Mesostruma eccentrica

In WA this ant has been collected from bark traps on Wandoo trunks at Dryandra and in litter at Westdale in the eastern Darling Range. (Heterick 2009)

Identification
This species is immediately recognisable by the presence of distinct teeth or short spines on the pronotal angles combined with the absence of wing-like projections on the lateral surfaces of the postpetiole. It shares the pronotal teeth with Mesostruma laevigata and is the only species in the genus which lacks postpetiolar wings.

Distribution
Heterick (2009) - Widely distributed throughout southern Australia.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  eccentrica. Mesostruma eccentrica Taylor, 1973: 31, pl. 2 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA. See also: Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 50.

Worker
Shattuck (2000) - TL 2.8 - 4.2, HL 0.61 - 0.90, HW 0.59 - 0.84, CI 90 - 96, ML 0.25 - 0.34, MI 35 - 40, SL 0.37 - 0.50, SI 57 - 63, PW 0.38 - 0.60, AL 0.72 - 1.10. Head relatively broad (CI >= 90), its posterior margin concave. In dorsal view the anterolateral corners of pronotum armed with distinct teeth or short spines. Dorsum of mesosoma with shallow foveolate punctures of varying densities (more widely spaced medially, more densely spaced laterally), the area between the punctures with weak, indistinct sculpturing. Propodeal lamellae reduced to thin carinae. Sculpturing on the metaplerual gland bulb consisting of scattered rugae over a reticulate-punctate surface. Lateral surfaces of postpetiole rounded. First gastral segment immediately posterior of the postpetiole with evenly spaced, short rugae. Body colour yellow-red, petiole with light infuscation, legs slightly lighter.



References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bolton, B. 2000. The Ant Tribe Dacetini. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 65
 * Heterick B. E. 2009. A guide to the ants of south-western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 76: 1-206.
 * Taylor R. W., and D. R. Brown. 1985. Formicoidea. Zoological Catalogue of Australia 2: 1-149.