Species: Pheidole fallax

Distribution:

Widespread in the Neotropics from Costa Rica to Argentina, and on many Caribbean islands. Costa Rica: common in northwest (dry forest habitats); also in Coto banana plantation in southwest.

Biology:

This is a common dry forest species in northwest Costa Rica. Colonies can occur in very open, disturbed areas. For example, they have been observed in the central city park of Liberia, and in banana plantations at Coto. Workers are seed harvesters, and form conspicuous trunk trails to seed sources. They are also generalist foragers and will readily come to baits. Diurnal and nocturnal foraging have been observed. The nests are in bare soil, with conspicuous nest entrances and chaff piles. Workers have a foetid odor when collected. In Santa Rosa National Park, Longino once observed a colony emigration: a thick column of alate queens and brood-carrying workers extended many meters along the edge of a dirt road.

Taxonomic History (provided by Barry Bolton, 2010)