Pheidole crinita

This species is only known from the type series. It was found in a buried piece of rotting wood. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
From Wilson (2003): A small, yellow member of the flavens group distinguished in the major and minor by the complete absence of sculpturing posterior to the level of the eye, broadly concave occipital border, nearly perfect semicircular profile of the promesonotum, and abundant, long pilosity.

Major: nearly vertical propodeal spine in side view, exceptionally large propodeal spiracle, and laterally angulate postpetiolar node. Similar to Pheidole amabilis, Pheidole boliviana, Pheidole melastomae, Pheidole mixteca, Pheidole scitula, and especially Pheidole terresiof Hispaniola and Pheidole tysoni of the eastern United States.

COLOR Major: clear medium yellow.

Minor: clear medium to pale yellow.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Ecuador.

Description
A small, yellow member of the flavens group distinguished in the major and minor by the complete absence of sculpturing posterior to the level of the eye, broadly concave occipital border, nearly perfect semicircular profile of the promesonotum, and abundant, long pilosity.

Major: nearly vertical propodeal spine in side view, exceptionally large propodeal spiracle, and laterally angulate postpetiolar node. Similar to Pheidole amabilis, Pheidole boliviana, Pheidole melastomae, Pheidole mixteca, Pheidole scitula, and especially Pheidole terresiof Hispaniola and Pheidole tysoni of the eastern United States.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.76, HL 0.88, SL 0.42, EL 0.06, PW 0.40. Paratype minor: HW 0.44, HL 0.50, SL 0.40, EL 0.04, PW 0.32.

COLOR Major: clear medium yellow.

Minor: clear medium to pale yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
ECUADOR: Sucua, 2°28'S 78°10'W (Gary J. Umphrey).

Etymology
L crinita, hairy.