Heteroponera lioprocta

Known only from rainforest at elevations above 1,000 m on Mt Elliot, a 1,234 m peak about 25km SE of Townsville. Heteroponera lioprocta is very common in the Mt Elliot summit rainforest, where there are notably few other ant species represented. (Taylor 2015)

Identification
Taylor (2015) - Generally similar to the putatively related Heteroponera monteithi (compare Figs). Node more-or-less rounded above; its summit extended posterodorsally to form an obtuse peak. Antennal scrobes as described for H. monteithi, with a few additional fine punctae in the lateral scrobal areas. Propodeal declivity weakly but distinctly sculpturally margined laterally, the margin extended posterodorsally on each side to form a small propodeal-spine-like extension. Sculpturation of frons, mesosoma and petiole very distinctly less-heavily developed than in H. monteithi. Propodeal declivity smooth and shining, lacking other sculptural elements. Sculpture of first gastral tergite resembling H. monteithi, similarly point-punctate, but without supplementary larger punctural elements. The punctae more dense along the posterior margin of the sclerite, as in H. monteithi.

Identification Keys including this Taxon

 * Key to Australian Heteroponera Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 * . Heteroponera lioprocta Taylor, 2015b: 171, figs. 34-41 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA (Queensland).
 * Type-material: holotype worker, paratype workers (number not stated), 1 paratype queen.
 * Type-locality: holotype Australia: Queensland, Mt Elliot, nr summit (ca 25 km. SE Townsville,19° 30’S, 146°58’E), 1200 m., 4-5.vii.1977, nest under stone (R.W. Taylor); paratypes: workers, queen Mt Elliot summit, -19 30, 146 57, 1150 m., 26.iii.-12.v.1991 (D.W. Cook), workers same locality, i.-iii.1991 (A.G., name not listed), 7 workers Mt Elliot, NE slope, -19 29, 146 58, QMBA berlesates 723, 724, 1000 m., 5.xii.1986 (G.B. Monteith & G.I. Thompson), workers Mt Elliot, North Creek, -19 30, 146 57, 1000 m., 25-27.iii.1991 (G.B. Monteith & G.I. Thompson).
 * Type-depositories: ANIC (holotype); ANIC, QMBA (paratypes).
 * Distribution: Australia.

Worker
(Holotype; smallest paratype, largest paratype): TL (ca): 4.8, 0.42+, 4.8; HW: 1.06, 0.92, 1.10; HL: 1.08, 0.97, 1.09; CI: 98, 95, 99; EL: 0.21, 0.18, 0.24; SL: 0.66, 0.60, 0.66; SI: 62, 62, 60; PW: 0.79, 0.62, 0.78; WL: 1.23, 1.15, 1.38; petH: 0.77, 0.52, 0.75; petW: 0.46, 0.37, 0.46; GW: 0.99, 0.85, 0.96.

Queen
A single individual from a nest with workers. General features, conformation, color and major sculpturation as in Figures. Gaster less enlarged than in H. relicta gynes. Three very small ocelli present. Gastral II spurs represented by appropriately placed small carinae. The specimen could be callow, explaining its relatively very light coloration. TL (ca): 4.5; HW: 0.91; HL: 0.97; CI: 94; EL: 0.18; SL: 0.58; SI: 64; PW: 0.68; WL: 1.25; petH: 0.72; petW: 0.47; GW 1.07.

Type Material
AUSTRALIA: QUEENSLAND: Mt Elliot summit (19°30'S, 146°58'E). Holotype. Paratypes in ANIC,.

Etymology
The name (a noun in apposition) refers to the smooth gastral dorsum.