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Meranoplus beatoni
| Meranoplus beatoni | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Myrmicinae |
| Tribe: | Crematogastrini |
| Genus: | Meranoplus |
| Species: | M. beatoni |
| Binomial name | |
| Meranoplus beatoni Taylor, 2006
| |
Known from the holotype worker. The specimen was collected via Berlese funnel sampling of rainforest litter.
Identification
Distribution
Latitudinal Distribution Pattern
Latitudinal Range: -16.1° to -16.52°.
| North Temperate |
North Subtropical |
Tropical | South Subtropical |
South Temperate |
- Source: AntMaps
Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia (type locality).
Distribution based on AntMaps
Distribution based on AntWeb specimens
Check data from AntWeb
Countries Occupied
| Number of countries occupied by this species based on AntWiki Regional Taxon Lists. In general, fewer countries occupied indicates a narrower range, while more countries indicates a more widespread species. |
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Estimated Abundance
| Relative abundance based on number of AntMaps records per species (this species within the purple bar). Fewer records (to the left) indicates a less abundant/encountered species while more records (to the right) indicates more abundant/encountered species. |
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Biology
Castes
Worker
 
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Nomenclature
The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.
- beatoni. Meranoplus beatoni Taylor, 2006: 23, figs. 5-8 (w.) AUSTRALIA (Queensland).
- Type-material: holotype worker.
- Type-locality: Australia: NE Queensland, McDowell Range, 17 km. N Daintree, 16°06’S, 145°20’E, 27.xi.1985, sieved rainforest litter (G. Monteith).
- Type-depository: ANIC.
- Distribution: Australia.
Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.
Description
Worker
HW 0.80; HWE 0.88; HL 0.73; CI 109; EL 0.19; OI 23; SL 0.53; SI 66; PSW 1.00; PSL 0.77; PSI 130; GW 0.94.
Essentially a smaller version of Meranoplus hirsutus, with a much less well-developed and peripherally elaborated promesonotal shield. General characteristics otherwise as in M. hirsutus, notably the structure and sculpturation of the petiole and postpetiole, which are relatively less massive in M. beatoni Promesonotal shield differences as illustrated, with all major homologous structures, marginal extensions, fenestrae etc., readily identifiable. Sculpturing of head and promesonotal shield similar, but less reticulate in M. beatoni, with fewer transverse elements between the longitudinal ribs. Gastral dorsum in both species very superficially sculptured and shining; the hairpits more distinct in M. hirsutus. Strongly hirsute, the hairs somewhat relatively short and slightly less abundant than in M. hirsutus. Bicoloured much as in M. hirsutus, but the ground colour darker and the gaster less brightly differentiated.
Type Material
Known only from the unique holotype, worker. Australia: N.E. Queensland: McDowell Range, 17 km N of Daintree, 16° 06' S,145° 20' E, 27.XI.1985, leg. G. Monteith, ex Berlese funnel sample, sieved rainforest litter (Australian National Insect Collection: holotype – No. 32-029200).
Etymology
Named for my long-time friend and colleague Colin D. Beaton. Together we published the first-ever SEMicrographs used for formal illustrations in insect taxonomy (TAYLOR & BEATON 1970), subsequently producing many more (those here probably the last, following the progress of digital photographic technology). We recently together developed the inexpensive EFI equipment used for the first time to illustrate this paper.