Pheidole erethizon

Nothing is known about the biology of erethizon.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Recorded from the type locality (Michoacán); Azizintla, Guerrero; and Miacatlan, Morelos. (Wilson 2003)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Nomenclature

 *  erethizon. Pheidole erethizon Wilson, 2003: 154, figs. (s.w.) MEXICO.

Description
A member of the crassicornis group characterized in both the major and minor by exceptionally dense, long hair (reaching an extreme in the gastral pilosity of the major); and entire head (except frontal triangle and central piece of clypeus),mesosoma, and waist foveolate and opaque. In addition, the minor is unusual within the crassicornis group in possessing a narrowed occiput seen in full-face view, yet nevertheless lacking a nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.26, HL 1.34, SL 0.92, EL 0.22, PW 0.64. Paratype minor: HW 0.58, HL 0.70, SL 0.86, EL 0.16, PW 0.42.

COLOR Major: concolorous medium yellow with a very slight reddish tinge.

Minor: concolorous medium yellow.



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

Type Material
MEXICO: San José Purua, Michoacán, col. A. B. Hamton.

Etymology
NL erethizon, porcupine, referring to the very long, bristly pilosity of the major and minor.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Vásquez-Bolaños M. 2011. Lista de especies de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) para México. Dugesiana 18: 95-133
 * Wilson, E.O. 2003. Pheidole in the New World: A Dominant, Hyperdiverse Genus. Harvard University Press