Chelaner rufoniger

Identification
Heterick (2009) - Possibly a species complex, but may equally be a single species with alternative phenotypes depending on alleles possessed by the colonies. Some colonies contain polymorphic workers (major and media workers red-and-black or uniformly brownish, smallest minor workers uniformly brown or bicoloured light and dark brown), while others seem to contain monomorphic workers (uniformly red-and-black or uniformly brown). The head of the red-and-black workers is relatively broader than that of workers of the latter type of colony, but the morphology of the minor workers is very similar for both types of colony.

Distribution
The ant is widespread in the SWBP, WA and the red- and-black form has been collected in the Perth metropolitan area. Populations also occur in NSW and SA.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  rufonigrum. Monomorium rufonigrum Heterick, 2001: 374, figs. 1-10, 12, 21, 179-181 (w.q.m.) AUSTRALIA.