Pheidole (Ancient Greek pronunciation: [pʰeː.dɔː.le]) is a genus of ants that belongs to the ant subfamily Myrmicinae. The genus is widespread and ecologically dominant. Many species in the genus first evolved in the Americas, while some, such as Pheidole indica and Pheidole megacephala, originated from East Asia and Africa, respectively. These species eventually began spreading across the globe. Pheidole megacephala is considered a particularly problematic invasive species.
Colony structure
Most species of Pheidole are dimorphic, which means that colonies contain two castes of workers, the "minor" workers, and the "major" workers, or "soldiers". The latter generally have much larger heads and mandibles in comparison to their usually fairly modest body size.
This caste is also notable due to the presence of wings, found in the queen ants as well as in the males.
A colony may contain one or several queens, and also in larger colonies of Pheidole morrisi, alates - virgin winged females and males - were found. Queens appear to allocate reproductive resources between queens and worker ants, and tend to favour one or the other in terms of allocation.
major and minor workers of P. xerophila
Morphology
Pheidole are ants which belong to the order Hymenoptera that includes organisms such as wasps, bees, ants and sawflies. Their body is divided into four main sections which include the head, mesosoma, waist and gaster that help differentiate them from other organisms in the order.
The head of Pheidole is the main distinctive feature between other species and within the physical castes present in colonies. In general, the head is composed of antennae, mandibles, clypeus, and compound eyes. The antennae serve as the feelers of the head. In ants, each antennae is elbowed meaning a scape is followed by long basal segment which articulates with the head. In Pheidole, the antennae are 12-segmented with a distinct 3-segmented club which helps differentiate the genus....
