark, almost blackish brown; in some but not all minors, the mandibles, trochanters, and tarsi are clear yellow. Range Known only from the type locality. BIOLOGY The type colony was found in a gap in mature rainforest, nesting in bare clay soil. figure Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. PERU: Cuzco Amazonico, 15 km northeast of Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios (Stefan Cover and John E. Tobin). Scale bars = 1 mm.