Pheidole aculifera

Nothing is known about the biology of aculifera.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Panama.

Description
A small, yellow member of the fallax group (but close to the diligens group) distinguished by the exceptionally thin propodeal spines of the major and minor, as well as the very low mesonotal convexity in side view in both castes; and, in the major, the exceptionally large spiracle.

Similar to Pheidole prostrata of Costa Rica, but easily distinguished in the major by the large spiracle, low mesonotal convexity, and presence of a rugoreticulum mesad to the eyes, as well as yellow coloration.

See also the less similar Pheidole boruca, Pheidole variegata (= Pheidole pubiventris) and Pheidole violacea.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.96, HL 1.00, SL 0.78, EL 0.14, PW 0.42. Paratype minor: HW 0.44, HL 0.54, SL 0.72, EL 0.10, PW 0.28.

COLOR Major: body light reddish yellow, appendages yellow.

Minor: concolorous yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
PANAMA: Nusagandi, San Blas (Leeanne E. Tennant-Alonso).

Etymology
L aculifera, needle-bearing, referring to the long, very thin propodeal spine of the major and minor.