Pheidole hector

Under dead wood in moist forest (Longino 1997).

Identification
See the description in the nomenclature section.

Distribution
Only known from the type locality.

This taxon was described from Costa Rica.

Description
A large, bicolorous brown-and-yellow member of the fallax group with exceptionally long propodeal spines, especially in the minor, dense pilosity, and angulate mesonotal convexity.

Similar to Pheidole ajax, Pheidole fiorii, Pheidole jaculifera and Pheidole lourothi, differing in many details of body form, sculpturing, and pilosity, as illustrated, as well as in color.

MEASUREMENTS (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.54, HL 1.64, SL 1.36, EL 0.22, PW 0.78. Paratype minor: HW 0.78, HL 1.00, SL 1.46, EL 0.20, PW 0.56.

COLOR Major: body medium brown; genae anterior to eyes, as well as mandibles and tarsi, a contrasting yellow.

Minor: body medium brown, legs light brown, tarsi yellow.



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

Type Locality Information
COSTA RICA: Wilson Botanical Garden, 4 km south of San Vito, Puntarenas, 1200 m, col. J. T. Longino.

Etymology
Gr Hector, legendary Trojan hero.