Pheidole scimitara ^HNS new species

Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard.

Etymology Pers scimitara ^HNS, a curved sword, referring to the propodeal spines.

diagnosis A very distinctive member of the diligens ^HNS group, somewhat similar to calimana, cataractae ^HNS, demeter ^HNS, machetula ^HNS, sicaria ^HNS, and tenuis ^HNS, distinguished in both major and minor by the very long propodeal spines and extremely large eyes. Also, the antennal scape of the major exceeds the occipital corner by more than its own maximum width, and the minor has a narrowed occiput with nuchal collar.

Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.00, HL 1.10, SL 1.00, EL 0.24, PW 0.54. Paratype minor: HW 0.54, HL 0.74, SL 0.98, EL 0.22, PW 0.40.

Color Major: head and mandibles medium to dark reddish brown; rest of body and appendages light yellowish brown Minor: head and gaster light yellowish brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages yellow.

Range Known only from the type locality.

Biology Unknown.

Figure Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. PERU: Estacion Biologica de Cocha Cashu, Madre de Dios, 400 m (Diane W. Davidson). Scale bars = 1 mm.