Pheidole venatrix

The type series was collected by Charles Kugler in a montane cafetal (coffee plantation). (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Colombia.

Description
A member of the diligens group similar in various characters to Pheidole coffeicola, Pheidole gagates, Pheidole hoelldobleri, Pheidole mooreorum, Pheidole peregrina, Pheidole spilota and Pheidole zelata, distinguished as follows.

Major: small “sharkfin” extension present on humerus in dorsal-oblique view; propodeal spines thin and one-third as long as the basal propodeal face; mesonotal convexity low and subangulate; posterior dorsal half of head in side view weakly concave; postpetiolar node spinose; rugoreticulum absent on head; carinulae of head extend most of the way past eye level to the occiput.

Minor: propodeal spine absent; mesonotal convexity in dorsal-oblique view with posterior face only; occiput narrowed with nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.94, HL 1.00, SL 0.50, EL 0.10, PW 0.46. Paratype minor: HW 0.44, HL 0.56, SL 0.68, EL 0.08, PW 0.30.

COLOR Major: body and mandibles plain medium brown, other appendages yellowish brown.



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

Type Locality Information
COLOMBIA: Finca El Recreo, Bonda, Magdalena, 850 m, col. Charles Kugler.

Etymology
L venatrix, huntress.