Pheidole Mayr

Type location Tanzania, Zigi Lodge, major & minor workers.

Major
TL ca. 6.4 mm, HL 2.24, HW 1.97, SL 1.18, PW 1.16; CI 88, SI 60 TL ca. 6.4 mm, HL 2.24, HW 1.97, SL 1.18, PW 1.16; CI 88, SI 60

Minor TL ca 3.2 mm, HL 0.83, HW 0.67, SL 1.20, PW 0.41; CI 82, SI 175

The major appears to be a close match to the Pheidole areniphila description but this is much darker. Note the collection data does not confirm the two forms are related. The rhomboidal postpetiole dorsum is shared with Ph. ascara but that has a smooth, shiny occiput.

The minor is very similar to that described by Santschi as Pheidole ascara from Kenya, and clearly falls within a group also with Ph, speculifera and Ph. buchholzi. All are quite long and slender, with ovoid heads and characteristically enlarged post-petioles.

The photomontages are of specimens collected from Usambara Mts, Tanzania; Zigi Lodge, Amani NR; S 5°05' E 38°38'; 2200 m; Vasily Grebennikov, 9-11.x.2002. 

Minor

Oxford University Museum specimens

Pheidole kohli B Taylor det.

Tanzania V Grebennikov

09-11.x.2002 Usambara Mts 5°05' S 38°38' E

Amani NR, Zigi Lodge, 2200 m

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