Aphaenogaster barbara

This is a fairly common and widely distributed Queensland species which occurs in drier forested habitats such as dry sclerophyll and savannah woodlands. Nests are typical for the Australian species of the genus with large funnel-shaped entrances. Aphaenogaster barbara has previously been confused with A. pythia. However, they differ significantly and there is little chance of confusing these two species.

Identification
Hairs on underside of head randomly distributed and not forming a distinct psammophore; head relatively broad, its posterior margin broadly arched in full face view; scape relatively short; erect hairs on mesosomal dorsum tapering to sharp points; propodeal spines long, the dorsal surfaces of propodeum and propodeal spines connected through a gentle concavity followed by a gentle convexity (so that the base of each spine is raised slightly above the dorsal surface of the propodeum). This species can be separated from the similar A. kimberleyensis by the broader head and shorter scapes.

Identification Keys including this Taxon
Key to Australian Aphaenogaster Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  barbara. Aphaenogaster barbara Shattuck, 2008a: 28, figs. 1, 2, 21, 22, 24 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
Posterior margin of head broadly arched in full face view, the arch beginning at the occipital collar and with at most a weak angle separating the posterior and lateral margins of the head (often posterior and lateral margins forming a continuous surface). Hairs on venter of head randomly distributed and not forming a distinct psammophore. Mandibular sculpture composed of regularly sized striations. Erect hairs on mesosomal dorsum tapering to sharp points. Propodeal spines long. Dorsal surfaces of propodeum and propodeal spines connected through a gentle concavity followed by a gentle convexity (so that the base of each spine is raised slightly above the dorsal surface of the propodeum). Petiolar node (in dorsal view) longer than broad.

Measurements
Worker (12 specimens measured): CI 84-91; EI 17-20; EL 0.20-0.24mm; HL 1.22-1.51mm; HW 1.04-1.29mm; ML 1.82-2.17mm; MTL 1.23-1.62mm; SI 133-156; SL 1.55-1.82mm. (Definition of measurements.)