Pheidole subsphaerica

Nothing is known about the biology of subsphaerica.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Colombia.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A large, unusual species of the tristis group, similar to Pheidole pepo, Pheidole rotundiceps, and the dramatically unique Pheidole sphaerica (q.v.), and distinguished as follows.

Major: head in full-face view circular, with flattened posterior dorsal margin; carinulae limited to the level of the posterior margin of the eye, those originating mesad to the eye curving downward below the eye and then back up again, as illustrated; promesonotum and head mostly smooth and shiny; postpetiole cone-shaped; all of body densely pilose.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 2.02, HL 1.94, SL 1.18, EL 0.26, PW 0.94. Paratype minor: HW 0.66, HL 0.42, SL 0.96, EL 0.14, PW 0.44.

COLOR Major: concolorous light reddish yellow.

Minor: concolorous clear yellow.



'''Figure. Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. Scale bars = 1 mm.'''

Type Locality Information
COLOMBIA: Chinchina, col. W. L. Brown.

Etymology
L Gr subsphaerica, shaped somewhat like a ball, referring to the head of the major.

Additional References
Text and images from this publication used by permission of the author.