Mesostruma inornata

Identification
This new species can be separated from the similar Mesostruma turneri by the irregular, very short rugae overlying the smooth integument of the first gastral tergite immediately posterior of the postpetiolar insertion (this area contains evenly spaced, elongate rugae over fine microreticulations in M. turneri) and the elongate head (CI < 95, the head of M. turneri is essentially square - CI 96 – 103).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  inornata. Mesostruma inornata Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 51 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
HOLOTYPE WORKER. TL 3.3, HL 0.81, HW 0.77, CI 95, ML 0.34, MI 42, SL 0.39, SI 51, PW 0.47, AL 0.87. Head longer than broad (CI 92 - 95), its posterior margin relatively deeply concave. In dorsal view the anterolateral pronotum rounded. Dorsum of mesosoma with dense, shallow foveolate punctures which are generally spaced less than their width apart, and with the area between the punctures covered with weak but distinct sculpturing. Propodeal lamellae broad, the dorsal margins flat to weakly convex, the posterior margins weakly concave, the angles between these margins slightly greater than 90 degrees. Sculpturing on the metapleural gland bulb uniformly reticulate-punctate. Postpetiole expanded laterally and wing-like. First gastral segment immediately posterior of the postpetiole with very short irregular rugae. Body colour uniform yellow-red.



Type Material
Holotype worker, South Australia, Black Oak Creek, Koonamore, 25 July 1973, litter (P. J. M. Greenslade).