Pheidole celaena

Nothing is known about the biology of celaena.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Known from the type locality in Costa Rica and from Kukra Hill, Nicaragua. (Wilson 2003)

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A medium-sized dark member of the tristis group, very close to and possibly synonymous with cornicula, also somewhat similar to Pheidole ambigua, Pheidole amata, Pheidole fera, Pheidole germaini, Pheidole peruviana, Pheidole rogeri, Pheidole rutilana, Pheidole schwarzmaieri, Pheidole superba, and Pheidole vomer, differing as follows.

Major: medium to dark reddish brown; a low angular process protrudes from center of clypeus in side view; mid-dorsal profile of pronotum in side view subangular; petiolar node tapers to a blunt point in side view; postpetiolar node from above roughly trapezoidal; carinulae originating on frontal lobes curve outward to the rear.

Minor: petiolar and postpetiolar nodes very low; humerus in dorsal-oblique view with small denticle; propodeal spines reduced to denticles; nuchal collar present.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW l.46, HL l.66, SL 0.80, EL 0.16, PW 0.64. Paratype minor: HW 0.56, HL 0.68, SL 0.82, EL 0.10, PW 0.38.

COLOR Major: head and mesosoma dark reddish brown, waist medium reddish brown, gaster light to medium brown, legs yellowish brown.

Minor: body concolorous plain brown; tarsi yellow; rest of appendages yellowish brown.



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

Type Locality Information
COSTA RlCA: La Selva Biological Station, near Puerto Viejo, Heredia, col. Leeanne E. Tennant-Alonso.

Etymology
Gr celaena, dark, referring to the body color.