Leptomyrmex nigriventris

L. nigriventris has been recorded in rainforest, wet sclerophyll and dry sclerophyl. Nests occur under rocks, at tree bases, and in soil.

Identification
This is one of the largest Leptomyrmex species, second in size only to its sister species, Leptomyrmex tibialis. Tibial coloration (pale in L. nigriventris; dark in L. tibialis) distinguishes these taxa. Leptomyrmex nigriventris and L. tibialis co-occur in the region of Dorrigo, New South Wales. Large body size (HW 1.49–1.76 mm; WL 4.32–4.98 mm), a broad head (CI 0.66–0.75), 10+ standing hairs on the posterior face of the hind tibia, and a consistent color pattern (orange head and body with a black gaster) will separate this species from all others. No type specimen of L. nigriventris was found; however, the details in the type description and illustration allow unambiguous identification of this species. (Lucky and Ward 2010)

Key to Australian Leptomyrmex Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Castes
Queens have yet to be collected.

Nomenclature

 *  nigriventris. Formica nigriventris Guérin-Méneville, 1831, pl. 8, fig. 4 (w.) AUSTRALIA. Wheeler, W.M. 1915d: 261 (l.); Wheeler, W.M. 1934c: 95 (m.). Combination in Leptomyrmex: Mayr, 1862: 696. Junior synonym of erythrocephalus: Mayr, 1876: 77. Revived from synonymy as subspecies of erythrocephalus: Emery, 1887a: 252. Revived status as species: Emery, 1895g: 351. See also: Lucky & Ward, 2010: 42.

Worker
Lucky and Ward (2010) – measurements (n = 10) HL 2.27–2.53, HW 1.49–1.76, MFC 0.34–0.47, IOD 0.88–1.06, SL 3.67–4.15, EL 0.42–0.52, WL 4.32–4.98, PW 1.34–1.53, DPW 0.55–0.66, HTL 4.52–5.20, HTWmin 0.17–0.21, HTWmax 0.29–0.36, CI 0.66–0.75, SI 2.32–2.46, OI 0.08–0.11, HTC 0.52–0.66.

Large species (HW 1.49–1.76 mm; WL 4.32–4.98 mm) with very broad head (CI 0.66–0.75). Excluding mandibles, head width nearly 3/4 of head length, broadest at eye level, narrowing anteriorly to concave genae. Posterior to eyes, sides of head broadly rounded and postocular margin broadly rounded. Masticatory margin of mandible with approximately 9 large teeth and 7 denticles interspersed. Anterior clypeal margin medially concave. Eyes positioned posterior to midline of head, small and hairless, not surpassing lateral margins of head. Antennal scapes not compressed, extending beyond posterior margin of head less than 2/3 of their length.

Pronotum rather short, less than 1.5 times as long as broad. Declivity of propodeum about half the length of the dorsal face, which is slightly concave in profile, and bears a longitudinal impression. Petiolar node high, summit convex and rounded. Posterior face of petiole flat to concave, longer than anterior face ventral surface of petiole, which is flat to feebly convex A distinct longitudinal impression lends a bilobed appearance to the petiole in anterior view. Gaster broad and elliptical. Femora and tibiae somewhat compressed (HTC 0.52–0.66).

Surface subopaque, finely and densely shagreened. Mandibles slightly shining, coarsely punctate along apical margin. Pubescence extremely short and fine, covering the body and appendages. Pilosity on mandibles and clypeus short and yellow. Hairs on venter of gaster and coxae longer and black. Posterior face of hind tibia with ten or more short, brown bristles. Body rufotestaceous throughout, except for black gaster. Head and scapes a deeper, purplish red than remainder of body.

Male
Lucky and Ward (2010) – measurements (n = 3) HL 1.91–2.10, HW 1.30–1.42, SL 0.79–0.86, EL 0.54–0.65, HTL 4.52–4.72, CI 0.67–0.69, SI 0.61–0.62, SI2 1.40–1.60.

Type Material
Lucky and Ward (2010) – Type material not examined, location unknown, possibly. Syntype(s), worker(s), Australia, New South Wales: Port Jackson (d’Urville)