Pheidole dryas

The type series, representing either one or several colonies, was found in mature wet forest under epiphyte mats in a canopy tree (Longino 1997).

Identification
From Wilson (2003): A unique medium-sized, yellowish brown species whose major has a heart-shaped head, when mandibles are included, in full-face view; all of the dorsal head surface, including the clypeus but excluding the occiput, densely covered by longitudinal carinulae; conspicuously swollen hind femur; and angulate subpostpetiolar process.

There is some similarity to Pheidole erratilis, Pheidole nitella and Pheidole pygmaea, but many differences in body form, sculpturing, and color.

COLOR Major: gaster light yellowish brown, rest of body and appendages dark yellow.

Minor: concolorous light yellowish brown.

Distribution
Atlantic slope of Cordillera Central, Costa Rica (Longino 1997).

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
A unique medium-sized, yellowish brown species whose major has a heart-shaped head, when mandibles are included, in full-face view; all of the dorsal head surface, including the clypeus but excluding the occiput, densely covered by longitudinal carinulae; conspicuously swollen hind femur; and angulate subpostpetiolar process.

There is some similarity to Pheidole erratilis, Pheidole nitella and Pheidole pygmaea, but many differences in body form, sculpturing, and color.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.94, HL 1.02, SL 0.46, EL 0.10, PW 0.54. Paratype minor: HW 0.50, HL 0.56, SL 0.42, EL 0.06, PW 0.34.

COLOR Major: gaster light yellowish brown, rest of body and appendages dark yellow.

Minor: concolorous light yellowish brown.



Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Heredia, 500 m (J. T. Longino).

Etymology
L, Gr Dryas, in classical mythology, a wood nymph whose life was that of her tree, referring to the arboricolous nesting habit of the species.