Pheidole mittermeieri

The type series was collected in a savanna, from a termite mound. Winged queens were present in the nest, 2 December. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Bolivia.

Description
DIAGNOSIS Similar in various traits to Pheidole cardiella, Pheidole chloe, Pheidole goeldii, Pheidole nuculiceps and Pheidole striaticeps, differing as follows.

Major: almost all of dorsum of head, most of the sides of head, and almost all the mesosoma covered by carinulae; carinulae on anterior pronotal dorsum curve down and then along the lower pronotal margin; faint antennal scrobes present; in dorsal-oblique view, two denticles present on pronotal profile; in side view, petiolar node tapers to a point; postpetiole from above elliptical.

Minor: most of dorsal and lateral surfaces of head, including occiput variously carinulate and rugulose; anterior third and dorsal margins of promesonotum rugulose to rugoreticulate; propodeal spines reduced to denticles.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.14, HL 1.10, SL 0.70, EL 0.14, PW 0.52. Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.66, SL 0.66, EL 0.08, PW 0.46.

COLOR Major: head, mesosoma, waist, and antennae light brown; gaster and legs dark yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
BOLIVIA: Serena de Huanchaca, Las Gamas, Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, Santa Cruz, 14°48'S 60°23'W, 700 m, col. Philip S. Ward.

Etymology
ETYMOLOGY Named after Russell A. Mittermeier, distinguished tropical biologist and conservationist.

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