Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891

Salata, Sebastian & Fisher, Brian L., 2020, Taxonomic revision of the Pheidole sikorae species group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Madagascar, ZooKeys 949, pp. 1-185 : 1

Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891 Figs 60A-F , 64R , 67J

Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891: 225 (s.w.).

= Pheidole veteratrix angustinoda Forel, 1892: 526 (s.w.). syn. nov.

Type material.

Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891: 225 (s.w.).

Lectotype [designated here]: major worker (CASENT0101594): Madagascar, Antananarivo, Forêt d’Andrangoloaka, coll. Sikora (MHNG) [examined]. Paralectotypes: 1 minor worker (CASENT0101630) (MHNG) [examined], 1 minor worker (CASENT0923190) (MHNG) [examined], 1 major worker (CASENT0101935) (MHNG) [examined], 1 worker (CASENT0923191) (MHNG) [examined].

Lectotype [designated here]: major worker, bottom specimen on the pin (CASENT0101567): Madagascar, Toamasina, Amparafaravantsiv, Mangoro river, coll. Sikora; (MHNG) [examined]. Paralectotypes: 1 major worker, top specimen, the same pin as holotype (CASENT0876546) (MHNG) [examined], 2 minor workers (CASENT0101661) (MHNG) [examined].

Other material.

Madagascar. - Antananarivo: • 4w., 6s.; 3 km 41°NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147°SSE Anjozorobe; -18.47333, 47.96; alt. 1300 m; 5 Dec 2000; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02393 (CASC). • 1w.; 3 km 41°NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147°SSE Anjozorobe; -18.47333, 47.96; alt. 1300 m; 5 Dec 2000; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02395 (CASC). • 2s.; 3 km 41°NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147°SSE Anjozorobe; -18.47333, 47.96; alt. 1300 m; 5 Dec 2000; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02396 (CASC). • 1w., 3s.; 3 km 41°NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147°SSE Anjozorobe; -18.47333, 47.96; alt. 1300 m; 5 Dec 2000; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02401 (CASC). • 3w., 1s.; 3 km 41°NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147°SSE Anjozorobe; -18.47333, 47.96; alt. 1300 m; 5 Dec 2000; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, under stone; BLF02417 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Naturelle Sohisika, Sohisika 24.6 km NNE Ankazobe; -18.10322, 47.18692; alt. 1464 m; 1 Jun 2008; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; gallery montane forest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF20507 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Naturelle Sohisika, Sohisika 24.6 km NNE Ankazobe; -18.10322, 47.18692; alt. 1464 m; 1 Jun 2008; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; gallery montane forest, ex rotten log; BLF20539 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Speciale d’Ambohitantely; -18.18762, 47.28576; alt. 1580 m; 8 Mar 2012; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane forest, ex rotten log; BLF28217 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Speciale d’Ambohitantely; -18.22444, 47.2774; alt. 1490 m; 9 Mar 2012; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane forest, ex rotten log; BLF28244 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Speciale d’Ambohitantely; -18.22444, 47.2774; alt. 1490 m; 9 Mar 2012; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane forest, ex rotten log; BLF28268 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Réserve Speciale d’Ambohitantely; -18.22444, 47.2774; alt. 1490 m; 9 Mar 2012; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane forest, ex rotten log; BLF28286 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Speciale d’Ambohitantely; -18.22444, 47.2774; alt. 1490 m; 9 Mar 2012; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane forest, ex rotten log; BLF28296 (CASC). - Fianarantsoa: • 1w.; 29 km SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady; -20.77667, 47.165; alt. 1700 m; 7 Jan 1998; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; disturbed montane rainforest; BLF01593 (CASC). • 1w.; 29 km SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady; -20.77667, 47.165; alt. 1700 m; 7 Jan 1998; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; disturbed montane rainforest; BLF01594 (CASC). • 1w.; 38 km S Ambalavao, Rés. Andringitra; -22.2, 46.96667; alt. 1680 m; 22 Oct 1993; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; BLF00818 (CASC). • 1w., 1s., 1q.; 38 km S Ambalavao, Rés. Andringitra; -22.2, 46.96667; alt. 1680 m; 24 Oct 1993; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF00823 (CASC). •1w.; R.S. Ivohibe, 6.5 km ESE Ivohibe; -22.49667, 46.955; alt. 1575 m; 24 Oct 1997; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF01751 (CASC). • 3w.; R.S. Ivohibe, 6.5 km ESE Ivohibe; -22.49667, 46.955; alt. 1575 m; 24 Oct 1997; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; BLF01752 (CASC). - Toamasina: • 1w., 1s., 1q.; 6.9 km NE Ambanizana, Ambohitsitondroina; -15.58506, 50.00952; alt. 825 m; 2 Dec 1993; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF00976 (CASC). •1w., 1s.; F.C. Didy; -18.19833, 48.57833; alt. 960 m; 16 Dec 1998; H.J. Ratsirarson leg.; rainforest, ex rotten log; HJR095 (CASC). • 1w.; Forêt Ambatovy, 14.3 km 57° Moramanga; -18.85083, 48.32; alt. 1075 m; 21 Mar 2004; Malagasy ant team leg.; montane rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF10501 (CASC). - Toliara: • 1w.; Parc National d’Andohahela, Col du Sedro, 3.8 km 113°ESE Mahamavo, 37.6 km 341°NNW Tolagnaro; -24.76389, 46.75167; alt. 900 m; 21 Jan 2002; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, BLF05012 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National d’Andohahela, Col du Sedro, 3.8 km 113°ESE Mahamavo, 37.6 km 341°NNW Tolagnaro; -24.76389, 46.75167; alt. 900 m; 21 Jan 2002; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; BLF05013 (CASC). • 1w., 1q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ambinanitelo; -23.4502, 46.45658; alt. 1325 m; 11 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21796 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ambinanitelo; -23.4502, 46.45658; alt. 1325 m; 11 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21825 (CASC). • 1w.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ampanihy; -23.4635, 46.4631; alt. 1270 m; 9 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF21566 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21338 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21343 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21348 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21359 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF21370 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21374;(CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; ex rotten log; BLF21383 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21385 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Befarara; -23.4178, 46.4478; alt. 1390 m; 7 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21399 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21412 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21418 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21424 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21435 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21435 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21443 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21444 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, under moss on rotten log; BLF21449 (CASC). • 1w.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21453 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Betanana; -23.4144, 46.459; alt. 1360 m; 8 Feb 2009; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF21481 (CASC).

Diagnosis.

Moderately large species. Major workers. Head in full-face view sub-oval and slightly widening posteriorly, with anterior and posterior sides slightly convex, in lateral view sub-oval; ventral and dorsal faces convex; sides of the head with very dense, long, suberect to erect pilosity; medial part of frons with thick, interrupted, dense, and longitudinally irregular rugae with indistinctly rugulate interspaces; occipital lobes and area posterolateral from eyes without smooth notches; scape, when laid back, exceeding the midlength of head by one-fifth of its length; inner hypostomal teeth distinct, moderately large to large and wide, closely spaced, triangular with apex directed slightly inward; outer hypostomal teeth lobe-like, narrower than and approximately as high as inner teeth, apex directed upward; inner and outer hypostomal teeth closely spaced and not connected by concavity; mesosoma rugofoveolate; katepisternum with reduced sculpture and sometimes with smooth notch; gaster smooth; body brown to dark brown. Minor workers. Head foveolate with additional sparse and longitudinal rugae at least on lateral sides of frons, sometimes longitudinal to irregular rugae occur also on medial frons, vertex sometimes with transverse rugulae; area posterolateral from eyes sometimes with weaker foveolae or smooth, sometimes with additional rugae; scape, when laid back, exceeding the posterior head margin by one-third of its length; promesonotum low and moderately long; promesonotal groove present; propodeal spines minute and triangular; mesosoma foveolate; katepisternum with sparser foveolae to partially smooth; body yellow brown to dark brown.

Description.

Major workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 1.17-1.52 (1.39); HW: 1.2-1.57 (1.42); SL: 0.83-0.91 (0.87); EL: 0.15-0.19 (0.18); WL: 1.15-1.29 (1.21); PSL: 0.16-0.21 (0.2); MTL: 0.8-0.89 (0.85); PNW: 0.48-0.62 (0.54); PTW: 0.16-0.21 (0.17); PPW: 0.31-0.44 (0.37); CI: 95.4-100.1 (97.9); SI: 56.6-72.5 (61.6); PSLI: 11.8-15.5 (14.1); PPI: 41.7-56.0 (47.7); PNI: 36.3-40.5 (38.1); MTI: 56.0-67.0 (60.1).

Head. In full-face view sub-oval, widening posteriorly, with anterior and posterior sides convex (Fig. 60B ). In lateral view sub-oval; ventral and dorsal faces convex; inner hypostomal teeth visible. Sides of the head with dense, long, suberect to erect pilosity; whole head with dense, long, decumbent to erect pilosity. Medial part of frons with thick, longitudinally irregular, interrupted, and dense rugae, interspaces indistinctly rugulate, rugae directed outward on posteromedial part; lateral sides with thick, dense and irregular rugae with distinctly rugulate interspaces. Occipital lobes with weaker and sparser rugae and predominantly smooth interspaces. Area posterolateral from eyes with longitudinal, moderately thick, dense rugae with rugulate interspaces, sculpture weakening posteriorly. Gena with relatively sparse, thick, and longitudinal rugae and smooth to indistinctly rugulate interspaces. Centre of clypeus smooth and shiny, lateral sides with indistinct rugulae; median notch present, moderately wide, and shallow; median longitudinal carina present; lateral longitudinal carinae absent. Scape, when laid back, exceeding the midlength of head by two-fifths of its length; pilosity subdecumbent to erect (Fig. 60B, D ). Inner hypostomal teeth distinct, moderately large to large, closely spaced, triangular, with rounded apex directed inward; outer hypostomal teeth lobe-like, slightly higher than or as high as inner teeth; inner and outer hypostomal teeth closely spaced and not connected by concavity (Fig. 64R ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum short, angular, and moderately low, posterior mesonotum steep, mesonotal process indistinct, tubercle-like; promesonotal groove absent; metanotal groove absent; propodeal spines moderately long, with narrow base and acute apex; humeral area produced (Fig. 60D ). Surface shiny and distinctly rugofoveolate; promesonotum with additional sparse and moderately thick, transverse rugae on dorsum; katepisternum with reduced sculpture or partially smooth. Pilosity moderately dense, long, and erect (Fig. 60D, F ). Petiole. Shiny with dense foveolae; node finely foveolate, triangular, with rounded and thick apex, in rear view node dorsoventrally slightly convex; pilosity moderately sparse and erect (Fig. 60D, F ). Postpetiole. Shiny and foveolate; dorsum with reduced sculpture and smooth notch; in dorsal view oval, lateral margins medially with two dentate projections; pilosity long, moderately sparse and erect (Fig. 60D, F ). Gaster. Shiny and smooth; pilosity moderately dense, long, and erect (Fig. 60D, F ). Colour. Ferruginous to dark brown, with yellowish legs (Fig. 60D, F ).

Minor workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 0.61-0.72 (0.69); HW: 0.55-0.59 (0.57); SL: 0.78-0.85 (0.82); EL: 0.12-0.14 (0.13); WL: 0.86-0.95 (0.91); PSL: 0.07-0.1 (0.09); MTL: 0.66-0.7 (0.69); PNW: 0.38-0.43 (0.4); PTW: 0.09-0.11 (0.1); PPW: 0.17-0.2 (0.18); CI: 110.2-125.8 (120.2); SI: 136.9-149.8 (143.4); PSLI: 9.8-15.4 (12.8); PPI: 48.6-61.5 (54.5); PNI: 65.8-74.6 (69.6); MTI: 117.3-123.9 (120.4).

Head. Cephalic margin slightly convex (Fig. 60A ). Pilosity relatively sparse, moderately long, subdecumbent to erect. Sculpture shiny and foveolate with additional sparse and longitudinal rugae at least on lateral sides of frons, sometimes longitudinal to irregular rugae occur also on medial frons, vertex sometimes with transverse rugulae; area posterolateral from eyes sometimes with weaker foveolae or smooth, sometimes with additional rugae; antennal sockets with few thick, curved outward rugae and foveolate interspaces. Clypeus with median longitudinal carina absent; two lateral longitudinal carinae absent. Scape, when laid back, exceeding the posterior head margin by one-third of its length; pilosity dense, suberect to erect (Fig. 60A, C ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum low and moderately long, arched; promesonotal groove indistinct; metanotal groove distinct; propodeal spines minute and triangular (Fig. 60C ). Sculpture shiny and foveolate; katepisternum with small smooth notch. Pilosity very sparse, moderately long, and erect (Fig. 60C, E ). Gaster. With sparse, erect pilosity (Fig. 60C, E ). Colour. Brown, legs yellowish (Fig. 60C, E ).

Biology.

The species was collected between 500-1700 m in elevation, in rainforest, montane rainforest and montane forest. Nests were located in rotten logs, under stones and under moss.

Comments.

Pheidole veteratrix express high variability in body colouration and head sculpture in minor workers. Body colouration varies from brown to dark brown with intermediate forms but the type of body colouration is stable within colony. Head sculpture of minor workers is predominantly foveolate, most often with vertex and area posterolateral from eyes partially or entirely smooth, additionally foveolae can be covered by a network of rugae that are longitudinal on frons to transverse of vertex, rugae can be thin to thick, and most of the time interrupted. Dark brown populations can be confused with parapatric P. mainty sp. nov. but its major workers can be easily separated based on lack of shagreened first gastral tergite and body never brownish black; minor workers differ in sparser foveolae on mesosoma and at least partially smooth katepisternum. Populations of P. veteratrix with brighter body colouration are similar to P. anomala sp. nov., a species known from Parc National Montagne d’Ambre in Antsiranana. Major workers of P. veteratrix can be separated based on brown to dark brown body and frons with smooth to indistinctly rugulate interspaces; minor workers based on body colouration which is never yellow and presence of smooth notches on katepisternum. Minors of P. veteratrix also can be confused with minor workers of P. joffreville sp. nov., known from the northernmost part of the Antsiranana prefecture, but they differ in low and long promesonotum, absence of smooth notch on anteromedial frons, and minute propodeal spines.

Pheidole veteratrix angustinoda was distinguished from P. veteratrix based on smaller body size and shape of postpetiole, which according to the description is as wide as long. After study of the type specimens of both taxa and additional investigation of new material, we concluded that those two differences mentioned by Forel (1892) overlap with the intraspecific variability of P. veteratrix . Additionally, we were unable to find any additional characters allowing us to separate those two taxa. Thus, we consider Pheidole veteratrix angustinoda a junior synonym of Pheidole veteratrix .

Figures

Figure 60. Pheidole veteratrix Forel, full-face view (A), profile (C), and dorsal view (E) of minor worker (CASENT 0923259) and full-face view (B), profile (D), and dorsal view (F) of major worker (CASENT 0148662).

Figure 64. Major worker, hypostomal teeth. Pheidole masoandro sp. nov. (A). Pheidole mavohavoana sp. nov. (B). Pheidole midongy sp. nov. (C). Pheidole mikros sp. nov. (D). Pheidole mivory sp. nov. (E). Pheidole nitidobruna sp. nov. (F). Pheidole parvula sp. nov. (G). Pheidole parvulogibba sp. nov. (H). Pheidole renirano sp. nov. (I). Pheidole sava sp. nov. (J). Pheidole sikorae Forel (K). Pheidole sofia sp. nov. (L). Pheidole sparsa sp. nov. (M). Pheidole tampony sp. nov. (N). Pheidole trichotos sp. nov. (O). Pheidole tsaravoniana sp. nov. (P). Pheidole vadum sp. nov. (Q). Pheidole veteratrix Forel (R). Pheidole volontany sp. nov. (S). Pheidole vony sp. nov. (T).

Figure 67. Distribution. Pheidole renirano sp. nov. (A). Pheidole sava sp. nov. (B). Pheidole sikorae Forel (C). Pheidole sofia sp. nov. (D). Pheidole sparsa sp. nov. (E). Pheidole tampony sp. nov. (F). Pheidole trichotos sp. nov. (G). Pheidole tsaravoniana sp. nov. (H). Pheidole vadum sp. nov. (I). Pheidole veteratrix Forel (J). Pheidole volontany sp. nov. (K). Pheidole vony sp. nov. (L).