Pheidole fervens species group

Based on Salata & Fisher, 2021.

Species

Madagascan members of the Pheidole fervens species-group

• Pheidole ampangabe
• Pheidole arivo
• Pheidole comosa
• Pheidole indica
• Pheidole mamirapiratra
• Pheidole mena

Group Diagnosis

Major worker Postpetiole in profile without conspicuous ventral convexity; antennal socket shallow; frontal lobe absent or indistinct; propodeal spine short, with wide base; head in full-face view sub-rectangular with lateral margins from relatively straight to slightly convex, not or slightly widening posteriorly; head in lateral view sub-oval with distinctly convex margins; occipital lobe most often entirely sculptured (except P. ampangabe); frons costulate to rugocostulate; antennal scrobe distinct but shallow, always sculptured with at least fine rugae; costulae or rugocostulae on head thick to thin; both inner and outer hypostomal teeth present (Fig 3); promesonotum short, angular and low; postpetiole in dorsal view with lateral margins medially with two dentate projections; gaster at least partially shagreened (except P. mena, P. indica, and P. fervens); mesonotal process most often distinct.

Minor worker Postpetiole in profile without conspicuous ventral convexity; antennal socket shallow; frontal lobe absent or indistinct; propodeal spine indistinct to moderate; promesonotum in lateral view never box-like; anterior mesonotum slightly to distinctly concave; posterior mesonotum steep or smoothly declining towards propodeum; posterior region of head never forming neck; promesonotum low and short, arched; head and mesosoma with poorly developed sculpture.

Additional Resources

• Pheidole
• Pheidole species groups of Madagascar
• Key to Pheidole species groups of Madagascar
• Madagascar

References

• Salata, S., Fisher, B.L. 2021. Taxonomic revision of Madagascan species of the Pheidole fervens species-group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). PLOS ONE 16, e0244195 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0244195.