Pheidole triplex, Wilson, E. O., 2003

Wilson, E. O., 2003, Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus., Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, pp. 646-778 : 767

Pheidole triplex new species

Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard.

Etymology L triplex , three parts, referring to the tricolorous condition of the major.

Diagnosis Major: virtually identical with subarmata major except for its much smaller size (HW about 0.8 mm versus more than 0.9 mm in subarmata ) and strikingly different color (see below). Stefan Cover, who has examined this species and subarmata in detail, reports that the head of the triplex major is also slightly narrower.

Minor: virtually identical with subarmata minor except for its strikingly different color (see below). Another possible difference is habitat: the triplex types were collected in mature mountain rainforest, while subarmata prefers open, even disturbed habitats. Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 0.80, HL 1.06, SL 0.44, EL 0.12, PW 0.46. Paratype minor: HW 0.42, HL 0.46, SL 0.42, EL 0.09, PW 0.28.

Color Major: strongly tricolorous, with head and mandibles uniformly medium brown; mesosoma, waist, and appendages yellow;

and gaster light brown.

Minor: concolorous clear light yellow.

Range Known only from the type locality.

Biology The type colony was found in mature montane rainforest, nesting beneath a rock in clay soil. A seed cache was present.

Type locality TRINIDAD: Aripo Ridge, Arima Valley, 550-650 m (Stefan Cover and Mark W. Moffett). [Not figured]