Pheidole zoster

The nest contained a seed cache and males 9- 12 March. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Peru.

Description
A large, bicolorous (major) or reddish yellow (minor) member of the tristis group whose major has a very large ovalangulate postpetiolar node, prominent subpostpetiolar convexity, dense parallel transverse carinulae covering all of the promesonotum, and completely foveolate and opaque dorsal head surface and first gastral tergite.

Minor: with large, somewhat elongated bell-shaped postpetiole; subpostpetiolar process; short, erect propodeal spines, and completely foveolate and opaque dorsal head surface and first gastral tergite.

Similar to Pheidole alpinensis, Pheidole exarata, Pheidole excubitor, Pheidole germaini, Pheidole grandinodus, Pheidole obrima, Pheidole rogeri, Pheidole stulta and Pheidole tristis, differing in many details of body form, sculpturing, and pilosity, as illustrated, and in color.

MEASUREMENTS (mrn) Holotype major: HW l.64, HL l.82, SL 0.82, EL 0.20, PW 0.88. Paratype minor: HW 0.70, HL 0.74, SL 0.68, EL 0.14, PW 0.44.

COLOR Major: head, mesosoma, and petiole reddish yellow; mandibles medium brown; postpetiole and gaster light brown; legs and antennae dark yellow.

Minor: reddish yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
PERU: Tingo Maria (col. William L. Brown).

Etymology
Gr zoster, belt, girdle, referring to the broad postpetiole.