Pheidole metallescens
Emery, 1895
Metallic Big-headed Ant
Pheidole metallescens is a of big-headed ant in the Pheidole, first described by Emery in 1895. The species exhibits the characteristic dimorphic system typical of the genus, with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) possessing disproportionately large . Two are recognized: P. m. metallescens and P. m. splendidula. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine tribe Attini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pheidole metallescens: //faɪˈdoʊleɪ ˌmɛtəˈlɛskɛnz//
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Subspecies
Two are recognized: Pheidole metallescens metallescens Emery, 1895 (the nominate subspecies) and Pheidole metallescens splendidula Wheeler, 1908.
Taxonomic placement
The is classified within the tribe Attini (formerly considered fungus-growing ants, though this classification has been revised; modern treatments place Pheidole in the informal group Pheidole -group within Myrmicinae).
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
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