Pheidole boltoni

Found by Longino (1997) nesting in epiphyte clumps in wet forest. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Known from Costa Rica.

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A small, bicolorous species belonging to an ambiguous cluster composing the “carapuna complex” (Pheidole boltoni, Pheidole carapuna, Pheidole cornicula, Pheidole cuprina, Pheidole eriophora, Pheidole jivaro, Pheidole manuana, Pheidole tristicula) close to the flavens group. All are relatively small in size, with the major possessing a reduced mesonotal convexity and cephalic sculpturing, composed in turn entirely of longitudinal carinulae that extend to or close to the occipital border viewed in full face. All also have a minor with a broad, concave occiput, which lacks a nuchal collar. Among these species, P. boltoni is distinguished as follows.

Major: relatively flat profile of the promesonotum in dorsal-oblique view; eye set well forward so that its anterior margin is the same distance from the anterior genal border as the Eye Length; small, obtuse-angulate mesonotal convexity; and smooth, shiny occiput, postpetiolar node, and first gastral tergite.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.06, HL 1.06, SL 0.62, EL 0.18, PW 0.48. Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.60, SL 0.60, EL 0.12, PW 0.34.

COLOR Major: head dark reddish yellow, rest of body light reddish brown, legs dark yellow.

Minor: concolorous dark yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: 8 km north of Volcano Barba, Heredia, 10°12'N 84°06'W, 1830 m, col. J. T. Longino.

Etymology
Named in honor of the distinguished British ant systematist Barry Bolton.

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