Pheidole defecta

Wilson, E. O., 2003, Pheidole in the New World. A dominant, hyperdiverse ant genus., Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press : 575

Pheidole defecta Santschi

Pheidole defecta Santschi 1923d: 54. Redescribed by B. Holldobler and E. O. Wilson 1992: 16.

Types Naturhist. Mus. Basel.

Etymology L defecta , fault, lack (significance unknown).

Diagnosis A unique but problematic species known only from the holotype major, tentatively placed in the pilifera group because of the 2-toothed hypostoma but equally well placed in the flavens group because of the overall habitus; the discovery of the minor may help settle the matter. Close in habitus to nasutoides (which is placed in the flavens group), but differing in promesonotal shape, smaller size of the propodeal spine and spiracle, mostly smooth and shiny body, much sparser pilosity, and different color. Measurements (mm) Holotype major: HW 1.10, HL 1.10, SL 0.64, EL 0.16, PW 0.56. Color Major: concolorous medium yellow.

Range Known only from the holotype major.

Biology Unknown.

figure Unique holotype, major. GUATEMALA (no further locality). Scale bar = 1 mm.