3 replies to this topic

[AntsCali098]

1. Desert suburbs about 8-10 miles east of Yucca Valley.

2. 9/28/23

3. Desert scrub

4. 7 mm

5. Brown. It is the lightest on the thorax and darkest on the gaster. The gaster also has a little of the thorax color at the end near the thorax.

6. Thorax is bigger in proportion to body then most pheidole

 

 

Environment where caught

 

 

[AntsCali098]

I'm thinking vistana, hyatti, or desertorium?

[ReignofRage]

The scapes of the gyne look short, so not P. vistana. The "neck" of the minor workers isn't elongated and tapered, which negates P. vistana.The occipital corners look unpolished and scultped, so not P. desertorum. Additionally, the scape bases of the gyne are broadened, which negates P. desertorum further. Thus, it's P. hyatti.

[AntsCali098]

Thanks so much. Man I love these desert pheidole.