Strumigenys mesedsura

Identification
Bolton (2000) - The extreme lobate development of the lower portion of the propodeal lamella in mesedsura is unique among Austral members of the smythiesii-complex. See also notes under Strumigenys friedae.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  mesedsura. Strumigenys mesedsura Bolton, 2000: 965 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.6, HL 0.63, HW 0.45, CI 71, ML 0.30, MI 48, SL 0.39, SI 87, PW 0.26, AL 0.68. With characters of smythiesii-complex. Apicoscrobal hair flagellate. Cephalic dorsum sharply reticulate-punctate and with narrowly spatulate ground pilosity. A single short pair of erect fine hairs on cephalic dorsum, located close to midline near occipital margin; these hairs narrowly looped apically. Occipital margin closer to occipital corners may have 1-2 shorter stiffer simple hairs on each side. Eye of moderate size, with less than 20 ommatidia in total. Pronotal humeral hair flagellate, long and fine; pronotal dorsum otherwise without standing hairs. Mesonotum with a single pair of erect flagellate hairs anteriorly and a much shorter pair posteriorly. Pronotal dorsum with reticulate-punctate sculpture reduced in density and intensity at least medially, or partially effaced; sculpture distinctly weaker and less regular than on mesonotum. Posterior (free) margin of propodeal lamella engages propodeal tooth to its apex; below this the margin becomes concave on a level with the spiracle but then expands into a broad, strongly convex projecting lobe. Pronotum smooth laterally; katepisternum entirely smooth. Metapleuron and side of propodeum smooth except for periphery. Dorsum of petiole node finely reticulate-punctate; disc of postpetiole smooth. Hairs on first gastral tergite long and fine, flagellate.

Paratypes. TL 2.5-2.6, HL 0.63-0.65, HW 0.45-0.46, CI 69-71, ML 0.30-0.32, MI 47-50, SL 0.39-0.41, SI 87-89, PW 0.25-0.27, AL 0.67-0.70 (6 measured).

Type Material
Holotype worker, Australia: Queensland, Mt Elliot, 19.30S, 146.58E, 4-5.vii.1977, 1200 m., R.W. Taylor accession 77.194, ex rotting log, rainforest, ANIC Ants vial 29. 172 (R. W. Taylor). Paratypes. 11 workers with same data as holotype (ANIC, ).