Pheidole variegata Emery ^HNS, new status

Pheidole pubiventris subsp. variegata Emery ^HNS 1896g: 72. Types Mus. Civ. Stor. Nat. Genova.

etymology L variegata ^HNS, different kinds, especially colors, allusion unknown, possibly to bicolorous condition of the minor. Diagnosis A small member of the diligens ^HNS group with long, sparse erect pilosity and high mesonotal convexity in both castes, along with long, narrow propodeal spines, as well as a narrow band of shagreening in the anteriormost center of the first gastral tergite. Major: a small patch of rugoreticulum posterior to each antennal fossa. Minor: humerus with low, blunt denticle present in dorsal-oblique view.

Close to coffeicola ^HNS of Suriname, differing in smaller size, shape of mesonotal convexity and darker color.

See also the less similar laevifrons ^HNS, pubiventris ^HNS, and seeldrayersi ^HNS.

Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.10, HL 1.08, SL 0.92, EL 0.20, PW 0.52.

Paratype minor: HW 0.62, HL 0.74, SL 0.96, EL 0.14, PW 0.40.

Color Major: body very light reddish yellow, almost brownish yellow; appendages clear dark yellow. Minor: bicolorous, with body concolorous reddish yellow and gaster light brown.

Range Known only from the type locality.

Biology Unknown.

Figure Upper: lectotype, major. Lower: paralectotype, minor. COSTA RICA: San Jose. Scale bars = 1 mm.