Pheidole (Oecophtora) megacephala (Fabricius 1793) ☿ (Hymenoptera Formicoidea Formicidæ Myrmicinæ Attini)

Illustration for a comparative ecophylogenetic analysis of local myrmecofaunas, based on r/K selection theory and intra / interspecific parabiosis / lestobiosis, particularly focused on allochthonous and invasive species.

 

[Pheidole Westwood 1839: 1,160+†7 spp]

 

Pheidole (from φειδωλός) is a hyperdiverse and polymorphic genus, abundant in the Neotropics and in many other areas of the world. While there are other genera with discrete worker castes, none have radiated to the extent of Pheidole. Wilson's 2003 treatment of the New World spp and other more recent taxophylogenetic studies have brought some clarity to defining the boundaries of many spp. Still, much work remains before it can be claimed that Pheidole has few new spp to be described and that the taxonomy of this group is definitively complete.

 

REFERENCES

 

E.M. Sarnat & al. 2015: Introduced Pheidole of the world.

E.P. Economo & al. 2015: Expansion and taxon cycles in Pheidole.

E.P. Economo & al. 2014: Global phylogenetics of Pheidole.

M.R. Pie & M.K. Tschá 2013: Evolution of ant worker morphology.

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