Pheidole tepuicola

Nothing is known about the biology of tepuicola.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Venezuela.

Nomenclature

 *  tepuicola. Pheidole tepuicola Wilson, 2003: 239, figs. (s.w.) VENEZUELA.

Description
A member of the diligens group, similar to Pheidole alfaroi, Pheidole diana, Pheidole laelaps, Pheidole riveti, Pheidole seligmanni, distinguished by the following combination of traits.

Major: antennal scape exceeds occipital lobe by 2X its own maximum width; posterior third of head capsule dorsum smooth and shiny; carinulae originating on the frontal lobes relatively sparse, and those near the frontal carinae bend outward (laterad) toward the lateral margins of the head; propodeal spines reduced to erect denticles.

Minor: nuchal collar relatively thin and indistinct; propodeal spines reduced to erect denticles that point slightly forward; all of posterior dorsal half of head and of mesosomal dorsum crossed by transverse carinulae.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.24, HL 1.28, SL 1.08, EL 0.20, PW 0.62. Paratype minor: HW 0.54, HL 0.80, SL 0.96, EL 0.14, PW 0.40.

COLOR Major: concolorous brownish yellow.

Minor: head and gaster light brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages brownish yellow.



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

Type Material
VENEZUELA: east slope of Kamarkabarai Tepui, Bolivar, 5°53'N 62°01'W, 1800 m, col. J. Lattke.

Etymology
L tepuicola, tepui dweller.