Pheidole elecebra

(Wheeler, 1904)

Pheidole elecebra is an to the United States. It is a workerless , meaning it lives within the nests of another ant species without producing a of its own. The species is entirely dependent on its , Pheidole ceres, for colony maintenance and survival.

Pheidole elecebra casent0105813 label 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Pheidole elecebra casent0104989 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Pheidole elecebra casent0105813 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pheidole elecebra: /ˈfaɪdoʊli ɛˈlɛsɪbrə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Pheidole by its workerless social structure and lifestyle within Pheidole ceres nests. As an inquiline, it lacks the typical that characterizes most Pheidole species, which are known for their dimorphic major and minor workers.

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Habitat

Found within the nests of its Pheidole ceres; specific environmental preferences of the host likely determine suitability.

Distribution

to the United States.

Host Associations

  • Pheidole ceres - Workerless living within nests

Behavior

Workerless ; the has lost the ability to produce and relies entirely on the colony for maintenance and care of its reproductive individuals.

Ecological Role

Social ; occupies a specialized parasitic within by exploiting the labor and resources of Pheidole ceres colonies.

Similar Taxa

  • Pheidole ceres ; P. elecebra can be distinguished by its workerless condition and lifestyle, whereas P. ceres produces normal and maintains independent colonies.
  • Other Pheidole inquilinesOther workerless in the share the parasitic lifestyle but differ in specificity and geographic distribution.

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