Pheidole scapulata

Nothing is known about the biology of scapulata.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Córdoba, Salta, and Tucumán in Argentina; and Santa Cruz in Bolivia. (Wilson 2003)

This taxon was described from Argentina.

Nomenclature

 *  scapulata. Pheidole scapulata Santschi, 1923d: 63 (w.) ARGENTINA. Combination in P. (Trachypheidole): Kempf, 1972a: 205. See also: Wilson, 2003: 257.

Description
From Wilson (2003): Closest to Pheidole monstrosa and Pheidole reclusi, distinguished from these and other members of the distorta group as follows.

Major: entire dorsum of head to the level of the posterior clypeal border of the clypeus completely and densely rugoreticulate; upper fourth of side of head longitudinally carinulate; all but anterior strip of promesonotal dorsum, and all of dorsa of petiolar and postpetiolar nodes rugoreticulate.

Minor: humerus in oblique-dorsal view right-angulate; head heavily sculptured, with extensive rugoreticulum mesad and posterior to eyes; mesonotal dorsum rugoreticulate.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Major (Tucumán, Argentina)): HW 1.62, HL 1.98, SL 0.74, EL 0.24, PW 1.06. Lectotype minor: HW 0.80, HL 0.78, SL 0.62, EL 0.16, PW 0.52.

COLOR Major: medium reddish brown (possibly a callow) to dark brown.

Minor: concolorous medium brown except for gaster, which is dark brown.



'''Figure. Upper: major (associated with minor compared with lectotype minor), Tucumán, Argentina. Lower: lectotype, minor, Alta Gracia, Córdoba, Argentina. Scale bars = 1 mm.'''

Type Material
- as reported in Wilson (2003)

Etymology
L scapula, pertaining to the shoulder, allusion unknown. (Wilson 2003)

Additional References
Santschi, F. 1923d. Pheidole et quelques autres fourmis néotropiques. Ann. Soc. Entomol. Belg. 63: 45–69.

Text and images from this publication used by permission of the author.