Pheidole longiscapa

Pheidole longiscapa is a somewhat variable, weedy species that occurs from Nicaragua to Colombia, and eastward to French Guiana (Longino, 2019). In Costa Rica, Longino (1997) found this species in mature rainforest at La Selva, near Puerto Viejo, and on vegetated land close to the beach at Llorona, Corcovado National Park. One of the latter colonies was on a vegetated rock island separated from the nearby mainland by a shallow marine channel. (Wilson 2003)

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
I have verified records of this unusual species from Nicaragua (Kukra River), Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, and Puerto Rico (Guanica). In addition, Longino (1997) reports it from southwestern and northeastern Costa Rica. Because it occurs at least occasionally in disturbed habitats, the population in Puerto Rico may be an adventive carried accidentally by human commerce. (Wilson 2003)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Greater Antilles, Guyana, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Venezuela.

Worker
Minor

Nomenclature

 *  longiscapa. Pheidole longiscapa Forel, 1901e: 358 (s.w.m.) VENEZUELA.
 * Senior synonym of martensis: Wilson, 2003: 205.
 * Senior synonym of cocciphaga: Longino, 2019: 44.
 * martensis. Pheidole longiscapa r. martensis Forel, 1914c: 615 (s.w.) COLOMBIA.
 * Junior synonym of longiscapa: Wilson, 2003: 205.
 * cocciphaga. Pheidole cocciphaga Borgmeier, 1934: 99, fig. 3 (s.w.q.) SURINAM.
 * Status as species: Wilson, 2003: 181.
 * Junior synonym of longiscapa: Longino, 2019: 44.

Taxonomic Notes
The synonymy of P. cocciphaga is based on measurements, Borgmeier's description and figure, and Wilson's figures (Longino, 2019).

Description
From Wilson (2003): A small, yellow member of the diligens group whose major is notable for its long propodeal spines, very sparse pilosity, mostly smooth and shiny body surface (but with partially shagreened first gastral segment), and small patch of rugoreticulum mesad to each eye. Similar to Pheidole triconstricta but with bilobous (not trilobous) promesonotal profile in dorsal-oblique view and in other details of body form and sculpture. See also Pheidole diligens and Pheidole radoszkowskii.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Lectotype major: HW 0.96, HL 0.90, SL 0.80, EL 0.14, PW 0.48. Paralectotype minor: HW 0.52, HL 0.64, SL 0.84, EL 0.12, PW 0.34.

COLOR Major: concolorous yellow, with the head and mesosoma a shade darker than the waist, gaster, and appendages.

Minor: concolorous yellow.

P. cocciphaga

From Wilson (2003): A slender, small-headed member of the diligens group distinguished by the following combination of traits.

Major: head small relative to body and with a “crown” on the occiput of dense foveae and tuft of erect to suberect medium-length hair; antennal scape exceeding the occipital corner by over 2X the scape’s maximum width.

Minor: head elliptical in full-face view, with nuchal collar; antennal scape exceeds occipital border by half its own length.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Lectotype major: HW 0.88, HL 0.92, SL 0.92, EL 0.20, PW 0.50. Paralectotype minor: HW 0.54, HL 0.70, SL 0.94, EL 0.16, PW 0.40.

COLOR Major: light reddish brown.

Minor: brownish yellow.

The color varies in both castes to dark brown.



'P. longiscapa''. Upper: lectotype, major. Lower: paralectotype, minor. Scale bars = 1 mm.'''



'P. cocciphaga''. Upper: lectotype, major. Lower: paralectotype, minor. Scale bars = 1 mm.'''

Type Material
BRAZIL: Belém, Pará. - as reported in Wilson (2003)

P. cocciphaga: SURINAME: Paramaribo. - as reported in Wilson (2003)

Etymology
L lemur, ghost, shade of the departed, possibly alluding to the pale color of both castes. (Wilson 2003)

P. cocciphaga: L Gr cocciphaga, eater of coccum, or scale insect. (Wilson 2003)