Pheidole aper

Rosumek (2017) assessed trophic resource use and period of activity within the ant community in a southern Brazil Atlantic forest. He found this species, relative to other Pheidole sampled in this study, used more "melezitose (a honeydew analog) over other resources. Since honeydew is the only reliable source of this sugar in nature, interaction with sap-sucking insects should be important for this species."

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, Brazil. (Wilson 2003)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil.

Worker
Minor

Images from AntWeb
Major

Nomenclature

 *  aper. Pheidole aper Forel, 1912f: 227 (s.w.q.) BRAZIL. Combination in P. (Trachypheidole): Emery, 1915i: 190. See also: Wilson, 2003: 655.

Description
From Wilson (2003): DIAGNOSIS Similar in various traits to Pheidole bambusarum, Pheidole brevicona, Pheidole dyctiota, Pheidole laeviventris, Pheidole lutzi, Pheidole risii, Pheidole rugatula, Pheidole senilis, Pheidole sigillata, Pheidole trachyderma and Pheidole traini, differing as follows.

Major: all of head except for frontal triangle and mid-clypeus but including occiput and all of pro no tum rugoreticulate; seen from the side, frontal lobes and genal comers extended as triangular processes; postpetiole from above conulate.

Minor: all of posterior half of head and all of promesonotum rugoreticulate; occiput broad, lacking a nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Lectotype major: HW 1.46, HL 1.56, SL 0.66, EL 0.14, PW 0.80. Paralectotype minor: HW 0.64, HL 0.66, SL 0.66, EL 0.10, PW 0.46.

COLOR Major: gaster brownish yellow; rest of body medium reddish brown, tending toward dark reddish brown at anterior margin of head capsule; mandibles dark reddish brown; antennae medium reddish brown; legs brownish yellow.

Minor: head and mesosoma light reddish brown; waist, gaster, and appendages brownish yellow.



'''Figure. Upper: lectotype, major. Lower: paralectotype, minor. Scale bars = 1 mm.'''

Type Material
BRAZIL: Colonia Alpina, Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro. - as reported in Wilson (2003)

Etymology
L aper, wild boar, allusion uncertain, but may refer to tusk-like protrusion on head of major. (Wilson 2003)

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Favretto M. A., E. Bortolon dos Santos, and C. J. Geuster. 2013. Entomofauna from West of Santa Catarina State, South of Brazil. EntomoBrasilis 6 (1): 42-63.
 * Fleck M. D., E. Bisognin Cantarelli, and F. Granzotto. 2015. Register of new species of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Rio Grande do Sul state. Ciencia Florestal, Santa Maria 25(2): 491-499.
 * Kempf W. W. 1978. A preliminary zoogeographical analysis of a regional ant fauna in Latin America. 114. Studia Entomologica 20: 43-62.
 * Kempf, W.W. 1972. Catalago abreviado das formigas da regiao Neotropical (Hym. Formicidae) Studia Entomologica 15(1-4).
 * Rosa da Silva R. 1999. Formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) do oeste de Santa Catarina: historico das coletas e lista atualizada das especies do Estado de Santa Catarina. Biotemas 12(2): 75-100.
 * Santschi F. 1929. Nouvelles fourmis de la République Argentine et du Brésil. Anales de la Sociedad Cientifica Argentina. 107: 273-316.
 * Ulyssea M.A., C. E. Cereto, F. B. Rosumek, R. R. Silva, and B. C. Lopes. 2011. Updated list of ant species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) recorded in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, with a discussion of research advances and priorities. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia 55(4): 603-611.