Pheidole peltastes

This species is only known from type specimens. Nothing is known about its biology.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil, Ecuador.

Nomenclature

 *  peltastes. Pheidole peltastes Wilson, 2003: 484, figs. (s.w.) BRAZIL.

Description
DIAGNOSIS Similar to Pheidole ademonia, Pheidole infernalis, Pheidole sospes and Pheidole termitobia, distinguished as follows.

Major: antennal scrobes present; extensive rugoreticulum covers all the dorsal head surface from the level of the anterior margin of the eyes to the occiput, except for a median strip and the antennal scrobes.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.54, HL 0.60, SL 0.30, EL 0.06, PW 0.32. Paratype minor: HW 0.36, HL 0.38, SL 0.30, EL 0.06, PW 0.22.

COLOR Major: body light reddish yellow (“orange”), appendages light yellow.

Minor: concolorous pale yellow.



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

Type Material
BRAZIL: Utinga tract, near Belém, Pará, col. P. F. Darlington.

Etymology
Gr peltastes, soldier armed with a small shield.