Pheidole ambigua

Nothing is known about the biology of ambigua.

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Brazil.

Description
A medium-sized member of the tristis group, similar to Pheidole amata, Pheidole celaena, Pheidole fera, Pheidole germaini, Pheidole peruviana, Pheidole rutilana, Pheidole schwarzmaieri, Pheidole vomer, and possibly the same as Pheidole bruchi of Argentina, on the basis of resemblance of the minor (major syntypes of bruchi could not be located in the Forel collection at the time of study). The paratype minor of ambigua differs from a syntype minor of bruchi in its more abundant pilosity, lighter color, and foveolate promesonotal dorsum. Otherwise, ambigua is distinguished within the tristis group by the following combination of traits.

Major: anterior two-thirds of dorsum of head carinulate, remainder smooth and shiny; carinulae on rest of body limited to anterior strip of pro notal dorsum; humerus in dorsal-oblique view moderately prominent and lobose; postpetiole from above diamond-shaped.

Minor: pilosity sparse; propodeal spines reduced to dentic1es; promesonotal profile in dorsal-oblique view smoothly convex; occiput narrowed, with a nuchal collar.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.54, HL 1.74, SL 0.78, EL 0.18, PW 0.72. Paratype minor: HW 0.56, HL 0.62, SL 0.74, EL 0.40, PW 0.36.

COLOR Major: light reddish yellow. Minor: body light yellowish brown, appendages yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
BRAZIL: Caraguatatuba Reserva Florestal, Sao Paulo (William L. and Doris E. Brown).

Etymology
L ambigua, uncertain, doubtful.