Pheidole chocoensis

The type series was collected from a forested mountain slope. A winged queen was present 1–4 June. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Colombia.

Description
A small, yellow member of the fallax group similar to Pheidole araneoides and Pheidole wallacei, and easily distinguished as follows.

Major: extensive rugoreticulation covers the space between the eye to the frontal carinae and circular carinulae of the antennal fossae; head roughly quadrate, occiput deep; antennal scapes fall short of the occipital lobes by 2X the scapes’ maximal width; mesopleuron and dorsal face of propodeum carinulae; pilosity dense and very long.

Minor: neck and nuchal collar well-developed; basal face of propodeum drops vertically in front to metanotum; mesopleuron carinulate.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.18, HL 1.24, SL 1.00, EL 0.20, PW 0.62. Paratype minor: HW 0.46, HL 0.66, SL 0.98, EL 0.14, PW 0.34.

COLOR Major: concolorous medium reddish yellow.

Minor: concolorous medium yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COLOMBIA: Finca Los Guaduales, 10 km southwest of José del Palmar, Rio Torito, Chocó, 760 m, col. Charles Kugler.

Etymology
Named after the region of the type locality.