Pheidole ariel

Nothing is known about the biology of ariel.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Nomenclature

 *  ariel. Pheidole ariel Wilson, 2003: 169, figs. (s.w.) MEXICO.

Description
Similar to Pheidole desertorum and Pheidole vistana (see also the less similar Pheidole hyatti), distinguished from these members of the fallax group and other members of the diligens group as follows.

Major: pale to medium yellow; slender; antennal scape just reaching occipital border; occipital border deep, subangulate at midline; pilosity of body dorsum moderately abundant, suberect to erect, and very long; propodeal spine reduced to a denticle; pronotum and all of gaster smooth and shiny.

Minor: occiput broad and lacking nuchal collar; propodeal spine reduced to a denticle; carinulae limited to circular lines around antennal fossae; mesopleuron and side of propodeum foveolate and opaque; rest of body smooth and shiny.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.46, HL 1.62, SL 1.34, EL 0.26, PW 0.72. Paratype minor: HW 0.66, HL 0.82, SL 1.16, EL 0.22, PW 0.44.

COLOR Major: concolorous pale to medium yellow.

Minor: concolorous pale yellow.



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

Type Material
MEXICO: 38 km south of Monclova, Puente La Muralla, Coahuila, 1280 m, Robert J. Hamton.

Etymology
Gr ariel, airy sprite, alluding to the slender, pale yellow bodies of both castes.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Vásquez-Bolaños M. 2011. Lista de especies de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) para México. Dugesiana 18: 95-133
 * Wilson, E.O. 2003. Pheidole in the New World: A Dominant, Hyperdiverse Genus. Harvard University Press