Pheidole setsukoae

Robert J. Hamton (in litt. 1990): the majors and minors were foraging in a single file to dead moths at a blacklight (ultraviolet light used to attract insects). (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Mexico.

Description
A member of the pilifera group uniquely distinguished within not just Pheidole but ants as a whole by the phragmotic condition of the occiput of the major, as illustrated. Also distinctive in the major, although not unique, are the lack of hypostomal dentition; the high, smoothly rounded outline of the promesonotum in side view; the dense parallel longitudinal carinulae that radiate from the antennal fossae and antennal lobes to the sides of the head; and the conulate postpetiolar node. The minor is typical of the “bicarinata complex” (see under Pheidole bicarinata).

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.38, HL 1.54, SL 0.62, EL 0.14, PW 0.76. Paratype minor: HW 0.50, HL 0.54, SL 0.60, EL 0.12, PW 0.30.

COLOR Major: concolorous clear yellow with a very slight orange tinge (“light orange”).

Minor: clear medium yellow; dorsal surface of head slightly infuscated, i.e., dark yellow to light brownish yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
MEXICO: 59 km north of Culiacan, Sinaloa (Robert J. Hamton).

Etymology
Named after Barbara Setsuko Hamton.