Pheidole defecta ^HNS Santschi

Pheidole defecta ^HNS Santschi 1923d: 54. Redescribed by B. Holldobler and E. O. Wilson 1992: 16.

Types Naturhist. Mus. Basel.

Etymology L defecta ^HNS, fault, lack (significance unknown).

Diagnosis A unique but problematic species known only from the holotype major, tentatively placed in the pilifera ^HNS group because of the 2-toothed hypostoma but equally well placed in the flavens ^HNS group because of the overall habitus; the discovery of the minor may help settle the matter. Close in habitus to nasutoides ^HNS (which is placed in the flavens ^HNS group), but differing in promesonotal shape, smaller size of the propodeal spine and spiracle, mostly smooth and shiny body, much sparser pilosity, and different color. Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.10, HL 1.10, SL 0.64, EL 0.16, PW 0.56. Color Major: concolorous medium yellow.

Range Known only from the holotype major.

Biology Unknown.

figure Unique holotype, major. GUATEMALA (no further locality). Scale bar = 1 mm.