Key to Australian and Melanesian Probolomyrmex species

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The following key to Australian and Melanesian Probolomyrmex species is based on Shattuck, Gunawardene & Heterick (2012[1]).

1

  • Petiolar node relatively long and narrow (best viewed dorsally), the dorsal face (in side view) uniformly convex and without a separation of the anterior and dorsal faces; scape relatively long, greater than half length of head (SI > 95, Fig. 7b) => 2

Probolomyrmex aliundus top view Probolomyrmex aliundus side view

  • Petiolar node relatively short and broad and with the anterior and dorsal faces separated by a convexity; scape relatively short, less than half length of head (SI < 92, Fig. 7b) => 5

Probolomyrmex greavesi top view Probolomyrmex greavesi side view

Shattuck, Gunawardene & Heterick (2012) Fig. 7.jpg

2

Probolomyrmex newguineensis head view Probolomyrmex newguineensis side view

  • Subpetiolar process well developed and box-like => 3

Probolomyrmex aliundus side view

3

  • Posteroventral tooth of the subpetiolar process forming a 90° angle; body larger (HL > 0.59mm, HW > 0.38mm) (Australia) => Probolomyrmex aliundus

Probolomyrmex aliundus head view Probolomyrmex aliundus side view

  • Posteroventral tooth of the subpetiolar process tooth-like; body smaller (HL < 0.59mm, HW < 0.38mm) (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) => 4

Probolomyrmex salomonis side view

4

  • Anteroventral tooth of the subpetiolar process broadly rounded); posterior face of propodeum with lateral flanges weakly developed; foveae on mesosoma and gaster more strongly developed (Solomon Islands) => Probolomyrmex salomonis

Probolomyrmex salomonis head view Probolomyrmex salomonis side view

  • Anteroventral tooth of the subpetiolar process narrow and tooth-like; posterior face of propodeum with lateral flanges well developed (Fig. 6B); foveae on mesosoma and gaster weakly developed (Papua New Guinea) => Probolomyrmex simplex

Probolomyrmex simplex head view Probolomyrmex simplex side view

5

  • Body smaller (HW < 0.33mm (Fig. 7a), ML < 0.65mm), head narrower (CI < 66, Fig. 7a) (northern Australia) => Probolomyrmex latalongus

Probolomyrmex latalongus head view Probolomyrmex latalongus side view

  • Body larger (HW > 0.35mm (Fig. 7a), ML > 0.65mm), head broader (CI > 66, Fig. 7a) (south-eastern Australia) => Probolomyrmex greavesi

Probolomyrmex greavesi head view Probolomyrmex greavesi side view


Shattuck, Gunawardene & Heterick (2012) Fig. 7.jpg

References

  1. Shattuck, S.O., Gunawardene, N.G. & Heterick, B. 2012. A revision of the ant genus Probolomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Proceratiinae) in Australia and Melanesia. Zootaxa 3444: 40–50.