Heteroponera monteithi

Known only from 3 rainforested sites in central coastal Queensland. Most samples comprise single workers collected from Berlese funnel samples of leafmould or sieved litter, or stick brushings.

Identification
Taylor (2015) - Some specimens, which are presumed to be sub-callow, have the gaster orange-brown.

Basically similar to the putatively related Heteroponera lioprocta (compare Figs). Node more rounded above, without median posterodorsal extension; propodeal declivity barely margined sculpturally, lacking propodeal spine-like extensions. Sculpturation of frons, mesosoma and petiole more heavily developed. Antennal scrobes finely longitudinally striate, the striae curving to follow the profile of the scrobe. Propodeal declivity smooth and shining, with distinct or vestigial fine radial striation in most specimens. Sculpture of first gastral tergite resembling H. lioprocta, similarly point-punctate, but with a few small scattered, weakly incised, shallow larger punctural elements. The point-punctae more dense along the posterior margin of the sclerite.

Affinity with Heteroponera lioprocta is supported by the uniquely shared presence of Gastral II Spurs (see relevant key couplets, an apparent synapomorphy otherwise unknown in Heteroponera (pers obs., and Feitosa, pers comm.).

Identification Keys including this Taxon

 * Key to Australian Heteroponera Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 * . Heteroponera monteithi Taylor, 2015b: 167, figs. 26-29, 30-33 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA (Queensland).
 * Type-material: holotype worker, 5 paratype workers.
 * Type-locality: holotype Australia: Queensland, Brandy Creek Road, Conway State Forest (20° 20’S, 148°42’E), 60 m., 23.iv.1979 (G.B. Monteith); paratypes: 2 workers with same data, 3 workers with same data but QMBA berlesates 57 and 63, 23-25.iv.1979 (G.B. Monteith).
 * [Note: other localities are also provided, but there is no statement concerning which are paratypes, and no statement that all are paratypes; therefore only those from the type-locality are recorded here.]
 * Type-depositories: ANIC (holotype); ANIC, QMBA (paratypes).
 * Distribution: Australia.

Worker
(Holotype (which is the smallest specimen examined), largest paratype (Mt Dryander summit)): TL (ca): 3.94, 4.67; HW: 0.93, 1.08; HL: 0.89, 1.06; CI: 104, 101; EL: 0.16, 0.17; SL: 0.53, 0.65; SI: 57, 60; PW: 0.66, 0.78; WL: 1.12, 1.36; petH: 0.65, 0.68; petW: 0.45, 0.53; GW 0.90, 0.98.

Queen
A single individual from a nest with workers. General features, conformation, color and major sculpturation as in Figures. Relatively pale in color (possibly callow) and hirsute compared to workers. A single minute median ocellus present. Gaster less enlarged than in H. relicta gynes. Gastral II spurs barely represented by minute appropriately situated swellings. TL (ca): 5.04; HW: 1.04; HL: 1.03; CI: 101; EL: 0.18; SL: 0.62; SI: 59; PW: 0.77; WL: 1.41; petH: - ; petW: 0.57; GW 1.26.

Type Material
Australia: Queensland: Brandy Creek Rd, Conway State Forest (20°20'S, 148°42'E). Holotype. Paratypes in ANIC,. Distribution, material examined.

Etymology
Named to commend the accomplished entomologist and insect collector nonpareil Geoff Monteith of Queensland Museum, Brisbane. Alone or accompanied he acquired over 50 of the total Heteroponera records reported in this paper.