Pheidole speculifera ascara

Taylor et al. (2018) observed this taxon in a Mangifera indica (mango) orchard in Benin, as prey of Oecophylla longinoda.

Identification
A member of the speculifera species group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya.

Nomenclature

 *  ascara. Pheidole speculifera var. ascarus Emery, 1901e: 62 (s.) ETHIOPIA. Santschi, 1930c: 268 (w.m.).

Taxonomic Notes
Taylor et al. (2018) note that the type of this taxon is darker red-brown than Pheidole speculifera, has distinctly dark mandibles, a more ovoid head in full face view and a deeper occipital impression. Because of these differences they propose treating this taxon as a full species. However, this has not been accepted by later authors.