Pheidole avia

Nothing is known about the biology of avia.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Brazil.

Description
From Wilson (2003): DIAGNOSIS Similar to Pheidole antillana of the Lesser Antilles and to Pheidole bucculenta, Pheidole guilelmimuelleri and Pheidole hetschkoi of South America, as well as to Pheidole mamore of South America in the scrobifera group, but differing in the following combination of traits.

Major: very large, with sharp postpetiolar cornicles, otherwise close to the lectotype major of guilelmimuelleri (q.v.); but the minor is very distinct.

Minor: occiput and anterior fourth of head bears transverse carinulae; carinulae originating on the frontal lobes curve outward (laterad) to join the anteriormost transverse posterior carinulae; anterior half of the pronotal dorsum transversely carinulate; rest of the head and body almost entirely smooth and shiny; propodeal spines moderately long, thin, and vertical.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Paralectotype major: HW 2.34, HL 2.40, SL 1.04, EL 0.24, PW 1.12. Lectotype minor: HW 1.00, HL 1.14, SL 2.04, EL 0.24, PW 0.68.

COLOR Major: reddish yellow.

Minor: concolorous plain yellow.



'''Figure. Lectotype, minor. Paralectotype major not shown; very similar to Pheidole guilelmimuelleri lectotype major (q.v.). Scale bars = 1 mm.'''

Type Material
- as reported in Wilson (2003)

Type Locality Information
BRAZIL: Alto da Serra, São Paulo. (Wilson 2003)

Etymology
L avia, pertaining to birds, allusion unknown. (Wilson 2003)

Additional References
Forel, A. 1908. Ameisen aus São Paulo (Brasilien), Paraguay etc. gesammelt von Prof. Herm. v. Ihering, Dr. Lutz, Dr. Fiebrig, etc. Verh. K-K. Zool.-Bot. Ges. Wien 58: 340–418.

Text and images from this publication used by permission of the author.