Pheidole sphaerica

Nothing is known about the biology of sphaerica.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia.

Castes
Known only from the major caste.

Nomenclature

 *  sphaerica. Pheidole sphaerica Wilson, 2003: 755, figs. (s.) COLOMBIA.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A large, spectacularly distinct species whose major has a huge spherical head, proportionately reduced clypeus and mandibles, a mesonotum that drops vertically in side view to the metanotum, and a near-absence of pilosity on the head and mesosoma.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.98, HL 1.92, SL 0.84, EL 0.24, PW 0.90.

COLOR Major: head, appendages, and most of gaster light reddish yellow (light “orange”); mesosoma, waist, and part of gaster medium reddish yellow (medium “orange”).



'''Figure. Holotype, major. Scale bars = 1 mm.'''

Type Material
COLOMBIA: St. Augustin, Huila, col. L. Garling.

Etymology
Gr sphaerica, shaped like a ball, alluding to the head.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Wilson E. O. 2003. Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, [ix] + 794 pp.