Meranoplus rugosus

The best known of the species in the M. rugosus group, and is probably the most abundant Meranoplus in the Perth area, being quite at home on suburban lawns. (Heterick 2009)

Identification
Heterick (2009) - A member of the M. rugosus group. The members of this group are identified by the large translucent windows or fenestrae on the promesonotal shield, and often have a characteristic postpetiole that is very thick and has a smoothly vertical anterior face. This small, orange species can be recognized immediately because of its anteriorly striate gaster and its rather square postpetiole with a steep anterior face.

Distribution
Heterick (2009) - South-western corner of WA.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 * . Meranoplus hirsutus r. rugosa Crawley, 1922b: 443 (w.) AUSTRALIA (Western Australia).
 * Type-material: lectotype worker (by designation of Taylor, 1990c: 34), 13 paralectotype workers.
 * Type-locality: lectotype Australia: Western Australia, Parkerville, no. 29 (J. Clark); paralectotypes with same data.
 * Type-depositories: OXUM (lectotype); ANIC, OXUM (paralectotypes).
 * Subspecies of hirsutus: Taylor & Brown, 1985: 67; Taylor, 1987a: 39.
 * Status as species: Taylor, 1990c: 39; Bolton, 1995b: 251; Heterick, 2009: 155.
 * Distribution: Australia.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Heterick B. E. 2009. A guide to the ants of south-western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 76: 1-206.