Heteroponera viviennae, Taylor, Robert W., 2015

Taylor, Robert W., 2015, Australasian ants of the subfamily Heteroponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): (2) the species-group of Heteroponera relicta (Wheeler), with descriptions of nine new species and observations on morphology, biogeography and phylogeny of the genus, Zootaxa 3947 (2), pp. 151-180 : 167

5. Heteroponera viviennae sp. n.

( Figs 22–25).

Type locality. AUSTRALIA: QUEENSLAND: 1.5km E by N of Mt Sorrow -16 0 5, 145 27,

Type deposition. Holotype ANIC. Paratypes in ANIC, QMBA.

Distribution, material examined. Known only from the following northeastern Queensland samples, all from the Cape Tribulation area (map grid cell -16/145). Unless noted each comprises a single worker collected by Berlese funnel from rainforest leafmould or litter (usually sieved). EA2 (Thornton Peak): Roaring Meg Creek, - 16 0 4, 145 24, QMBA berlesate 448, 740 m (GBM, DKY & GIT, 5.x.1982). Cape Tribulation —(3 km W; Site 6), - 16 0 4, 145 27, QMBA berlesate 439, 500 m (GBM, DKY & GIT, 2.x.1982)—(4.5–5 km W; Top camp), -16 0 5, 145 26, QMBA berlesate 489, 760–780 m (GBM, DKY & GIT, 1.x.1982)—(4.5 km W; Site 9), -16 0 5, 145 26, QMBA berlesate 498, 760 m (GBM, DKY & GIT, 29.xii.1982)—(3.5 km W; Site 7), -16 0 5, 145 27, QMBA berlesate 529, 680 m (GBM & DKY, 23.iv.1983)—(2 km WNW; Site 2), -16 0 5, 145 28, QMBA berlesate 430, 50m (GBM, DKY & GIT, 28.ix.1982). 1.5km E by N of Mt Sorrow -16 0 5, 145 27, ANIC berlesate 945, rainforest, stony slope (A. Calder & T.A. Weir, 25 iii 1984). Cape Tribulation area, -16 0 5, 145 28, ANIC vials 40.132, 42 19 workers, several berlesates (AAC & TAW, 21–28.iii.1984). Cape Tribulation (near), -16 0 6, 145 27, 5 workers, <50 m (RWT & JDF, 21.6.1971). McDowall Range, -16 0 6, 145 20, 2 workers, QMBA berlesate 684, 520 m (GBM, 27.xi.1985). Noah Creek, Cape Tribulation, QMBA berlesate 259, 5 m (GBM, -16.x.1980).

Worker diagnosis. General features, conformation, coloration and major sculpturation as illustrated, and in the key to species above. Antennal scrobes smooth and shining with slight minute surface rippling. Propodeal declivity smooth and shining, the area reduced in size compared to other species, its borders barely raised; posterior face of petiolar node smooth and shining, merging above with the similarly unsculptured dorsum. Head relatively large and broad; eyes more protrusive in frontal view than in other species. Mesosoma relatively short and dorsally inflated—its profile with an almost semicircular dorsal arc in lateral view. Humeral epaulets well developed. Petiole relatively short and broad in lateral view, approximately as long as high, rounded above in profile. Dimensions: (holotype; smallest available specimen, largest available specimen): TL (ca): 4.4, 4.4, 4.8; HW: 1.11, 1.07, 1.19; HL: 1.01, 0.99, 1.11; CI: 104, 108, 107; EL: 0.21, 0.20, 0.23; SL: 0.64, 0.62, 0.66; SI: 57, 58, 55; PW: 0.79, 0.74, 0.82; WL: 1.25, 1.25, 1.33; petH: 0.72, 0.65, -., petW: 0.45, 0.45, 0.49; GW 0.80, 0.77, 0.88.

Related taxa. No clear apparent close affinities at species-group level,

In-group sympatric associations. Sympatric with the similarly bicolored H. rhodopygea at Roaring Meg Creek, and with H. rhodopygea and H. wilsoni in the Cape Tribulation area and at Mc Dowall Creek.

Biogeography. Known only from EA2 (Thornton Peak).

Etymology. Named for my late friend Vivienne Awford.