Pheidole ampangabe

The species was collected at 1417 m in elevation, in savannah woodland. The nest was located under a rotten log.

Identification
A member of the Pheidole fervens species group. Pheidole ampangabe is probably endemic to savannah woodlands of Ampangabe and its distribution doesn’t overlap with other members of the group. Majors of P. ampangabe can be easily separated from other species based on smooth occipital lobe and entirely punctate gaster. Minors, with indistinctly punctate head sculpture, are most similar to Pheidole mamirapiratra but they differ in brown body coloration and partially smooth promesonotum. In contrast, minors of P. mamirapiratra have entirely sculptured promesonotum and yellow to yellowish brown body.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  Pheidole ampangabe Salata & Fisher, 2021: 9, figs. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4H, 5A, 5H, 6A–6F (w.s.) MADAGASCAR.

Type Material

 * HOLOTYPE: 1s., Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Ampangabe IV Non-Protected Area, 21.37 km W Itremo, -20.61278 46.60774, 1417 m, 21-Mar-2010, savannah woodland, under rotten log, A. Ravelomanana leg., ARA0859, CASENT0923264.
 * PARATYPES: 1w., the same data as holotype, CASENT0236484.