Pheidole pelor

Nothing is known about the biology of pelor.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality, and two other localities in central Texas (Pedemales State Park, Blanco Co. and Junction, Kimble Co.). At the Brackenridge Field Laboratory in Austin, it occurs with the similar species Pheidole lamia. (Wilson 2003)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States.

Worker
Minor

Nomenclature

 *  pelor. Pheidole pelor Wilson, 2003: 547, figs. (s.w.) U.S.A.

Description
DIAGNOSIS A typical member of the lamia group: the major has a phragmotic head, with the anterior portion incorporating the c1ypeus and mandibles flattened (truncated), and deep antennal scrobes. This species is easily distinguished from the other members of the lamia group (Pheidole colobopsis, Pheidole lamia, Pheidole truncula) by the rugoreticulate posterior dorsum of the head, preceded by parallel longitudinal carinulae that extend to all the surface of the frontal lobes, and by the irregularly rugose sculpturing of the central part of the c1ypeus.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.00, HL 1.30, SL 0.50, EL 0.14, PW 0.56. Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.64, SL 0.46, EL 0.10, PW 0.40.

COLOR Major: concolorous dark yellow.

Minor: concolorous medium yellow.



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

Type Material
TEXAS: Brackenridge Laboratory, a field station of the University of Texas in Austin, col. D. H. Feener.

Etymology
Gr pelor, prodigy, monster, referring to the bizarre head form.