Epopostruma areosylva

Epopostruma areosylva occurs from south-eastern Queensland south to central New South Wales. Collections have been made in dry sclerophyll, open grasslands and Eucalyptus forests.

Identification
Anterior face of postpetiole similar in length to or shorter than the dorsal and posterior faces. Sides of postpetiole approximately vertical and rounding gradually from dorsal to posterior surfaces and with spines or angles at the anterior and posterior corners. In dorsal view the posterolateral teeth of the postpetiole wider than the anterolateral teeth. First gastral tergite smooth or nearly so, at most with only very weak, widely spaced rugae.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  areosylva. Epopostruma areosylva Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 62, figs. 69, 81 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
In full face view the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner angular. 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 very shallow depression. Posterior face of propodeum between bases of spines and propodeal lobes with thin flanges. Petiolar spines present, distinct. Anterior face of postpetiole similar in length to or shorter than the dorsal and posterior faces; sides of postpetiole approximately vertical and rounding gradually from dorsal to posterior surfaces and with spines or angles at the anterior and posterior corners; in dorsal view the posterolateral teeth of the postpetiole wider than the anterolateral teeth; posterolateral margin of postpetiole (immediately anterior of gaster) weakly concave. Dorsum of petiole, postpetiole and gaster with numerous elongate erect hairs, the majority of which are bend near their tips. First gastral tergite smooth or nearly so; gaster immediately behind attachment with gaster with very short rugae. Body colour varying from yellow-red to red-brown with the dorsal surface of head darker than the body; gaster either uniform in colour or with a dark band across the posterior section of the first tergite.

Measurements

Holotype worker. TL 3.9mm, HL 0.83mm, HW 0.81mm, CI 98, MandL 0.48mm, MandI 58, SL 0.54mm, SI 67, PronW 0.53mm, ML 0.98mm.