Myrmecorhynchus nitidus Clark

Shattuck, S. O., 2015, A review of the ant genus Myrmecorhynchus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Zootaxa 3955 (2), pp. 283-290 : 289

Myrmecorhynchus nitidus Clark

( Fig. 6 )

Myrmecorhynchus nitidus Clark, 1934: 44 .

Types. Syntype workers, queens and males from Cheltenham, Victoria (L. B. Thorn, in dead branch of tree) [4 workers in Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra, examined; 1 worker in Museum Victoria, Melbourne, examined] and workers and males from Canberra, ACT (T. Greaves, in limb of tree, 20m (70 ft) above ground) [2 workers in Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra, examined; 1 worker in The Natural History Museum, London, examined].

Diagnosis. Mesosomal dorsum with at most a few scattered erect hairs, legs with appressed pubescence but lacking erect hairs; extensive yellow on clypeus covering at least 1/3 of surface; mandibles completely yellow (except dark teeth); propodeum relatively low and flat and metapleural groove very shallow when compared to M. carteri .

Comments. This is the least common species of Myrmecorhyncus, being known from only a handful of specimens from the vicinities of Melbourne and Canberra. Essentially nothing is known concerning the biology of this species. For notes on the taxonomic status of this species as distinct from the closely related M. carteri , see Comments under that species above.

Material examined. Australia: Australian Capital Territory: Canberra (Greaves,T.); Lees Creek (as Lees Springs) (collector unknown). Victoria: Cheltenham (Thorn,L.B.); Xavier College, Kew (Lowery,B.B.).

Figures

FIGURE 6. Myrmecorhynchus nitidus, minor worker, Xavier College, Kew, Victoria (ANIC 32 - 066442).