Epopostruma terrula

The single collection of this species was made under rock in a flat scrubby goldfields area of dry sclerophyll.

Identification
This rare species can be separated from others in the genus by the lack lateral extensions of the postpetiole, the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner forming a smooth curve, the anterior face of the postpetiole being similar in length to the dorsal face, the posterolateral corners of the postpetiole forming thin, angular flanges and the first gastral tergite being distinctly sculptured and with a matte appearance.

Key to Epopostruma Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  terrula. Epopostruma terrula Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 66, figs. 67, 79, 91 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
In full face view the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner forming a smooth curve. Pronotal spines present, distinct. Posterior section of metanotum in approximately the same plane as the dorsal face of propodeum, the junction of these plates a shallow trough or depression. Posterior face of propodeum between bases of spines and propodeal lobes with flanges. Petiolar spines present, short but distinct. Anterior face of postpetiole similar in length to the dorsal face, the separation between the faces a broad, rounded curve; sides of postpetiole approximately vertical and rounding gradually from dorsal to posterior surfaces, in dorsal view the posterolateral corners forming a thin, angular flange; posterolateral margin of postpetiole (immediately anterior of gaster) weakly concave. Dorsum of petiole, postpetiole and gaster with short, straight hairs. First gastral tergite distinctly sculptured and with a matte appearance; gaster immediately behind attachment with gaster with elongate rugae. Body colour yellow-red, dorsal surface of head sometimes slightly darker, gaster uniformly coloured.

Measurements

Holotype worker. TL 3.7mm, HL 0.83mm, HW 0.71mm, CI 86, MandL 0.41mm, MandI 49, SL 0.52mm, SI 73, PronW 0.51mm, ML 0.99mm.

CI (cephalic index) - HW/HL X 100. HL (head length) - The length of the head capsule excluding the mandibles, measured in full face view in a straight line from the mid point of the anterior clypeal margin to the mid point of the occipital margin. In species where one or both of these margins is concave the measurement is taken from the mid point of a transverse line that spans the apices of the projecting portions. HW (head width) - The maximum width of the head in full face view, excluding the eyes. MandI (mandibular index) - ML/HL X 100. MandL (mandible length) - The straight line length of the mandible at full closure, measured in the same plane for which the HL measurement is taken (i.e. full face view), from the mandibular apex to the anterior clypeal margin, or to the transverse line connecting the anteriormost points in those taxa where the margin is concave medially. ML (mesosomal length) (= Weber's length) - The diagonal length of the mesosoma in profile from the point at which the pronotum meets the cervical shield to the posterior basal angle of the metapleuron. PronW (pronotal width) - The maximum width of the pronotum in dorsal view. (Projecting spines, tubercles or other cuticular prominences at the pronotal humeral angles are ignored.) SI (scape index) - SL/HW X 100. SL (scape length) - The maximum straight line length of the scape, excluding the basal constriction or neck that occurs just distal of the condylar bulb. TL (total length) - The total outstretched length of the ant from the mandibular apex to the gastral apex; when measured in profile the sum of ML + HL + ML + lengths of waist segments + length of gaster.