Pheidole mahaboensis, Salata & Fisher, 2020

Salata, Sebastian & Fisher, Brian L., 2020, Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Madagascar - an introduction and a taxonomic revision of eleven species groups, ZooKeys 905, pp. 1-235 : 1

publication ID

https://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.905.39592

publication LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F4C766E4-633A-4103-9FFD-E952718F41FB

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/85A50CF5-C746-4EA8-854B-6FE694B8F7F7

taxon LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:act:85A50CF5-C746-4EA8-854B-6FE694B8F7F7

treatment provided by

ZooKeys by Pensoft

scientific name

Pheidole mahaboensis
status

sp. nov.

Pheidole mahaboensis sp. nov. Figs 24A-F View Figure 24 , 85B View Figure 85 , 87F View Figure 87

Type material.

Holotype. Madagascar. •1 major worker; Fianarantsoa; Réserve Forestière d’Agnalazaha, Mahabo, 42.9 km 215° Farafangana; -23.19383, 47.723; alt. 20 m; 19 Apr 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; BLF13900, CASENT0070925 (CASC). Paratypes. Madagascar. •2w. 1m.; same data as for holotype; CASENT0872077, CASENT0070926, CASENT0872197 (CASC).

Other material.

Madagascar. - Antsiranana: •7w., 4s, 2q., 1m; Masoala National Park; -15.3014, 50.22776; alt. 280 m; 7 Mar 2014; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0376080, CASENT0376081, CASENT0377018, CASENT0377035, CASENT0377036, CASENT0377038, CASENT0377568 (CASC). - Fianarantsoa: •1w., 1s.; 2 km W Andrambovato, along river Tatamaly; -21.51167, 47.41; alt. 1075 m; 3 Jun 2005; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0060947 (CASC). •4w., 2q; 40 km S Ambalavao, Rés. Andringitra; -22.21667, 46.96667; alt. 1275 m; 19 Oct 1993; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198822, CASENT0198823, CASENT0198815, CASENT0198831 (CASC). •5w., 3s., 2q.; 45 km S Ambalavao; -22.21667, 47.01667; alt. 720 m; 26 Sep 1993; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198830, CASENT0198832, CASENT0198824, CASENT0198829 (CASC). •14w., 7s., 1q.; 7.6 km 122° Kianjavato, Forêt Classée Vatovavy; -21.4, 47.94; alt. 175 m; 6 Jun 2005; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0059894, CASENT0059895, CASENT0059940, CASENT0059941, CASENT0059944, CASENT0060019, CASENT0060020, CASENT0060166, CASENT0060167, CASENT0060298, CASENT0060495, CASENT0061087, CASENT0061148, CASENT0061233 (CASC). •10w., 1s.; 8.0 km NE Ivohibe; -22.42167, 46.89833; alt. 1200 m; 3 Nov 1997; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0198821, CASENT0009788, CASENT0198231, CASENT0198806, CASENT0198825, CASENT0198871, CASENT0198874 (CASC). •2w., 1s.; Belle Vue trail, Ranomafana National Park, Fianarantsoa Prov.; -21.2665, 47.42017; alt. 1020 m; 23 May 2002; Harin’Hala leg.; CASENT0079551, CASENT0080544, CASENT0080545, CASENT0080546, CASENT0112227, CASENT0112304, CASENT0112699, CASENT0112768, CASENT0112778, CASENT0113028, CASENT0113154, CASENT0113191, CASENT0113192, CASENT0113227, CASENT0113325, CASENT0113341, CASENT0113369, CASENT0113399, CASENT0113408, CASENT0113411, CASENT0113816, CASENT0113817, CASENT0114099, CASENT0114211, CASENT0114327, CASENT0114751, CASENT0114767 (CASC). •4w.; Fitovavy Fitovinany Region, District of Ifanadiana Belle vue area1200 m S of Ranomafana National Park entrance; -21.2665, 47.42017; alt. 1018 m; 28 May 2003; Rin’ha leg.; CASENT0114066, CASENT0114710, CASENT0112925, CASENT0113635 (CASC). •8w., 6s.; Forêt de Vevembe, 66.6 km 293° Farafangana; -22.791, 47.18183; alt. 600 m; 24 Apr 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0070669, CASENT0070706, CASENT0070718, CASENT0070740, CASENT0070753, CASENT0071145, CASENT0108002, CASENT0108034 (CASC). •1w.; Ifanadiana Pref: Ranomafana S.-Pref: Ranomafana, Talatakely site near R. Namorona; -21.26806, 47.4247; alt. 967 m; 5 Dec 2004; Lees et al. leg.; CASENT0056933 (CASC). •3w.; JIRAMA water works near river, Ranomafana National Park; -21.2485, 47.45217; alt. 690 m, 28 Jan 2002; Harin’Hala leg.; CASENT0114140, CASENT0114293, CASENT0114295 (CASC). •12w., 6s., 1q.; Parc National Befotaka-Midongy, Papango 27.7 km S Midongy-Sud, Mount Papango; -23.83517, 46.96367, alt. 940 m, 14 Nov 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0119097, CASENT0119108, CASENT0119110, CASENT0119111, CASENT0119113, CASENT0119121, CASENT0119424, CASENT0119441, CASENT0125642, CASENT0128545, CASENT0128694, CASENT0128699 (CASC). •1w.; Parc National Befotaka-Midongy, Papango 28.5 km S Midongy-Sud, Mount Papango; -23.84083, 46.9575; alt. 1250 m; 17 Nov 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0128569 (CASC). •129w., 19s., 1q.; Parc National de Ranomafana, Vatoharanana River, 4.1 km 231°SW Ranomafana; -21.29, 47.43333; alt. 1100 m; 27 Mar 2003; Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0039679, CASENT0039915, CASENT0039916, CASENT0039920, CASENT0039923, CASENT0039930, CASENT0039941, CASENT0039951, CASENT0039954, CASENT0039959, CASENT0039963, CASENT0039967, CASENT0039967, CASENT0039970, CASENT0039978, CASENT0040051, CASENT0040056, CASENT0040058, CASENT0040075, CASENT0040079, CASENT0040084, CASENT0040181, CASENT0040200, CASENT0040215, CASENT0040232, CASENT0040235, CASENT0040238, CASENT0040240, CASENT0040244, CASENT0040251, CASENT0040253, CASENT0040264, CASENT0040270, CASENT0040326, CASENT0040331, CASENT0040336, CASENT0040337, CASENT0040344, CASENT0040350, CASENT0040360, CASENT0040415, CASENT0040421, CASENT0049613, CASENT0050290, CASENT0073552, CASENT0488608, CASENT0488609, CASENT0488627, CASENT0488640, CASENT0488641, CASENT0488642, CASENT0488643, CASENT0488659, CASENT0488662, CASENT0488677, CASENT0488678, CASENT0488679, CASENT0488680, CASENT0497159, CASENT0497161, CASENT0497211-CASENT0497216, CASENT0497327-CASENT0497333, CASENT0497372-CASENT0497377, CASENT0497412-CASENT0497416, CASENT0497428, CASENT0497429, CASENT0497595-CASENT0497598, CASENT0497643-CASENT0497646, CASENT0497685 (CASC). •11w., 1s.; Parc Nationale Ranomafana: Talatakely; -21.24833, 47.42667; 9 Apr 1998; Griswold et al. leg.; CASENT0096608, CASENT0096609, CASENT0096712, CASENT0096713, CASENT0096714, CASENT0096765, CASENT0096770, CASENT0096771, CASENT0096772, CASENT0096774, CASENT0096775, CASENT0097967 (CASC). •3w., 4s.; R.S. Ivohibe 8.0 km E Ivohibe; -22.48333, 46.96833; alt. 1200 m; 15 Oct 1997; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0198804, CASENT0198872 (CASC). •2w., 1s.; R.S. Ivohibe, 7.5 km ENE Ivohibe; -22.47,46.96; alt. 900 m; 7 Oct 1997; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0198232, CASENT0198802, CASENT0198869 (CASC). •21w., 1s.; radio tower, Ranomafana National Park; -21.25833, 47.40717; alt. 1130 m; 14 Jun 2002; Irwin & Harin’Hala leg.; CASENT0052853, CASENT0053113, CASENT0053232, CASENT0053238, CASENT0078772, CASENT0079894, CASENT0080504, CASENT0111901, CASENT0112824, CASENT0112862, CASENT0113134, CASENT0113293, CASENT0113643, CASENT0113751, CASENT0114008, CASENT0114062, CASENT0114517, CASENT0114536, CASENT0114537, CASENT0114642, CASENT0114661 (CASC). •3w.; Ranomafana; -21.25, 47.36667; 1 Mar 1994; A. Pauly leg.; CASENT0096206-CASENT0096208 (CASC). •2w.; Ranomafana National Park, Talatakely area, 0.4 km WSW of Park Entrance; -21.41667, 47.68333; alt. 900 m; 2 Jan 2001; Kavanaugh leg.; CASENT0007643, CASENT0007644 (CASC). •3w.; Ranomafana National Park, Talatakely; Sahambavy; Fianarantsoa Rural; -21.451179, 47.3023894; alt. 1139 m; 30 Oct 1998; Lee & Ribardo leg.; CASENT0198826 (CASC). •1w.; research cabin at Talatakely, Ranomafana National Park; -21.25041, 47.41945; alt. 900 m; 11 Apr 1998; Irwin & Schlinger leg.; CASENT0198817 (CASC). •9w., 4s., 2q.; Réserve Forestière d’Agnalazaha, Mahabo, 42.9 km 215° Farafangana; -23.19383, 47.723; alt. 20 m; 19 Apr 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0070855-CASENT0070858, CASENT0070976, CASENT0070977, CASENT0071584, CASENT0072846, CASENT0072853 (CASC). •17w., 8s., 1q.; Réserve Spéciale Manombo 24.5 km 228° Farafangana; -23.01583, 47.719; alt. 30 m; 21 Apr 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0071522-CASENT0071525, CASENT0071528, CASENT0071547, CASENT0071605, CASENT0071606, CASENT0072089, CASENT0072093, CASENT0072098, CASENT0073134, CASENT0073136, CASENT0073142, CASENT0073153, CASENT0073157, CASENT0108512, CASENT0108514, CASENT0108519, CASENT0108527 (CASC). •13w., 1s.; Vohiparara broken bridge; -21.22617, 47.36983; alt. 1110 m; 25 Jul 2002; Harin’Hala leg.; CASENT0052215, CASENT0078742, CASENT0079658, CASENT0079845, CASENT0111141, CASENT0111855, CASENT0111955, CASENT0111993, CASENT0112046, CASENT0112070, CASENT0112157, CASENT0112176, CASENT0112606, CASENT0113065 (CASC). - Toamasina: •2w., 1s.; 6.2 km SSE Ambanizana, Be Dinta; -15.66667, 49.99806; alt. 600 m; 20 Nov 1993; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198816 (CASC). •2w., 1s., 1q.; Analalava, 7.0 km 255° Mahavelona; -17.7095, 49.454; alt. 50 m; 27 Nov 2005; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0067391, CASENT0067392 (CASC). •1w.; F.C. Andriantantely; -18.695, 48.81333; alt. 530 m; 4 Dec 1998; Ratsirarson leg.; CASENT0198230 (CASC). •2w.; F.C. Sandranantitra; -18.04833, 49.09167; alt. 450 m; 21 Jan 1999; Ratsirarson leg.; CASENT0198808 (CASC). •2w., 2s.; Mahavelona (Foulpointe); -17.66667, 49.5; 25 Dec 1993; A. Pauly leg.; CASENT0096124, CASENT0096181, CASENT0096365, CASENT0096366 (CASC). •1w., 1s., 1 q.; Manakambahiny, near Vavatenina Forest; -17.46667, 49.35; 9 Feb 1995; A. Pauly leg.; CASENT0094829, CASENT0095095, CASENT0095102 (CASC). •3q.; Montagne d’Anjanaharibe, 18.0 km 21°NNE Ambinanitelo; -15.18833, 49.615; alt. 470 m; 8 Mar 2003; Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0495177 (CASC). •1w.; Parc National de Zahamena, Onibe River; -17.75908, 48.85468; alt. 780 m; 21 Feb 2009; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0152016 (CASC). •6w., 4s.; Parc National Mananara-Nord, 7.1 km 261° Antanambe; -16.455, 49.7875; alt. 225 m; 15 Nov 2005; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0067356, CASENT0067462, CASENT0067464, CASENT0067473, CASENT0067601, CASENT0071327 (CASC). •4w., 2s.; Reserve Betampona, Camp Rendrirendry 34.1 km 332° Toamasina; -17.924, 49.19967; alt. 390 m; 30 Nov 2005; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0067806, CASENT0068019, CASENT0071898, CASENT0072529 (CASC). •40w., 7s., 5q.; Réserve Spéciale Ambatovaky, Sandrangato River; -16.81745, 49.2925; alt. 400 m; 26 Feb 2010 B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0160439, CASENT0160440, CASENT0161071, CASENT0161072, CASENT0161084, CASENT0161085, CASENT0161474, CASENT0161475, CASENT0161806-CASENT0161808; CASENT0161881, CASENT0161953, CASENT0161954, CASENT0162120, CASENT0162121, CASENT0162670, CASENT0163018, CASENT0163071, CASENT0163072, CASENT0163114, CASENT0163138, CASENT0163160, CASENT0163552, CASENT0163614, CASENT0163667, CASENT0163871, CASENT0163941, CASENT0163985, CASENT0164288, CASENT0164294, CASENT0164299, CASENT0164304, CASENT0164319, CASENT0164433, CASENT0164441, CASENT0164456, CASENT0164469, CASENT0164487, CASENT0164496 (CASC). - Toliara: •1w., 1s.; 10 km NW Enakara, Rés. Andohahela; -24.56667, 46.81667; alt. 430 m; 22 Nov 1992; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198809 (CASC). •4w., 1s.; 10 km NW Enakara, Rés. Andohahela; -24.56667, 46.81667; alt. 425 m; 24 Nov 1992; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198811, CASENT0709102 (CASC). •4w., 1s.; 11 km NW Enakara, Rés. Andohahela; -24.56667, 46.83333; alt. 800 m; 20 Nov 1992; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198812, CASENT0198813 (CASC). •2w.; 13 km NW Enakara, Rés. Andohahela; -24.55, 46.8; alt. 1250 m; 30 Nov 1992; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198380, CASENT0198814 (CASC). •6w., 2s., 1q.; 2.7 km WNW 302° Ste. Luce; -24.77167, 47.17167; alt. 20 m; 9 Dec 1998; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0198818-CASENT0198820, CASENT0198870 (CASC). •12w., 4s., 2m.; Anosy Region, Anosyenne Mts, 29.33 km NW Manantenina; -24.13993, 47.07418; alt. 540 m; 21 Feb 2015; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0704710, CASENT0705814, CASENT0723419, CASENT0723782, CASENT0723788, CASENT0723798, CASENT0723801, CASENT0723811, CASENT0723833, CASENT0704455, CASENT0704456, CASENT0704499, CASENT0704520 (CASC). •2w., 1s., 1m.; Anosy Region, Parc National Andohahela, Col de Tanatana; -24.7585, 46.85367; alt. 275 m; 7 Mar 2015; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0724259, CASENT0724260 (CASC). •5w., 1s.; Cul du Marosohy; -24.55, 46.83333; alt. 600 m; 14 Nov 1992; B.L. Fisher leg.; CASENT0198810, CASENT0198827 (CASC). •8w., 6s., 1q.; Forêt Ivohibe 55.0 km N Tolagnaro; -24.569, 47.204; alt. 200 m; 3 Dec 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0122618, CASENT0121993, CASENT0122577, CASENT0122635, CASENT0122790, CASENT0122792, CASENT0122793, CASENT0122800 (CASC). •4w., 4s.; Grand Lavasoa, 25.9 km W Tolagnaro; -25.08767, 46.749; alt. 450 m; 30 Nov 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0122875, CASENT0122896, CASENT0122907, CASENT0122908 (CASC). •1w., 1q.; Manatantely, 8.9 km NW Tolagnaro; -24.9815, 46.92567; alt. 100 m; 27 Nov 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg.; CASENT0125791, CASENT0125793 (CASC). •3w., 2s.; Parc National Andohahela, Col de Tanatana, 33.3 km NW Tolagnaro; -24.7585, 46.85367; alt. 275 m; 22 Nov 2006; B.L. Fisher et al. leg. CASENT0121898, CASENT0121900, CASENT0121917 (CASC).

Diagnosis.

Major workers. Large species: HL: 2.38-2.71 (2.56), HW: 2.34-2.61 (2.48), WL: 1.78-1.96 (1.83); propodeal spines very long (PSL: 0.64-0.75 (0.7)); head in full-face view trapezoid, widened posteriorly; sides of the head with very sparse, short, decumbent pilosity; frons with longitudinal rugae reaching further than midlength of head; gaster smooth and shiny; body reddish brown to dark brown. Minor workers. Large species: 0.93-1.08 (1.0), HW: 0.79-0.93 (0.88), WL: 1.2-1.5 (1.4); propodeal spines very long (PSL: 0.53-0.66 (0.61)); scape, when laid back, surpassing posterior head margin by more than half its length; pronotum and mesonotal dorsum shiny, smooth or with indistinct, sparse, superficial rugulae; anepisternum, katepisternum and propodeum shiny, with slightly denser superficial rugulae; promesonotal groove present; metanotal groove narrow and relatively deep.

Description.

Major workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 2.38-2.71 (2.56); HW: 2.34-2.61 (2.48); SL: 1.1-1.24 (1.16); EL: 0.22-0.28 (0.25); WL: 1.78-1.96 (1.83); PSL: 0.64-0.75 (0.7); MTL: 1.21-1.32 (1.27); PNW: 0.74-0.86 (0.8); PTW: 0.21-0.26 (0.24); PPW: 0.73-0.83 (0.77); CI: 93.0-101.0 (96.9); SI: 44.3-49.7 (46.6); PSLI: 25.5-29.6 (27.3); PPI: 27.8-33.7 (30.9); PNI: 30.1-35.6 (32.4); MTI: 49.8-53.5 (51.3). Head. In full-face view trapezoid, widened posteriorly (Fig. 24B View Figure 24 ). In lateral view sub-oval; ventral and dorsal faces convex; inner hypostomal teeth visible. Sides of the head with very sparse, short, decumbent pilosity; frons and vertex with few additional, long, erect setae. Antennal scrobes absent or very indistinct. Occipital lobes smooth and shiny; genae smooth and shiny or dull, superficially rugulose with median shiny patch widening posteriorly; centre of frons shiny with longitudinal rugae reaching at least midlength of head, sometimes surface between rugae with superficial rugulae; malar area and lateral sides of head superficially rugulose, sometimes with several short, longitudinal rugae; posterior part of frons smooth and shiny or superficially rugulose; head sculpture weakens posteriorly. Centre of clypeus smooth and shiny, lateral sides superficially rugulose; median notch present, shallow, and wide; median longitudinal carina absent; lateral longitudinal carinae absent. Scape, when laid back, reaching midlength of head; pilosity decumbent to subdecumbent (Fig. 24B, D View Figure 24 ). Inner hypostomal teeth distinct, low, triangular, and thick, with rounded apex, closely spaced; outer hypostomal teeth distinct, slightly smaller and thinner than inner hypostomal teeth, lobe-like (Fig. 85B View Figure 85 ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum low, short, and relatively flat; pronotum slightly convex; mesonotum slightly concave; posterior mesonotum relatively steep; promesonotal groove absent; metanotal groove narrow and relatively deep; propodeal spines very long, massive basally, with acute apex; humeral area laterally weakly or not produced (Fig. 24D View Figure 24 ). Surface shiny and smooth with weak, sparse, and irregular rugae on pronotum, lateral sides of propodeum, katepisternum, and anepisternum. Pilosity very sparse, short, and decumbent; dorsum with few additional, long erect setae (Fig. 24D, F View Figure 24 ). Petiole. Smooth and shiny; peduncle long and thin, superficially rugulose ventrally; node triangular with rounded apex, in rear view node dorsoventrally depressed; pilosity sparse, short, and erect (Fig. 24D, F View Figure 24 ). Postpetiole. Smooth and shiny; in dorsal view sides with acute, narrow, triangular projections; pilosity short to long, sparse, and erect (Fig. 24D, F View Figure 24 ). Gaster. Pilosity sparse, long, and erect (Fig. 24D, F View Figure 24 ). Colour. Unicolourous, reddish brown to dark brown (Fig. 24D, F View Figure 24 ).

Minor workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 0.93-1.08 (1.0); HW: 0.79-0.93 (0.88); SL: 1.16-1.32 (1.26); EL: 0.13-0.19 (0.16); WL: 1.2-1.5 (1.4); PSL: 0.53-0.66 (0.61); MTL: 0.96-1.11 (1.06); PNW: 0.53-0.68 (0.6); PTW: 0.12-0.13 (0.13); PPW: 0.19-0.22 (0.21); CI: 85.0-90.1 (87.4); SI: 141.5-146.5 (144.1); PSLI: 57.3-63.2 (60.5); PPI: 55.2-66.8 (61.8); PNI: 62.7-73.1 (68.3); MTI: 116.8-126.5 (120.8). Head. Occipital margin convex; occipital carina narrow, weakly developed (Fig. 24A View Figure 24 ). Pilosity sparse, short, and appressed on the whole surface and additionally long and erect on frons and median part of occiput. Sculpture smooth and shiny on the whole surface, only antennal sockets with sparse carinae curved outward. Clypeus smooth and shiny; its anterior margin regularly convex, with weakly developed teeth; median longitudinal carina absent; two lateral longitudinal carinae present. Scape, when laid back, surpassing posterior head margin by more than half of its length; pilosity suberect to erect (Fig. 24A, C View Figure 24 ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum low, long, and slightly convex; promesonotal groove indistinct; metanotal groove narrow and relatively deep; propodeal spines very long, massive basally, with acute apex (Fig. 24C View Figure 24 ). Pronotum and mesonotal dorsum shiny, smooth or with indistinct, sparse, superficial rugulae; anepisternum, katepisternum, and propodeum shiny, with slightly denser superficial rugulae. Pilosity short, very sparse, suberect (Fig. 24C, E View Figure 24 ). Petiole. Peduncle long and thin; node bulge-like with rounded apex; pilosity absent (Fig. 24C, E View Figure 24 ). Postpetiole. Moderately long, low, and slightly convex; with two long, erect setae at the anterior edge (Fig. 24C, E View Figure 24 ). Gaster. With few long, erect setae (Fig. 24C, E View Figure 24 ). Colour. Unicolourous, brown to dark brown (Fig. 24C, E View Figure 24 ).

Etymology.

From the type locality.

Biology.

The species was collected at between 20-1275 m in elevation, in rainforest and once in open area near stream. Nests were located in rotten logs and tree stumps.

Comments.

This species is most similar to P. longispinosa and P. praegrandis sp. nov. Major workers. Pheidole mahaboensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from P. longispinosa by presence of metanotal groove, presence of very sparse, short, decumbent pilosity at the sides of head, and longitudinal rugae reaching at least midlength of head; from P. praegrandis sp. nov. by presence of metanotal groove, presence of very sparse, short, decumbent pilosity at the sides of head, and not shagreened first gastral tergite and head. Minor workers. Pheidole mahaboensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from P. longispinosa by presence of promesonotal groove, narrow and relatively deep metanotal groove, and presence of fine superficial rugulae on most of mesosoma; from P. praegrandis sp. nov. by mostly smooth and shiny sculpture of head and mesosoma, which is never rugoreticulate.

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Hymenoptera

Family

Formicidae

Genus

Pheidole