Pheidole hedlundorum, Wilson, E. O., 2003

Wilson, E. O., 2003, Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus., Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press : 435

Pheidole hedlundorum new species

Types Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard.

Etymology Named in honor of Charles and Helen Marie Hedlund, in recognition of their outstanding contribution in service and support to tropical conservation, hence the habitats in which the Pheidole ants will continue to exist.

Diagnosis A large, medium reddish brown (major) or plain light brown (minor) member of the flavens group, with a mostly smooth, shiny body surface and dense, exceptionally long pilosity. Similar to lustrata , differing in the major in lighter body color, larger size, rounded humerus in dorsal-oblique view, presence of wavy hairs on the promesonotum; and less extensive foveolation on the mesopleuron and propodeum; and in the minor in the broader occiput in full-face view, more posterior position of the eye, round eye shape, and shorter scape length.

See also the less similar browni , chalca , chalcoides , terresi , and species close to them listed in the diagnoses.

Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.20, HL 1.20, SL 0.62, EL 0.14, PW 0.58.

Paratype minor: HW 0.60, HL 0.62, SL 0.58, EL 0.10, PW 0.40.

Color Major: body rich medium reddish brown, appendages a lighter shade.

Minor: light brown, tarsi yellow.

Range Known only from the type series.

Biology Collected from leaf litter in wet montane forest.

Figure Upper: holotype, major. Lower: paratype, minor. VENEZUELA: Estado Aragua, Rancho Grande, 1100 m (William L. and Doris E. Brown). Scale bars = 1 mm.