Pheidole lustrata

Occurs in leaf litter of mature wet montane forest (Longino 1997).

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Southern highlands of Costa Rica (Longino 1997).

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
A distinctive medium-sized member of the flavens group with long, dense pilosity and dark brown body contrasting with yellow tarsi, in both castes. Similar to Pheidole albipes, Pheidole alticola, Pheidole browni, Pheidole ebenina, Pheidole euryscopa, Pheidole hedlundorum, Pheidole monteverdensis, Pheidole palenquensis and Pheidole servilia, differing as follows.

Major: eyes set well forward on head; humerus in dorsal-oblique view subangulate; extensive foveolation of mesopleuron and propodeum.

Minor: occiput in full-face view narrow and eyes placed more forward.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.00, HL 1.04, SL 0.64, EL 0.14, PW 0.50. Paratype minor: HW 0.54, HL 0.56, SL 0.62, EL 0.12, PW 0.34.

COLOR Major and minor: body dark brown, tarsi dark yellow, other appendages light brown.



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

Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: 4 km south of San Vito, Puntarenas, 8°47'N 82°58'W, 1200 m (John T. Longino).

Etymology
L lustrata, purified, referring to the mostly dark, shiny body.