Pheidole daphne

Colonies of daphne are arboricolous, and as such have been collected by insecticidal fogging and Malaise trapping in lowland rainforest (Longino 1997).

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
The Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica (Longino 1997).

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
A medium-sized, distinctively bicolorous member of the flavens group, similar to the widespread species Pheidole bilimeki, differing in the major by the laterally angulate (as opposed to spinose) postpetiolar node, limited shagreening on the first gastral tergite, and color (see below); and in the minor by the completely smooth and shiny first gastral tergite.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.90, HL 0.90, SL 0.50, EL 0.12, PW 0.42. Paratype minor: HW 0.46, HL 0.56, SL 0.46, EL 0.08, PW 0.30.

COLOR Major: head and appendages clear medium yellow, except for an ill-defined light brown circular spot in center of head capsule dorsum; rest of body (mesosoma, waist, gaster) light brown.

Minor: head and gaster light brown, rest of body and appendages medium to dark yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: La Selva Biological Station, near Puerto Viejo, Heredia, 50–150 m, col. J. T. Longino.

Etymology
Named after Daphne, the nymph in classical mythology who was changed into a laurel tree (reference to the arboricolous habits of the species).