Pheidole (Oecophtora) pallidula (Nylander 1849) ♂ (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 (IT: 3+†0) spp]

 

Conspecific sympatric ♀, sx side; conspecific sympatric ☿ maior & ☿ minor, dorsal habitus.

 

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

 

S. Cantone 2017: Winged ants - males.

B. Seifert 2016: Pheidole pallidula 4 cryptic spp.

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

E.P. Economo & al. 2014: Pheidole global phylogenetics.

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

J.Z. Shik & al. 2013: The life history continuum hypothesis links traits of male ants with life outside the nest.

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