Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus. Author Wilson, E. O. text 2003 Harvard University Press Cambridge, MA http://atbi.biosci.ohio-state.edu/HymOnline/reference-full.html?id=20017 book 20017 Pheidole triplex new species Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard. Etymology L triplex , three parts, referring to the tricolorous condition of the major. Diagnosis Major: virtually identical with subarmata major except for its much smaller size (HW about 0.8 mm versus more than 0.9 mm in subarmata ) and strikingly different color (see below). Stefan Cover, who has examined this species and subarmata in detail, reports that the head of the triplex major is also slightly narrower. Minor: virtually identical with subarmata minor except for its strikingly different color (see below). Another possible difference is habitat: the triplex types were collected in mature mountain rainforest, while subarmata prefers open, even disturbed habitats. Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.80, HL 1.06, SL 0.44, EL 0.12, PW 0.46. Paratype minor: HW 0.42, HL 0.46, SL 0.42, EL 0.09, PW 0.28. Color Major: strongly tricolorous, with head and mandibles uniformly medium brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages yellow; and gaster light brown. Minor: concolorous clear light yellow. Range Known only from the type locality. Biology The type colony was found in mature montane rainforest, nesting beneath a rock in clay soil. A seed cache was present. Type locality TRINIDAD: Aripo Ridge, Arima Valley, 550-650 m (Stefan Cover and Mark W. Moffett). [Not figured]