Pheidole aculifera

Nothing is known about the biology of aculifera.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Panama.

Nomenclature

 *  aculifera. Pheidole aculifera Wilson, 2003: 259, figs. (s.w.) PANAMA.

Description
A small, yellow member of the fallax group (but close to the diligens group) distinguished by the exceptionally thin propodeal spines of the major and minor, as well as the very low mesonotal convexity in side view in both castes; and, in the major, the exceptionally large spiracle.

Similar to Pheidole prostrata of Costa Rica, but easily distinguished in the major by the large spiracle, low mesonotal convexity, and presence of a rugoreticulum mesad to the eyes, as well as yellow coloration.

See also the less similar Pheidole boruca, Pheidole variegata (= Pheidole pubiventris) and Pheidole violacea.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.96, HL 1.00, SL 0.78, EL 0.14, PW 0.42. Paratype minor: HW 0.44, HL 0.54, SL 0.72, EL 0.10, PW 0.28.

COLOR Major: body light reddish yellow, appendages yellow.

Minor: concolorous yellow.



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

Type Material
PANAMA: Nusagandi, San Blas, col. Leeanne E. Tennant-Alonso.

Etymology
L aculifera, needle-bearing, referring to the long, very thin propodeal spine of the major and minor.

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.