Pheidole mittermeieri

The type series was collected in a savanna, from a termite mound. Winged queens were present in the nest, 2 December. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Bolivia.

Nomenclature

 *  mittermeieri. Pheidole mittermeieri Wilson, 2003: 459, figs. (s.w.) BOLIVIA.

Description
DIAGNOSIS Similar in various traits to Pheidole cardiella, Pheidole goeldii, Pheidole nuculiceps and Pheidole striaticeps, differing as follows.

Major: almost all of dorsum of head, most of the sides of head, and almost all the mesosoma covered by carinulae; carinulae on anterior pronotal dorsum curve down and then along the lower pronotal margin; faint antennal scrobes present; in dorsal-oblique view, two denticles present on pronotal profile; in side view, petiolar node tapers to a point; postpetiole from above elliptical.

Minor: most of dorsal and lateral surfaces of head, including occiput variously carinulate and rugulose; anterior third and dorsal margins of promesonotum rugulose to rugoreticulate; propodeal spines reduced to denticles.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.14, HL 1.10, SL 0.70, EL 0.14, PW 0.52. Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.66, SL 0.66, EL 0.08, PW 0.46.

COLOR Major: head, mesosoma, waist, and antennae light brown; gaster and legs dark yellow.



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

Type Material
BOLIVIA: Serena de Huanchaca, Las Gamas, Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, Santa Cruz, 14°48'S 60°23'W, 700 m, col. Philip S. Ward.

Etymology
ETYMOLOGY Named after Russell A. Mittermeier, distinguished tropical biologist and conservationist.