Pheidole comosa

The species was collected between 760–1300 m in elevation, in montane rainforest and tropical dry forest. Nest were located under stones, under rootmat, and in rotten log. Worker were collected from sifted litter.

Identification
A member of the Pheidole fervens species group. Pheidole comosa is the most distinct member of the fervens group. The species is parapatric with Pheidole arivo and differ from it, and all remaining members of the group, by majors with dense, long and suberect to erect pilosity on the margins of head, and costulate to rugocostulate antennal scrobe with distinctly rugopunctate interspaces. Its minors are the only ones within the group with distinctly punctate head.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  Pheidole comosa Salata & Fisher, 2021: 14, figs. 2C, 3C, 4C, 4J, 5C, 5J, 8A–8F (w.s.) MADAGASCAR.

Type Material

 * HOLOTYPE: 1s., Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Anja Reserve, -21.85241 46.84579, 990 m, 14-Dec-2010, Degaded forest below granite out crop, under stone, B. L. Fisher et al. leg., BLF25953, CASENT0923278.
 * PARATYPES: 1w., the same data as holotype, CASENT0208811 ; 2w., 1s., Anja Reserve, -21.85241 46.84579, 990 m, 14-Dec-2010, Degaded forest below granite out crop, under rootmat, litter on rock, B. L. Fisher et al. leg., BLF25938 (, PBZT).