Pheidole unicornis

Occurs in mountain forests. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Known from the type locality, as well as Pichinde, also near Cali, at 1600 m; and near Cochancay, on Guayaquil-Tambo Highway, Cafiar, Ecuador. (Wilson 2003)

This taxon was described from Colombia.

Description
DIAGNOSIS Similar to Pheidole binasifera, Pheidole diabolus, Pheidole gravida, Pheidole mirabilis, Pheidole moseni, Pheidole nasifera, Pheidole rhinoceros and distinguished as follows.

Major: median carina of c1ypeus raised as a low, forward-projecting lobe; humerus in dorsal-oblique view a low lobe; mesonotal convexity suppressed; propodeal spines vertical on propodeal basal face, and in dorsal-oblique view curve slightly forward; dorsum of propodeum and anterior and lateral margins of pronotal dorsum carinulate; petiolar node in side view symmetrically rounded; postpetiole from above diamond-shaped.

Minor: occiput broad, lacking nuchal collar; posterior half of dorsal head surface smooth and shiny, and anterior half covered mostly by circular carinulae; propodeal spines vertical on propodeal dorsal face; postpetiolar node in side view suppressed; mesosomal pilosity consists of relatively short, erect bristles of nearly equal length.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.42, HL 1.64, SL 0.72, EL 0.18, PW 0.84. Paratype minor: HW 0.72, HL 0.78, SL 0.64, EL 0.12, PW 0.46.

COLOR Major: head medium reddish brown, mandibles and body dark reddish brown; other appendages light reddish brown.

Minor: body medium reddish brown, appendages dark yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COLOMBIA: Television Tower Road, Salidito, near Cali, 2100 m, col. W. L. Brown and R. B. Root.

Etymology
L unicornis, one-horned, referring to the raised c1ypeal carina.

Additional References
Text and images from this publication used by permission of the author.