Pheidole xanthogaster

The four type minors were collected from the floor of forest transitional between terra firme of higher ground and seasonally flooded forest. (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: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.

Castes
Known only from minors.

Nomenclature

 *  xanthogaster. Pheidole xanthogaster Wilson, 2003: 364, figs. (w.) PERU.

Description
A species tentatively placed in the fallax group, of uncertain affinities, known only from the minor caste, and recognized formally here because of its strikingly distinctive bicolored body. It is further distinguished by the reduction of the propodeal spines to denticles and narrow occiput with a thin nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype minor: HW 0.66, HL 0.80, SL 0.96, EL 0.14, PW 0.44.

COLOR Minor: bicolored, with head, mesosoma, and waist light yellowish brown, and gaster clear medium yellow; mandibles and tarsi clear medium yellow; antennae and other leg parts yellowish brown.



'''Figure. Holotype, minor, with paratype propodeum depicted above. 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
Gr xanthogaster, yellow stomach, referring to the gaster.