Key to Pheidole knowlesi group minors

This key to minor workers is based on: Fischer, G., Sarnat, E.M., Economo, E.P. 2016. Revision and microtomography of the Pheidole knowlesi group, an endemic ant radiation in Fiji (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae)Myrmicinae). PLoS ONE 11(7): e0158544. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0158544.

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1

• In profile, promesonotal posterior declivity with distinct process present. Spines longer than distance between their bases (PSLI 27–38). Coxae and legs with weak but distinct punctures present. Postpetiole large and much more voluminous than petiole node in profile . . . . . Pheidole caldwelli

• Promesonotal posterior declivity not bearing distinct process. Spines shorter than distance between their bases (PSLI 15–24). Coxae and legs smooth and shiny, postpetiole in profile not significantly larger than petiole node . . . . . 2

2

return to couplet #1

• Head dorsum densely and deeply punctate . . . . . 3

• Punctures on head dorsum weaker, frons usually only weakly punctate to partly smooth

and with weak rugulae present . . . . . 5

3

return to couplet #2

• Mesosoma largely smooth, at least on lateral pronotum, mesopleuron and promesonotal declivity. In profile promesonotum strongly domed and posterior declivity relatively long and nearly vertical . . . . . Pheidole vatu

• Mesosoma entirely punctate. Promesonotum sloping more gently towards propodeum with short, oblique posterior declivity . . . . . 4

4

return to couplet #3

• All surfaces of head and mesosoma densely punctate . . . . . Pheidole ululevu

• Head dorsum and mesosoma punctate, but with large smooth area on head venter . . . . . Pheidole kava

5

return to couplet #2

• Frons with very superficial punctures and few weak rugulae present. Promesonotal dorsum smooth to superficially punctate and with weak, transverse rugulae present . . . . . Pheidole knowlesi

• Frons weakly punctate without presence of weak rugulae. Promesonotum mostly smooth to superficially punctate and without transverse rugulae . . . . . Pheidole wilsoni