Iridomyrmex anceps (Roger, 1863)

Material examined. Pulau Ubin, 7 Jan 2014, Sk. Yamane leg., ZRC _HYM_0000358 – 359; Changi sand dunes, 21 Nov 1982, D.H. Murphy leg., ZRC _HYM_0000631. Alates, Pulau Semakau replanted mangrove, 1°12’04.5”N 103°45’46.1”E, SMN2, 6-13 Jun 2013, J. Puniamoorthy et al. leg., malaise trap, ZRC _ BDP0015281; same locality and collectors as previous, 17-24 Oct 2013, ZRC _ BDP0015381; same locality and collectors as previous, 21-28 Nov 2013, ZRC _ BDP0015369-15370; Pulau Semakau old mangrove fragment, 1°12’23.9”N 103°45’37.6”E, SMO3, 30 Apr – 7 Mar 2013, J. Puniamoorthy et al. leg., ZRC _ BDP0016225; same locality and collectors as previous, 22-29 Nov 2012, ZRC _ BDP0015244 .

Material not physically examined. Non-types, ANIC32-038822, 59573 (ANIC). Non-types, J.K. Wetterer leg. (JKWC) - Kallang, Riverside Park, 29 Jul 2014, vial #372; Punggol, by MRT station, 30 Jul 2014, vial #390; Pasir Panjang, by MRT station, 5 Aug 2014, vial #482; Singapore Botanic Gardens, 5 Aug 2014, vial #479 .

Literature. Viehmeyer (1916), Overbeck (1924).

Localities. Bukit Timah Road; Changi, Loyang Industrial Estate; Pasir Panjang; Pasir Ris Park; Pulau Semakau; Pulau Ubin; Punggol; Riverside Park (Kallang); Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Habitat/Ecology. Often found in gardens, urban parks, and disturbed secondary forests. Winged alates collected from malaise traps set up in both replanted and old-growth mangroves on an offshore island landfill.

Remarks. This species is afflicted with substantial taxonomic uncertainty, and different geographic forms may actually comprise a species complex. It is considered endemic to the Indomalayan region where it was first described, and appears globally widespread. It seems to be a rather resilient species, able to adapt to and thrive in a broad range of different habitat types.