Mesostruma eccentrica

Identification
This species is immediately recognisable by the presence of distinct teeth or short spines on the pronotal angles combined with the absence of wing-like projections on the lateral surfaces of the postpetiole. It shares the pronotal teeth with Mesostruma laevigata and is the only species in the genus which lacks postpetiolar wings.

Key to Mesostruma Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  eccentrica. Mesostruma eccentrica Taylor, 1973: 31, pl. 2 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA. See also: Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 50.

Worker
Shattuck (2000) - TL 2.8 - 4.2, HL 0.61 - 0.90, HW 0.59 - 0.84, CI 90 - 96, ML 0.25 - 0.34, MI 35 - 40, SL 0.37 - 0.50, SI 57 - 63, PW 0.38 - 0.60, AL 0.72 - 1.10. Head relatively broad (CI >= 90), its posterior margin concave. In dorsal view the anterolateral corners of pronotum armed with distinct teeth or short spines. Dorsum of mesosoma with shallow foveolate punctures of varying densities (more widely spaced medially, more densely spaced laterally), the area between the punctures with weak, indistinct sculpturing. Propodeal lamellae reduced to thin carinae. Sculpturing on the metaplerual gland bulb consisting of scattered rugae over a reticulate-punctate surface. Lateral surfaces of postpetiole rounded. First gastral segment immediately posterior of the postpetiole with evenly spaced, short rugae. Body colour yellow-red, petiole with light infuscation, legs slightly lighter.



Type Material
Holotype worker and paratype workers and queen, AUSTRALIA: New South Wales, 14 km W of Balranald, 9.ii.1970 (R. W. Taylor) (,, NMM, , , (2W), MHN) [examined by Shattuck, 2000].