Pheidole truncula

Occurs at Penas Blancas in wet forest and nests at least in part arboreally, apparently in live plant stems (Longino 1997). On one occasion workers were mixed with those of the rare army-ant-like ponerine Simopelta, making it likely that the truncula were under attack as prey at the moment of collection. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Known only from several collections from the type locality. (Wilson 2003)

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
A typical member of the lamia group: the major has a phragmotic head, with the anterior portion incorporating the c1ypeus and mandibles flattened (truncated), and deep antennal scrobes. This species is easily distinguished from the other members of the lamia group (Pheidole colobopsis, Pheidole lamia, Pheidole pelor) by the complete absence of carinulae on the head, which is instead foveolate and opaque, and by other differences in body form and sculpturing as depicted.

MEASUREMENTS (nun) Holotype major: HW 0.74, HL 0.94, SL 0.42, EL 0.14, PW 0.44. Paralectotype minor: HW 0.50, HL 0.52, SL 0.40, EL 0.10, PW 0.30.

COLOR Major: concolorous yellowish brown.

Minor: light brown except for funiculus and tarsi, which are dark yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: Penas Blancas, Alajuela, lOo30'N 84°70W 940 m (col. J. T. Longino).

Etymology
L truncula, diminutive of trunca, cut off, maimed, referring to the head of the major.