Stereomyrmex

This small genus of 3 species is poorly known. Only Stereomyrmex anderseni, from Australia, has specimen data that provides any clues in regard to their biology. The holotype was collected in a pitfall trap in sclerophyll woodland on brown sand.

Identification
Taylor (1991) for the synonymized Willowsiella - Stereomyrmex and Romblonella share several features considered to indicate relationship between them. These include the general configuration of the mesosoma and nodes (despite the differences in the latter), and the fundamentally similar dental, fronto-clypeal, palpal and sting structures (the latter at least as visible without dissection). The two genera may be readily distinguished as follows:

Stereomyrmex - Antennae 11-jointed. Fronto-clypeal area strongly inflated. Antennal scrobes lacking. Petiole massively inflated (in S. dispar ), or somewhat scale-like and transverse (in S. anderseni). Postpetiole relatively small compared to petiole, transverse, and somewhat scale-like. Gaster emarginate at base, following the posterior outline of the postpetiole when viewed from above.

Romblonella - Antennae 12-jointed. Fronto-clypeal area unexceptionally inflated. Antenna scrobes strongly developed. Petiole somewhat globular but not unexceptionally inflated or transverse. Postpetiole of more normal proportions, subspherical, more-or-less as long as wide in dorsal view, at most only slightly smaller than petiole; usually larger. Gaster not basally emarginate.

Species richness
Species richness by country based on regional taxon lists (countries with darker colours are more species-rich). View Data



Nomenclature

 *  STEREOMYRMEX [Myrmicinae: Formicoxenini]
 * Stereomyrmex Emery, 1901f: 115. Type-species: Stereomyrmex horni, by monotypy.
 * Stereomyrmex senior synonym of Willowsiella: Bolton, 2003: 252, 273.
 * WILLOWSIELLA [junior synonym of Stereomyrmex]
 * Willowsiella Wheeler, W.M. 1934a: 174. Type-species: Willowsiella dispar, by original designation.
 * Willowsiella junior synonym of Stereomyrmex: Bolton, 2003: 252, 273.