Epopostruma vitta

The only biological details are from a collection made under a small rock in a relict patch of poor mallee.

Identification
This species lacks lateral extensions of the postpetiole, has short petiolar teeth which are approximately vertical and have their tips about the same width as the petiole, lacks rugae on the anterior margin of the gaster immediately behind the postpetiole, has sharp angles or short teeth at the posterolateral corners of the postpetiole, has a dark brown band on the yellow gaster and a dark yellow-red body colour.

The ACT specimen differs in having the posterolateral corners of the postpetiole slightly less angular and the banding of the gaster more sharply defined (in the South Australian specimens the edges of the band form a more gradual change). In most other characters these specimens are essentially the same (allowing for normal intraspecific variation in colour and sculpturing as seen in other species of this genus).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  vitta. Epopostruma vitta Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 67, figs. 68, 78, 89 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
In full face view the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner with a weakly defined angle. Pronotal spines distinct, elongate. Posterior section of metanotum in approximately the same plane as the dorsal face of propodeum, the junction of these plates indistinct. Posterior face of propodeum between bases of spines and propodeal lobes with thin, sometimes incomplete, flanges. Petiolar spines distinct. Anterior face of postpetiole shorter than the dorsal face; sides of postpetiole approximately vertical and rounding gradually from dorsal to posterior surfaces; with angles at the posterior corners; lateral margins of postpetiole weakly concave. Dorsum of petiole, postpetiole and gaster with weakly curved erect hairs. First gastral tergite, including area immediately behind attachment with gaster, smooth. Body colour dark yellow-red; gaster bicoloured yellow and light to dark brown.

Measurements

Holotype worker. TL 3.7mm, HL 0.81mm, HW 0.74mm, CI 91, MandL 0.40mm, MandI 49mm, SL 0.46mm, SI 62, PronW 0.50mm, ML 0.99mm.