Key to Pheidole curvistriata species group

This worker key is based on: [[Media:Salata, S., Fisher, B.L. 2020. Pheidole of Madagascar (10.3897@zookeys.905.39592).pdf|Salata, S. and B.L. Fisher. 2020a. Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Madagascar – an introduction and a taxonomic revision of eleven species groups. ZooKeys. 905:1–235.]]

Major workers of this group are extremely similar and sometimes the key features overlap. Therefore, we recommend using minor workers, which possess more distinct and stable morphological characters, for species determination within this group.

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 * Pheidole curvistriata species group
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 * Major workers. Frons with sparse, thick, longitudinal rugae with smooth to indistinctly rugulose interspaces; mesosoma with rugulae and sometimes indistinct foveolae, outer hypostomal teeth higher than inner hypostomal teeth but very narrow (Fig. 50A, I, E). Minor workers. Rugae on upper part of frons distinct and never curved outward, mesonotum never smooth (Fig. 51A, E, I) . . . . . Pheidole curvistriata
 * Major workers. Frons with longitudinal rugae denser, with interspaces smooth to distinctly rugo-foveolate or foveolate; mesosoma foveolate and sometimes with indistinct rugulae, outer hypostomal teeth higher than inner hypostomal teeth but wide (Fig. 50B–D, F–H, J–L). Minor workers. Rugae on upper part of frons indistinct or distinct and curved outward, mesonotum smooth (Fig. 51B–D, F–H, J–L) . . . . . 2

2

 * Major workers. Frons and mesosoma with interspaces finely rugo-foveolate (Fig. 50C, K). Minor workers. Rugae on upper part of frons curved outward, mesosoma always with thick rugae, propodeal spines longer (Fig. 51C, G, K) . . . . . Pheidole makirovana
 * Major workers. Frons and mesosoma with fine foveolae (Fig. 50B, D, J, L). Minor workers. Rugae on upper part of frons never curved outward, propodeal spines shorter, mesosoma never with thick rugae (Fig. 51B, D, F, H, J, L) . . . . . 3

3

 * Major workers. Sides of head with sparse and short pilosity, inner hypostomal teeth very low (Fig. 50D, H). Minor workers. Clypeus foveolate to rugoreticulate, rugae on head very indistinct (Fig. 51D) . . . . . Pheidole mantadia
 * Major workers. Sides of head with dense and long pilosity, inner hypostomal teeth higher (Fig. 50B, F). Minor workers. Clypeus smooth, rugae on head distinct but thin (Fig. 51B) . . . . . Pheidole moramanaensis