Pheidole machetula

The type colony was found in a gap in mature rainforest, nesting in bare clay soil. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Peru.

Description
A small member of the diligens group, similar to Pheidole calimana, Pheidole cataractae, Pheidole demeter, Pheidole scimitara, Pheidole sicaria and Pheidole tenuis in various characters, differing as follows.

Major: small (HW 0.80 mm), with equilaterally triangular propodeal spines; antennal scape exceeds occipital corner by a little less than its own maximum width; head in full-face subrectangular, with nearly straight, parallel sides; carinulae on head do not extend posteriorly beyond eye level; in dorsal-oblique view, mesonotal convexity prominently lobose, its rounded apex directed posteriorly.

Minor: propodeal spines equilaterally triangular; occiput narrowed but lacking nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.80, HL 0.86, SL 0.72, EL 0.18, PW 0.46. Paratype minor: HW 0.46, HL 0.56, SL 0.64, EL 0.14, PW 0.30.

COLOR Major: body concolorous medium brown, legs light brown.

Minor: very dark, almost blackish brown; in some but not all minors, the mandibles, trochanters, and tarsi are clear yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
PERU: Cuzco Amazónico, 15 km northeast of Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios (Stefan Cover and John E. Tobin).

Etymology
Gr machetula, little warrior.