Pheidole macrops

The type colony was collected by Philip S. Ward from a ground nest in sandy desert.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

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

This taxon was described from Mexico.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A member of the “bicarinata complex” of the larger pilifera group, comprising Pheidole agricola, Pheidole aurea, Pheidole barbata, Pheidole bicarinata, Pheidole centeotl, Pheidole cerebrosior, Pheidole defecta, Pheidole gilvescens, Pheidole macclendoni, Pheidole macrops, Pheidole marcidula, Pheidole paiute, Pheidole pinealis, Pheidole xerophila, Pheidole yaqui and Pheidole yucatana (macrops is closet to yaqui), which complex is characterized by the large to very large, forward-set eyes of both castes; and, in the major, the occipital lobes usually lacking any sculpturing; the posterior half of the head capsule almost entirely smooth and shiny; and the postpetiolar node seen from above oval, elliptical, or laterally angular (cornulate in cerebrosior).

P. macrops is distinguished within the complex by the following combination of traits.

Major: reddish brown; sides of pronotum longitudinally carinulate; posterior half of dorsum of head sprinkled with sparse foveae; propodeum spines relatively long and thin; apex of petiolar node in side view evenly rounded; postpetiolar node from above oval.

Minor: dorsal margin of petiolar node seen from behind rises to a peak; propodeal spines vertical.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.14, HL 1.30, SL 0.60, EL 0.22, PW 0.56. Paratype minor: HW 0.52, HL 0.56, SL 0.46, EL 0.16, PW 0.30.

COLOR Major: concolorous medium reddish brown, tarsi yellow.

Minor: body and mandibles blackish brown to black, legs and antennae medium to dark brown.



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

Type Locality Information
MEXICO: 4 km south-southeast of Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, col. Philip S. Ward.

Etymology
Gr macrops, large-eyed.