Pheidole pepo

Collected in spiny bamboo (Guadua) forest. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Colombia.

Description
A large, yellow member of the tristis group, similar to Pheidole rotundiceps, Pheidole sphaerica and Pheidole subsphaerica, easily distinguished by the following traits.

Major: head greatly swollen; clypeus and mandibles reduced proportionate to the head; outline of head in full-face view almost completely devoid of pilosity; in side view, profiles of both anterior dorsal half and anterior ventral half of head capsule densely pilose, but profiles of posterior dorsal and ventral halves bare of pilosity; propodeal spines long and acute.

Minor: body slender; occiput narrowed, with nuchal collar; propodeal spines long and slender, i.e., needle-like.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.78, HL 1.66, SL 1.02, EL 0.22, PW 0.84. Paratype minor: HW 0.64, HL 0.80, SL 1.06, EL 0.16, PW 0.44.

COLOR Major: head and appendages medium yellow; mesosoma, waist, and gaster yellowish brown.

Minor: concolorous dark yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COLOMBIA: Finca Los Guaduales, 10 km southwest of San José del Palmar, Rio Torito, Chocó, 800 m (Charles Kugler).

Etymology
Gr pepo, melon, alluding to the unusual head shape of the major.