The genus Pheidole includes more than 500 species of ants, concentrated in the tropics of the New World. Ant colonies of this genus can be very abundant in certain habitats, and they are common constituents of most tropical terrestrial settings. Species of the genus display an impressive range of ecological habits, including termite predation, symbiosis on plants, arboreal nest-building, and mimicry on termites and other ants. Unfortunately, ecological and behavioral research on this diverse genus is hampered by the lack of a solid understanding of its taxonomy and diversity. More than half of the New World species have never been described formally and named, and there is no comprehensive guide to their classification and identification. Dr. E. O. Wilson proposes to complete his long-term study of the group, culminating in a taxonomic monograph, illustrated identification key, and species-level classification. Field work in Costa Rica, Brazil, and Peru will add valuable new collections to the study, as will the Smithsonian's BIOLAT insect inventory project. The proposed study will open a variety of research opportunities in tropical biology. Ecologists and behavioral biologists will use the proposed identification keys and classification to add precision and rigor to their studies. Future surveys of tropical diversity will use this study as a baseline for assessing changes in diversity. The proposed project will find a wide audience beyond the ranks of ant systematists.
