Pheidole quadriceps

Collected in second-growth forest. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Colombia.

Description
A medium-sized, yellow member of the flavens group whose major is distinguished by its square head shape in full-face view, angulate profile of the mesonotal convexity, and large propodeal spines.

Similar to Pheidole carinata of montane Costa Rica but differs in the major by its much longer propodeal spine, more extensive sculpturing on the head, lack of a rugoreticulum on the mesosoma, and color; and in the minor by the absence anywhere of rugoreticula; and by color. See also the less similar Pheidole kuna, Pheidole obtusopilosa, Pheidole rectisentis, Pheidole scabriventris and Pheidole termitobia.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.90, HL 0.92, SL 0.46, EL 0.08, PW 0.44. Paratype minor: HW 0.44, HL 0.50, SL 0.42, EL 0.06, PW 0.28.

COLOR Major: body light brownish yellow, mandibles dark brownish yellow.

Minor: concolorous medium yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COLOMBIA: Providencia Biological Station, Zona Buenos Aries, Antioquia, 600–800 m (Charles Kugler).

Etymology
L quadriceps, square-headed, referring to head shape in frontal view.