Pheidole sculpturata welgelegenensis

Taylor et al. (2018) observed this taxon in a Mangifera indica (mango) orchard in Benin, foraging and nesting in and on the ground, and as prey of Oecophylla longinoda.

Identification
A member of the excellens species group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nomenclature

 *  welgelegenensis. Pheidole sculpturata r. welgelegenensis Forel, 1913b: 327 (s.w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. Forel, 1913h: 354 (q.).

Taxonomic Notes
Taylor et al. (2018) note that this taxon is readily separated from Pheidole sculpturata by the coarser and denser punctate sculpturation, and therefore should be treated as a full species. This treatment has not be followed by later authors.

Taylor et al. (2018) also suggest that Pheidole sculpturata dignata is a junior synonym of this taxon, but provide no evidence to support this proposal. This treatment has not been followed by subsequent authors.