Pheidole alexeter

Collected in a savanna. (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: Brazil.

Nomenclature

 *  alexeter. Pheidole alexeter Wilson, 2003: 648, figs. (s.w.) BRAZIL.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A very distinct member of the tristis group distinguished by the following combination of traits.

Major: head short-rectangular; humerus very prominently lobose in dorsal-oblique view; mesonotal convexity prominent and symmetrical in side view; propodeal spines equilaterally triangular and directed perpendicular to basal propodeal face; postpetiole spinose from above; faint, shallow antennal scrobes present; posterior two-thirds of the dorsal surface of the head mostly covered by loose rugoreticulum; pronotal dorsum transversely carinulate and humeri bearing weak patches of rugoreticula.

Minor: occiput narrowed, with nuchal collar; propodeal spines reduced to dentic1es; humeri with loose rugoreticula; most of body smooth and shiny.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.44, HL 1.54, SL 0.72, EL 0.16, PW 0.72. Paratype minor: HW 0.62, HL 0.62, SL 0.66, EL 0.10, PW 0.40.

COLOR Major: body, mandibles, and antennae rich medium reddish brown, legs dark yellow.

Minor: concolorous dark yellow.



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

Type Material
BRAZIL: Vigia, near Belem, Para, col. William L. Brown.

Etymology
Gr alexeter, guard, defender.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Fichaux M., B. Bechade, J. Donald, A. Weyna, J. H. C. Delabie, J. Murienne, C. Baraloto, and J. Orivel. 2019. Habitats shape taxonomic and functional composition of Neotropical ant assemblages. Oecologia 189(2): 501-513.
 * Franco W., N. Ladino, J. H. C. Delabie, A. Dejean, J. Orivel, M. Fichaux, S. Groc, M. Leponce, and R. M. Feitosa. 2019. First checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of French Guiana. Zootaxa 4674(5): 509-543.