Pheidole grandinodus

Nothing is known about the biology of grandinodus.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Brazil.

Nomenclature

 *  grandinodus. Pheidole grandinodus Wilson, 2003: 699, figs. (s.w.) BRAZIL.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A large, yellow member of the tristis group with small eyes, exceptionally large, bell-shaped postpetiolar node, and large, bulging subpostpetiolar process. The propodeal spines are only medium-long, and in the minor fully erect. Seen from behind, the petiolar node of the major is hexagonal, with a flat top and that of the minor strongly convex. Similar to Pheidole alpinensis, Pheidole exarata, Pheidole excubitor, Pheidole gaigei, Pheidole germaini, Pheidole godmani, Pheidole obrima, Pheidole rogeri, Pheidole severini, Pheidole stulta, Pheidole tristis and Pheidole zoster, differing in many details of body form, sculpturing, and pilosity, as illustrated, and in color.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.53, HL 1.54, SL 0.82, EL 0.14, PW 0.66. Paratype minor: HW 0.54, HL 0.66, SL 0.74, EL 0.06, PW 0.40.

COLOR Major: head, mesosoma, and appendages reddish yellow; waist and gaster brownish yellow.

Minor: body dark yellow, appendages light.



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

Type Locality Information
BRAZIL: 66 km north of Manaus on Caracara Road, col. William L. and Doris E. Brown.

Etymology
L grandinodus, large node, referring to the exceptionally large postpetiolar node.

Additional References
Text and images from this publication used by permission of the author.