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Issue: Vol. 5154 No. 3: 15 Jun. 2022
Type: Article
Published: 2022-06-15
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5154.3.5
Page range: 319-332
Abstract views: 304
PDF downloaded: 15

The Pheidole Westwood, 1839 ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in Colombia: new records including two species with remarkable morphology

Universidad del Magdalena. Carrera 32 # 22-08, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Universidad del Magdalena. Carrera 32 # 22-08, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia
Colombian dry forest distribution expansion hyperdiverse genus new synonym polymorphism South America Formicidae

Abstract

Pheidole is one of the most diverse groups of ants in the World, with more than 630 species known from the Neotropical Region. As part of studies on the ant fauna of Colombia, a contribution to the taxonomy of these ants is presented here. The worker subcastes of Pheidole praeusta Roger are redescribed, this being the first record of a trimorphic species outside the Nearctic region. Pheidole amata Forel is proposed as a junior synonym of Pheidole praeusta. Pheidole rogeripolita Longino is identified as the first species in the New World with a 5-segmented antennal club, and the third species with such antennal club in the world. Pheidole distorta Forel, a species described 120 years ago, is redescribed, and notes on its reproductive caste are offered. The description and diagnosis of the Pheidole iceni Fernández soldier is amended. New species records for the country and South America are listed. Multifocus photographs of P. praeusta, and P. rogeripolita are offered.

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