Pheidole trichotos, Salata & Fisher, 2020

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 trichotos sp. nov. Figs 57A-F , 64O , 67G

Type material.

Holotype. Madagascar. • 1 major worker; Mahajanga; Region Sofia, Ampotsidia; -14.41592, 48.71118; alt. 1364 m; 11 Jan 2017; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF39812; CASENT0788058 (CASC). Paratype. • 1w.; same data as for holotype, CASENT0923258 (CASC).

Other material.

Madagascar. - Antsiranana: • 1w.; 11.0 km WSW Befingotra, Rés. Anjanaharibe-Sud; -14.75, 49.45; alt. 1565 m; 16 Nov 1994; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF01232 (CASC). • 1w.; Antongombato, 2.2 km SW Antsiranana; -12.37277, 49.22888; alt. 74 m; 14 Aug 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; urban/garden, ex rotten log; BLF37252 (CASC). • 1w.; Antongombato, 2.2 km SW Antsiranana; -12.37277, 49.22888; alt. 74 m; 14 Aug 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; urban/garden, ground forager(s); BLF37271 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Antongombato, 2.2 km SW Antsiranana; -12.37277, 49.22888; alt. 74 m; 14 Aug 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; urban/garden, ex rotten log; BLF37273 (CASC). • 1s.; Parc National de Marojejy, Antranohofa, 26.6 km 31°NNE Andapa, 10.7 km 318°NW Manantenina; -14.44333, 49.74333; alt. 1325 m; 18 Nov 2003; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF09080 (CASC). • 3w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; BLF02782 (CASC). • 2w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, canopy moss and leaf litter; BLF02784 (CASC). • 3w., 2s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02787 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02788 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02790 (CASC). • 1w., 2s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02791 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02795 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF02796 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex dead twig above ground; BLF02815 (CASC). • 2w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex dead twig above ground; BLF02821 (CASC). • 3w., 2s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten tree stump; BLF02836 (CASC). • 2w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten tree stump; BLF02838 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 12.2 km 211°SSW Joffreville; -12.59639, 49.1595; alt. 1300 m; 2 Feb 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; BLF02853 (CASC). • 1w.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 3.6 km 235°SW Joffreville; -12.53444, 49.1795; alt. 925 m; 20 Jan 2001; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, sifted litter (leaf mold, rotten wood); BLF02564 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, Ambre grand lac; -12.59656, 49.15932; alt. 1350 m; 13 Nov 2007; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF18050 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, Ambre grand lac; -12.59656, 49.15932; alt. 1350 m; 13 Nov 2007; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF18054 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, Ambre grand lac; -12.59656, 49.15932; alt. 1350 m; 13 Nov 2007; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF18060 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, Ambre grand lac; -12.59656, 49.15932; alt. 1350 m; 13 Nov 2007; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF18062 (CASC). - Mahajanga: • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Ampotsidia; -14.40775, 48.70201; alt. 1625 m; 10 Jan 2017; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF39784 (CASC). • 10w., 10s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, sifted litter; BLF35555 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35567 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35569 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35575 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35582 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35592 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, under rotten log; BLF35593 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35601 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35601 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35605 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 13 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35606 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 14 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35630 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 14 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35645 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 14 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35653 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35671 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35674 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35689 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35691 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35720 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35720 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex dead tree stump; BLF35722 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35730 (CASC). • 1w.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.337, 48.58874; alt. 1606 m; 15 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, on low vegetation; BLF35733 (CASC). • 1w., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 16 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35750 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.33886, 48.58729; alt. 1567 m; 16 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35750 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.34517, 48.58948; alt. 1547 m; 16 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35768 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.34517, 48.58948; alt. 1547 m; 16 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35769 (CASC). • 1w.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.34517, 48.58948; alt. 1547 m; 16 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35779 (CASC). • 15w., 5s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 17 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest; sifted litter; BLF35784 (CASC). • 1w., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 17 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35789 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 17 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35794 (CASC). • 1w.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 17 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35796 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 17 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35797 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35798 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35798 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35800 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35805 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35806 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten stick on ground; BLF35811 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35818 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35824 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35830 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35830 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35831 (CASC). • 1w., 1s.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35833 (CASC). • 1w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35834 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35835 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35836 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35837 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1q.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35838 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35839 (CASC). • 2w., 1s., 1m.; Region Sofia, Bemanevika; -14.32826, 48.58406; alt. 1657 m; 19 Jan 2015; B. L. Fisher et al. leg.; montane rainforest, ex rotten log; BLF35842 (CASC).

Description.

Major workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 1.34-1.5 (1.39); HW: 1.26-1.45 (1.36); SL: 0.86-0.95 (0.89); EL: 0.18-0.21 (0.19); WL: 1.14-1.3 (1.21); PSL: 0.17-0.22 (0.21); MTL: 0.82-0.91 (0.86); PNW: 0.5-0.56 (0.52); PTW: 0.15-0.19 (0.17); PPW: 0.3-0.41 (0.35); CI: 99.9-107.5 (103.0); SI: 61.7-68.2 (65.6); PSLI: 12.8-16.4 (14.8); PPI: 42.2-57.2 (48.6); PNI: 35.2-41.8 (38.6); MTI: 61.4-67.4 (63.8).

Head. In full-face view sub-oval, slightly widening posteriorly, with anterior and posterior sides convex (Fig. 57B ). In lateral view sub-oval; ventral and dorsal faces convex; inner hypostomal teeth visible. Sides of the head with very dense, long, suberect to erect pilosity; whole head with dense, long, decumbent to erect pilosity. Medial part of frons with thick, interrupted, dense, and longitudinally irregular rugae with indistinctly to distinctly rugulate interspaces; lateral sides of frons with denser, thick, and irregular rugae, interspaces with dense and distinct rugulae. Occipital lobes with irregular and sparser rugae and indistinctly rugulate to smooth interspaces. Area posterolateral from eyes with dense, thick, longitudinal rugae with distinctly rugulate interspaces, sculpture fading posteriorly. Gena with relatively sparse, thick, and longitudinal rugae and 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 one-fifth of its length; pilosity subdecumbent to erect (Fig. 57B, D ). Inner hypostomal teeth distinct, 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 (Fig. 64O ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum short, angular, and moderately low, posterior mesonotum moderately steep, mesonotal process indistinct, tubercle-like; promesonotal groove absent; metanotal groove present; propodeal spines moderately long, relatively wide, and with acute apex; humeral area weakly produced (Fig. 57D ). Surface shiny and rugofoveolate; katepisternum with reduced sculpture and sometimes with smooth notch. Pilosity moderately dense, long, and erect (Fig. 57D, F ). Petiole. Shiny with sparse foveolae; node finely foveolate to smooth, triangular, with rounded and thick apex, in rear view node dorsoventrally slightly convex; pilosity moderately sparse and erect (Fig. 57D, F ). Postpetiole. Shiny and foveolate; dorsum with reduced sculpture; in dorsal view oval, lateral margins medially with two small and dentate projections; pilosity long, moderately sparse, and erect (Fig. 57D, F ). Gaster. Shiny with slightly shagreened base; pilosity moderately dense, long, and erect (Fig. 57D, F ). Colour. Yellow to blackish brown, antenna and legs yellowish (Fig. 57D, F ).

Minor workers. Measurements (N = 10): HL: 0.67-0.76 (0.72); HW: 0.55-0.61 (0.57); SL: 0.83-0.92 (0.88); EL: 0.13-0.16 (0.14); WL: 0.89-1.01 (0.95); PSL: 0.1-0.14 (0.12); MTL: 0.67-0.77 (0.72); PNW: 0.38-0.42 (0.4); PTW: 0.06-0.11 (0.09); PPW: 0.17-0.18 (0.17); CI: 121.8-133.6 (125.9); SI: 144.0-158.5 (152.9); PSLI: 14.2-18.9 (16.7); PPI: 35.5-60.3 (53.5); PNI: 67.7-72.5 (70.1); MTI: 117.7-134.7 (125.0).

Head. Cephalic margin slightly convex (Fig. 57A ). Pilosity relatively sparse, short, subdecumbent. Sculpture shiny and foveolate; median frons with short, indistinct and irregular rugulae; antennal sockets with few indistinct, curved outward rugae and foveolate interspaces. Clypeus foveolate; with median longitudinal carina absent; two lateral longitudinal carinae absent. Scape, when laid back, exceeding the posterior head margin by two-fifths of its length; pilosity dense, subdecumbent to erect (Fig. 57A, C ). Mesosoma. In lateral view, promesonotum low and moderately long, arched; promesonotal groove indistinct; metanotal groove distinct; propodeal spines minute and triangular (Fig. 57C ). Sculpture shiny and foveolate; katepisternum with sparser foveolae. Pilosity sparse, moderately long, and erect (Fig. 57C, E ). Gaster. With sparse, erect pilosity (Fig. 57C, E ). Colour. Yellow to black, legs and antenna yellowish (Fig. 57C, E ).

Etymology.

Greek for hairy in reference to dense setosity on lateral sides of head in major workers.

Biology.

The species was collected between 74-1657 m in elevation, in montane rainforest and in gardens. Nests were located in rotten logs, rotten tree stumps, and dead twigs above ground.

Comments.

Pheidole trichotos sp. nov. can be grouped with species characterised by dark body colouration, ranging in major workers from brownish black to black and in minor workers from black to dark brown, with body entirely foveolate. The group consists of three sympatric species: P. alina sp. nov., P. trichotos sp. nov., and P. mainty sp. nov. Pheidole alina sp. nov. and P. mainty sp. nov. are known from the northernmost part of the island. Major workers of P. trichotos sp. nov. differ from P. alina sp. nov. and P. mainty sp. nov. in medial part of frons with thick, interrupted, dense, and longitudinally irregular rugae with indistinctly to distinctly rugulate interspaces and shagreened base of first gastral tergite. Minor workers of P. trichotos sp. nov. differ from P. alina sp. nov. in smaller body size and brighter body colouration; from P. mainty sp. nov. in entirely foveolate head and mesosoma. Majors of P. trichotos sp. nov. can be also confused with major workers of parapatric P. veteratrix and sympatric P. anomala sp. nov. P. trichotos sp. nov. can be separated from both of those taxa based on shagreened base of first gastral tergite and darker body colouration.

Figures

Figure 57. Pheidole trichotos sp. nov., full-face view (A), profile (C), and dorsal view (E) of paratype minor worker (CASENT 0923258) and full-face view (B), profile (D), and dorsal view (F) of holotype major worker (CASENT 0788058).

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).