Pheidole caltrop

“From large thorns hollowed out on living tree” (A. E. Emerson, collection note 13 April 1935). (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Panama.

Description
A unique member of the fallax group characterized as follows.

Major: yellow; occiput, genae, and promesonotal dorsum rugoreticulate; large “sharkfin” protrusion on humerus extends beyond the boundaries of the rest of the pronotum when viewed from above; dorsum of postpetiolar node carinulate.

Minor: large “sharkfin” angle protrudes from humerus; all of body except gaster foveolate and opaque; very thin nuchal collar present.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.22, HL 1.18, SL 0.64, EL 0.14, PW 0.62. Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.66, SL 0.66, EL 0.10, PW 0.42.

COLOR Major: concolorous dark yellow.

Minor: concolorous medium yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
PANAMA: Barro Colorado Island (Alfred E. Emerson).

Etymology
ML caltrop, a four-pointed weapon placed on the ground to impede movement.