Pheidole subsphaerica, Wilson, E. O., 2003

Wilson, E. O., 2003, Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus., Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press : 761

Pheidole subsphaerica new species

Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard.

Etymology L Gr subsphaerica , shaped somewhat like a ball, referring to the head of the major.

Diagnosis A large, unusual species of the tristis group, similar to pepo , rotundiceps , and the dramatically unique sphaerica (q.v.), and distinguished as follows.

Major: head in full-face view circular, with flattened posterior dorsal margin; carinulae limited to the level of the posterior margin of the eye, those originating mesad to the eye curving downward below the eye and then back up again, as illustrated; promesonotum and head mostly smooth and shiny; postpetiole cone-shaped; all of body densely pilose.

Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 2.02, HL 1.94, SL 1.18, EL 0.26, PW 0.94.

Paratype minor: HW 0.66, HL 0.42, SL 0.96, EL 0.14, PW 0.44.

Color Major: concolorous light reddish yellow.

Minor: concolorous clear yellow.

range Known only from the type locality.

Biology Unknown.

Figure Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. COLOMBIA: Chinchina (W. L. Brown). Scale bars = 1 mm.