Pheidole scitula ^HNS new species

Types LNBio.

Etymology L scitula ^HNS, beautiful, elegant.

diagnosis A medium-sized, brown member of the flavens ^HNS group, most similar to boliviana ^HNS, differing in the major in its more prominent, bulbous humerus, flatter promesonotal profile, less convex petiolar node seen from behind, semi-circular shape of the postpetiolar node seen from above, and less extensive cephalic sculpture. Also similar, but less so, to amabilis ^HNS, melastomae ^HNS, mixteca ^HNS, terresi ^HNS, and tysoni ^HNS in many details, as depicted in the figures of the respective species.

Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.84, HL 0.90, SL 0.42, EL 0.08, PW 0.44.

Paratype minor: HW 0.46, HL 0.50, SL 0.42, EL 0.06, PW 0.28.

Color Major: concolorous medium reddish brown.

Minor: body medium brown, appendages brownish yellow.

Range Known only from the type series.

Biology Unknown.

figure Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. COSTA RICA: Llorona, Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park, SA°35'N 83A°42W, 0-100 m (J. T. Longino). Scale bars = 1 mm.