Metapone philwardi

Known only from the holotype worker, collected “ex rotten log”, montane rainforest, 1400m” (5.viii.1976, P. S. Ward acc.no. 1826).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: New Guinea.

Nomenclature

 *  philwardi. Metapone philwardi Taylor & Alpert, 2016: 530, figs. 101-105 (w.) PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Worker
Dimensions: TL: ca 7.5; HL: 1.64; HW: 1.28; CI: 78; CpL: 0.61; CpI: 37; MSL: 1.86; PML: 1.21; PMW: 0.86; PMI: 65; PDW: 0.73; PetL: 0.53; PetW: 0.57; PetH: 0.95; PpetL: 0.44; PpetW: 0.86; PpetH: 0.61; GW: 1.38.

General and diagnostic features, sculpturation and colour as illustrated and in the key to Pacific species. Clypeus extended, shortly rostrate, anterior border straight, anterolateral corners rightangled. Clypeus, frons and cheeks finely longitudinally striate, most strongly on cheeks; dwindling somewhat posteriorly on frons; dorsum and sides of mesosoma similarly striate. Eyes minute, maximum diameter ca 0.05mm, with about 8 very indistinct, somewhat irregular unpigmented facets Petiole in dorsal view overall a little less wide than long, posterodorsolateral spines relatively acute and well-developed. Ventral subpetiolar edge concave in profile; subpetiolar angle broadly rounded; subpetiolar extension a small, barely translucent hook-like process placed anteriorly. Frons, petiolar dorsum and entire postpetiole and gaster with relatively long pilosity as illustrated; a distinctive transverse linear crest of long hairs anteriorly on pronotal dorsum; hairs elsewhere on mesosoma shorter and more dispersed.

Type Material
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Iora Creek, 17km S of Kokoda [8°52′S, 147°44′E]. (Type No. 32-069964).

Etymology
Named for our friend, the celebrated myrmecologist Philip S. Ward of the University of California, Davis.