Pheidole laelaps

The type series was collected in montane rainforest. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Known from the type locality (Pance, Colombia) and from near Cochancay on the Guayaquil-El Tambo Highway, Cañar, Ecuador. (Wilson 2003)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia, Ecuador.

Nomenclature

 *  laelaps. Pheidole laelaps Wilson, 2003: 198, figs. (s.w.) COLOMBIA.

Description
Similar in various ways to Pheidole alfaroi, Pheidole diana, Pheidole riveti, Pheidole seligmanni and Pheidole tepuicola, but easily distinguished by the following combination of traits.

Major: most of the dorsal surface of the head carinulate, with carinulae originating on the frontal lobes and carinae along the midline spread outward (laterad), those laterad to the frontal carinae approach the lateral margins of the head seen in full face; occipital cleft very deep; antennal scapes fall short of the occipital corner by 2X their own maximum width; propodeal spines equilaterally triangular.

Minor: entire dorsal surface of head and mesosoma transversely carinulate; nuchal collar broad and well demarcated; propodeal spines reduced to denticles.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.66, HL 1.74, SL 1.24, EL 0.22, PW 0.76. Paratype minor: HW 0.70, HL 0.90, SL 1.18, EL 0.14, PW 0.48.

COLOR Major and minor: concolorous yellow.



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

Type Material
COLOMBIA: Pance, Mun. de Cali, Valle, 1700 m, col. W. L. Brown and S. Chaplin.

Etymology
L laelaps, a storm.