Pheidole aciculata

The single colony reported by Stefan Cover (collection notes) was in terra firme forest, nesting in clayey soil with a small crater. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Peru.

Nomenclature

 *  aciculata. Pheidole aciculata Wilson, 2003: 164, figs. (s.w.) PERU.

Description
A unique member of the diligens group.

Major: propodeal spines exceptionally thin, sharp, needle-like; head seen from the side forming a relatively thin ellipsoid and in full face view a symmetrical oval; petiolar node from sides acute at apex, and from behind with deeply concave dorsal border and angular corners; carinulae limited to eye level and forward on head, and every other part of the head and body almost entirely smooth and shiny.

Minor: propodeal spine very thin, acute, and needle-like; most of the head and body smooth and shiny; occiput narrowed and with a nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.36, HL 1.58, SL 1.06, EL 0.20, PW 0.72. Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.80, SL 1.06, EL 0.16, PW 0.42.

COLOR Major: overall light reddish brown, darkening (tending to medium reddish brown) on rear half of head, dorsal surface of promesonotum, and gaster.

Minor: body medium brown, tending to yellowish brown on mesopleuron and sides of petiole and postpetiole; appendages light brownish yellow.



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

Type Material
PERU: Cuzco Amazónico, 15 km northeast of Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios. col. Stefan Cover and John E. Tobin.

Etymology
L aciculata, with a small needle, referring to the needle-like propodeal spines.