Strumigenys zygon

Identification
Bolton (2000) - This species is unique in the complex as it is the only Austral member to combine small size with the presence of two freely laterally projecting hairs on the upper scrobe margin and dense decumbent gastral pubescence. See also notes under Strumigenys friedae.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  zygon. Strumigenys zygon Bolton, 2000: 971 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 1.7, HL 0.45, HW 0.33, CI 73, ML 0.19, MI 42, SL 0.26, SI 79, PW 0.21, AL 0.46. With characters of smythiesii-complex. Apicoscrobal hair fine, subflagellate; upper scrobe margin also with a second projecting subflagellate hair, at about the level of the eye. Cephalic dorsum finely reticulate-punctate and with inconspicuous short slender ground-pilosity. Cephalic dorsum usually with a pair of short fine standing hairs, located close to midline near occipital margin; these hairs frequently lost or flattened down and inconspicuous, sometimes apparently absent. Eye small, with less than 10 ommatidia in total. Pronotal humeral hair flagellate; mesonotum with a single pair of erect fine flagellate hairs. Dorsal alitrunk finely reticulate-punctate; pronotal dorsum usually with some very fine longitudinal rugulae and intensity of sculpture may be reduced on propodeal dorsum. Propodeal declivity with posterior (free) margin of lamella shallowly convex to shallowly concave. Mesopleuron, metapleuron and side of propodeum entirely smooth and shining. Disc of postpetiole smooth and shining. First gastral tergite with characteristic pilosity: a few fine or looped erect hairs present but surface of sclerite with conspicuous decumbent pubescent hairs that are relatively long, soft and curved, and directed medially or posteromedially.

Paratypes. TL 1.7, HL 0.46, HW 0.32-0.33, CI 70-72, ML 0.18-0.19, MI 40-41, SL 0.26, SI 79-80, PW 0.21, AL 0.43-0.45 (2 measured).

Dimensions of non-paratypic workers. TL 1.7-1.9, HL 0.45-0.48, HW 0.32-0.36, CI 70-75, ML 0.18-0.22, MI 40-46, SL 0.24-0.28, SI 73-80 (8 measured).

Type Material
Holotype worker, Australia: Queensland (MEQ), Yeppoon, 27.iv.1979, QM Berlesate no. 70, 23.08S, 150.45E, dry rainforest, 20 m., sieved litter (G. B. Monteith). [Holotype is upper specimen of two on pin.] Paratypes. 2 workers with same data as holotype (ANIC, ).