Pheidole arboricola

John T. Longino (1997) reports arboricola as a resident of moist mature and second-growth forest, nesting in the hollow branches and under the dead bark variously of Bauhinia, Cecropia, Stryphnodendron, and other trees. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
A very small species, close to Pheidole amazonica, Pheidole mackayi, Pheidole minutula and especially Pheidole quercicola distinguished in the major from these species by its subangulate (as opposed to lobate) humerus in dorsal-oblique view, rounded lateral borders of the postpetiole, and bicolorous head. (Wilson 2003)

Distribution
Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica, up to 500 meters elevation. (Wilson 2003)

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
A very small species, close to Pheidole amazonica, Pheidole mackayi, Pheidole minutula and especially Pheidole quercicola distinguished in the major from these species by its subangulate (as opposed to lobate) humerus in dorsal-oblique view, rounded lateral borders of the postpetiole, and bicolorous head. (Wilson 2003)

Major
Color: head capsule anterior to eyes, along with a fuzzy circular spot in the middle of the capsule dorsum, light brown. Waist and gaster also light brown; rest of body and appendages dark yellow.

Measurements (mm): Holotype major: HW 0.76, HL 0.84, SL 0.40, EL 0.06, PW 0.40.



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

Minor
Color: body medium brown, tarsi yellow, rest of appendages light brown.

Measurements (mm): Paratype minor: HW 0.42, HL 0.46, SL 0.40, EL 0.06, PW 0.26.

Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: La Selva Biological Station, near Puerto Viejo (J. T. Longino).

Etymology
L arboricola, tree-dwelling, alluding to the arboricolous nests of the species.