Pheidole tachirana

This species is only known from type specimens. A male was with the type colony at the time of collection 9 August. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Venezuela.

Description
DIAGNOSIS Similar in various traits to Pheidole cerina, Pheidole hizemops, Pheidole mackayi, Pheidole micon and Pheidole tenebra, differing as follows.

Major: reddish yellow; mesonotal convexity subangular; small subangulate process present on postpetiolar venter; anterior third of dorsum and posterior lower margin of pronotum carinulate; lower sides of pronotum foveolate; a small patch of rugoreticulum present posterior to each antennal fossa; carinulae just mesad to each eye extend only about 2 Eye Length beyond the eye.

Minor: head and mesosoma entirely foveolate; propodeal spines short and thin; occiput broad, its margin feebly concave, nuchal collar absent.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.72, HL 0.84, SL 0.40, EL 0.12, PW 0.34. Paratype minor: HW 0.40, HL 0.46, SL 0.42, EL 0.06, PW 0.24.

COLOR Major: body medium reddish yellow, appendages plain medium yellow. Minor: body dark yellow, appendages medium yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
VENEZUELA: El Espinal, near Michelena, Táchira, 1260 m, col. John Lattke.

Etymology
Named after the state in which the type colony was found.