Pheidole texticeps

Longino, J. T., 2009, Additions to the taxonomy of New World Pheidole (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Zootaxa 2181, pp. 1-90 : 85

Pheidole texticeps

Pheidole texticeps Wilson, 2003: 240 , figs. Holotype major worker and associated paratype minor worker: Costa Rica, Heredia, La Selva Biological Station, 1988 (S. Cover) [ MCZ] (examined).

Pheidole perdiligens Wilson, 2003: 213 , figs. Holotype major worker and associated paratype minor worker: Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, Sirena, 28 Feb 1979, secondary rainforest, <1/2mi from coast, rotten branch on forest floor (S. P. Cover CR312) [ MCZ] (examined). New Synonymy.

Geographic Range

Costa Rica, Mexico (Chiapas).

Biology

This species occurs in wet forest habitats. Workers are common on the ground and on low vegetation. They readily recruit to baits, and major workers are often at baits with minor workers. Nests are in soil, with a simple gallery leading to a chamber about 10cm deep. The two nests that have been excavated contained single queens.

Comments

Specimens from the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica are red brown, corresponding to Wilson's P. texticeps , and specimens from the Osa Peninsula are yellow, corresponding to Wilson's P. perdiligens . Specimens from southern Mexico are yellow, like the Osa form. Other than color, these forms are indistinguishable. Until evidence from sympatry or dna sequence data suggest otherwise, these are best viewed as a single species with geographic variation in color.