Epopostruma angulata

Epopstruma angulata has been collected only once in a litter sample taken from a South Australian mallee site.

Identification
Epopostruma angulata is similar to Epopostruma kangarooensis but differs in having the petiolar spines narrower, the posterior margin of the head more deeply concave (the angle between its sides approximately 90°) and the postpetiole lower and more rounded.

Key to Epopostruma Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  angulata. Epopostruma angulata Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 62 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
In full face view the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner divided by a distinct angle. Posterior margin of head deeply concave, the angle between its sides approximately 90°. Pronotal spines present, distinct. Posterior section of metanotum in approximately the same plane as the dorsal face of propodeum, the junction of these plates a very weak depression. Posterior face of propodeum between bases of spines and propodeal lobes with thin flanges. Petiolar spines present, directed more or less vertically, their tips approximately as wide and the maximum petiolar width. Anterior face of postpetiole shorter than the dorsal face and separated from it by a broadly rounded convexity; sides approximately vertical and rounding gradually from dorsal to posterior surfaces, in dorsal view the posterolateral corners forming thin, angular flanges. Dorsum of petiole, postpetiole and gaster with short erect hairs, the majority with curved tips. First gastral tergite with indistinct sculpturing giving a matte appearance; area immediately behind attachment with gaster with short longitudinal rugae. Body colour yellow-red, with light infuscation on dorsum of head, posterior section of alitrunk, petiole, postpetiole and legs.

Measurements

Holotype worker. TL 3.75mm, HL 0.83mm, HW 0.81mm, CI 96, MandL 0.45mm, MandI 54, SL 0.54mm, SI 67, PronW 0.56mm, ML 0.97mm.

CI (cephalic index) - HW/HL X 100. HL (head length) - The length of the head capsule excluding the mandibles, measured in full face view in a straight line from the mid point of the anterior clypeal margin to the mid point of the occipital margin. In species where one or both of these margins is concave the measurement is taken from the mid point of a transverse line that spans the apices of the projecting portions. HW (head width) - The maximum width of the head in full face view, excluding the eyes. MandI (mandibular index) - ML/HL X 100. MandL (mandible length) - The straight line length of the mandible at full closure, measured in the same plane for which the HL measurement is taken (i.e. full face view), from the mandibular apex to the anterior clypeal margin, or to the transverse line connecting the anteriormost points in those taxa where the margin is concave medially. ML (mesosomal length) (= Weber's length) - The diagonal length of the mesosoma in profile from the point at which the pronotum meets the cervical shield to the posterior basal angle of the metapleuron. PronW (pronotal width) - The maximum width of the pronotum in dorsal view. (Projecting spines, tubercles or other cuticular prominences at the pronotal humeral angles are ignored.) SI (scape index) - SL/HW X 100. SL (scape length) - The maximum straight line length of the scape, excluding the basal constriction or neck that occurs just distal of the condylar bulb. TL (total length) - The total outstretched length of the ant from the mandibular apex to the gastral apex; when measured in profile the sum of ML + HL + ML + lengths of waist segments + length of gaster.