Heteroponera crozieri

Most specimens have been collected from rainforest litter samples, with the few exceptions being those obtained from "stick brushings" and under a stone.

Identification
Worker: Similar to the generally more southerly distributed Heteroponera leae. Salient differences are: (1) propodeal and petiolar denticles larger and more sharply acute; (2) reflexure of second gastral segment more pronounced – in side view the profile is less evenly arched than in H. leae, with a tightly curved median section; (3) first gastral tergite more-or-less evenly sculptured with coarse semi-foveate punctate-rugosity, the raised elements forming a somewhat longitudinally biased reticulum; (4) second gastral tergite similarly, but more finely punctate-rugose, the longitudinal component clearly evident, but much less well-developed than in H. leae; the whole more reticulate than in H. leae.

Queen: Appropriate characters consistent with those of the workers. Propodeal and petiolar spines a little less prominent. Gastral reflexure and sculpturation as in worker.

Identification Keys including this Taxon

 * Key to Australian Heteroponera Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Biology
The gyne was formerly alate, as evidenced by the presence of torn wing stubs. She thus resembles those described for the Neotropical species Heteroponera dentinodis and Heteroponera inermis. Some other species, like Heteroponera relicta and Heteroponera brounii, have wingless ergatoid queens with reduced mesosomal structure. Gamergate reproductives (mated workers) have not been reported for any Heteroponera species.

Nomenclature

 *  crozieri. Heteroponera crozieri Taylor, R.W. 2011: 121, figs. 5-12 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
Measurements and indices: (mm – holotype; smallest available worker specimen (Kroombit Tops), largest available worker specimen (Beechmont); gyne): TL (ca.): 5.5; 4.8, 5.6; 7.6. HW: 1.23; 1.08, 1.32; 1.55. HL: 1.24; 1.15, 1.30; 1.50. CI: 99; 94, 98; 103. EL: 0.17; 0.13, 0.20; 0.25. SL: 0.80; 0.68, 0.82; 0.87. SI: 65; 63, 62; 56. PW: 0.84; 0.71, 0.90; 1.24. WL: 1.64; 1.42, 1.72; 2.24. PetH: –; 0.62, 0.76; 0.93. PetW: 0.48; 0.42, 0.51; 0.71. GW: 1.14; 0.97, 1.26; 1.71.

Etymology
Named for my late friend, colleague and frequent co-author Prof. R.H. (Ross) Crozier, formerly of James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Taylor R. W. 2011. Australasian ants of the subfamily Heteroponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): (1) General introduction and review of the Heteroponera leae (Wheeler, 1923) species group, with descriptions of two new species. Myrmecological News 15: 117-123.