Technomyrmex australops

This species has been found nesting under stones in savanna and dry sclerophyll habitats.

Identification
Bolton (2007) - This species is close to Technomyrmex antonii and Technomyrmex cedarensis. All three share characters of sculptured head, large eyes that are located relatively far posteriorly on the head capsule and presence of a single pair of setae on the dorsum of the head behind the level of the posterior margin of the eye. T. australops has the largest eyes of the three and is the only one to possess setae on the mesonotum. At present it is known only from the single collection recorded here.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  australops. Technomyrmex australops Bolton, 2007a: 111 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.9, HL 0.65, HW 0.57, SL 0.63, PW 0.43, WL 0.84. Indices: CI 88, SI 111, OI 35, EPI 110, DTI 123.

Frontal carina with 2 setae: in profile the posterior seta at about the level of the anterior margin of the eye. Dorsum of head posterior to this with only a single pair of shorter setae, in profile located between the level of the posterior margin of tile eye and the posterior margin of the head; all these setae are shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye. With head in full-face view the eyes relatively large (OI 34 - 35), located distinctly behind the midlength of the sides and their outer margins strongly break the outline of the sides. Number of setal pairs on mesosoma: pronotum 1 - 2 (1 in holotype); mesonotum 1, very much shorter than pronotal pair; propodeal dorsum 0; lateral margins of propodeal declivity 1 - 2, very short and indistinct. Mesonotal dorsum in profile evenly convex. Propodeal dorsum short, shorter than depth of declivity to the spiracle, the dorsum and declivity meet in a well-defined angle. Gastral tergites 1 - 4 each with numerous setae present; longest setae on the first tergite are shorter than the maximum diameter of the eye. Head, mesosoma and petiole medium brown, gaster darker brown. Middle and hind legs distinctly lighter than the mesosoma, dull pale yellow (see paratype).

Paratype. HL 0.65, HW 0.58, SL 0.64, PW 0.43, WL 0.90. Indices: CI 89, SI 110, OI 34, EPI 105, DTI 130. (TL cannot be measured as gaster crushed.) Right antenna is missing. Middle and hind legs of paratype are darker than those of holotype; yellowish brown, closer to the mesosoma colour than in the holotype but still distinctly lighter than the mesosoma.

Type Material
Holotype worker (upper specimen of two on pin), Australia: North Queensland, or Dimbulahl 145.05 X 17.05, savanna, c. 450 m., 26.vi.1971, under stone, dry sclero., R.W. Taylor accession 71.632 (R. W. Taylor & J. Feehan). Paratype worker (lower specimen of two on pin) with same data as holotype (ANIC).