Tapinoma krakatauae

Type material of this taxon could not be located Heterick and Shattuck (2011). Wheeler’s (1924) detailed description does not match any of the Iridomyrmex species known from the area where it was collected. Based on the original description, it seems unlikely that this taxon belongs to Iridomyrmex. Specifically, Wheeler (1924) notes the following: (1) The ant “lacks” a petiole (presumably he means petiolar node as a gaster is present). (2) The gaster is described as “somewhat deflective”, suggesting it is positioned ventrally. This is not a common position for Iridomyrmex but it is a common orientation in Tapinoma and Technomyrmex. (3) There is no mention of a medial clypeal prominence or anything corresponding to it. Instead, the anterior border of the clypeus is described as “almost straight”. In most of the northern Iridomyrmex that occur outside of Australia (for example Iridomyrmex anceps and Iridomyrmex coeruleus) this anatomical feature is distinct. (4) The ant is very small (1.5 mm). Of the Iridomyrmex occurring in this region, only Iridomyrmex mjobergi would be similar sized; however, I. mjobergi has a distinct petiolar node. (5) The propodeum is not protuberant, a condition found in Iridomyrmex species from this area. (6) The antennal scapes do not reach the posterior margin of the head, a very unusual condition for Iridomyrmex where they normally extend at least slightly beyond the posterior margin of head. (7) The propodeum is sloping and hardly raised, a condition found in Doleromyrma and Tapinoma but not Iridomyrmex. (8) The ant is completely glabrous while northern I. mjobergi always has a few hairs. (9) The posterior margins of the eyes only meet the imaginary horizontal line intersecting the middle of the head capsule. This is much further anterior than found in Iridomyrmex. Taken together, these characters suggest that this taxon belongs in Tapinoma or possibly Technomyrmex rather than Iridomyrmex. Based on the small size we are here transferring it to Tapinoma. Determining the species-level identification of this taxon will require the examination of Tapinoma material from throughout the Krakatau region, an undertaking beyond the scope of this study.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Indonesia.

Nomenclature

 *  krakatauae. Iridomyrmex krakatauae Wheeler, W.M. 1924b: 252 (w.) INDONESIA (Krakatau I.). Combination in Tapinoma: Heterick & Shattuck, 2011: 166. See also: Shattuck, 1992a: 15.