Pheidole chalcoides

The Ecuador series was collected from a rotten section of a live tree, about 1.5 m above ground in forest. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
From Wilson (2003): Medium-sized, bicolorous, similar to Pheidole chalca of Hidalgo and Veracruz, distinguished in the major by the rugoreticulate humerus, which is also more prominently extended in dorsal-oblique view; by the narrower and laterally rounded postpetiolar node, and by the light brown (as opposed to yellow) occiput; and in the minor by the toothed humerus and foveolate, opaque pronotal dorsum.

Also similar but less so to Pheidole arhuaca, Pheidole caulicola, Pheidole mincana, Pheidole sagana, Pheidole schmalzi, Pheidole tragica and Pheidole umphreyi, differing in details of body shape, sculpture (especially mesosomal), and color.

COLOR Major: head weakly bicolorous, with anterior third of the capsule brownish yellow and the rear two-thirds light brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages light to medium brown; gaster medium brown.

Minor: head, mesosoma, waist medium brown; gaster dark brown; appendages light brown.

Distribution
Known from the type locality and a single series (Gary J. Umphrey, collector) from Rio Palenque, Ecuador. (Wilson 2003)

This taxon was described from Mexico.

Description
Medium-sized, bicolorous, similar to Pheidole chalca of Hidalgo and Veracruz, distinguished in the major by the rugoreticulate humerus, which is also more prominently extended in dorsal-oblique view; by the narrower and laterally rounded postpetiolar node, and by the light brown (as opposed to yellow) occiput; and in the minor by the toothed humerus and foveolate, opaque pronotal dorsum.

Also similar but less so to Pheidole arhuaca, Pheidole caulicola, Pheidole mincana, Pheidole sagana, Pheidole schmalzi, Pheidole tragica and Pheidole umphreyi, differing in details of body shape, sculpture (especially mesosomal), and color.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.98, HL 1.00, SL 0.48, EL 0.12, PW 0.50. Paratype minor: HW 0.52, HL 0.56, SL 0.44, EL 0.08, PW 0.34.

COLOR Major: head weakly bicolorous, with anterior third of the capsule brownish yellow and the rear two-thirds light brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages light to medium brown; gaster medium brown. Minor: head, mesosoma, waist medium brown; gaster dark brown; appendages light brown.



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

Type Locality Information
MEXICO: 3 km west of Fortin De Las Flores, Veracruz, 1000 m (R. J. Hamton and A. B. Hamton).

Etymology
Gr chalcoides, like chalca, a similar species.