Mesostruma loweryi

Identification
Mesostruma loweryi can be diagnosed by the presence of rounded pronotal corners, scattered, shallow foveolate punctures on the dorsum of the mesosoma and a relatively narrow head (CI < 88).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  loweryi. Mesostruma loweryi Taylor, 1973: 35, pl. 4 (w.) AUSTRALIA. See also: Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 52.

Holotype and paratype workers, AUSTRALIA: South Australia, Willaston, near Gawler, viii.1969 (B. B. Lowery) [examined by Shattuck, 2000].

Taylor (1991) reported on a specimen collected from Geraldton, Western Australia which he placed in an undescribed taxon, Mesostruma sp. no. 1 (ANIC). This specimen compares well with the types of M. loweryi and it is here considered to belong to this species. It should be noted that the collection site of this specimen and the only other known site of this species, the type locality, are separated by some 2300 km, the former being from western Western Australia and the latter from south-eastern South Australia. While this might suggest that these specimens are not conspecific, a similar distribution pattern is known for M. eccentrica, giving support to the proposed placement.

Description
WORKER. TL 3.6, HL 0.82 - 0.83, HW 0.71 - 0.72, CI 87, ML 0.31 - 0.32, MI 38 - 39, SL 0.47 - 0.49, SI 66 - 68, PW 0.47 - 0.48, AL 0.90 - 0.91 (2 measured). Head relatively narrow (CI < 88). In dorsal view the anterolateral corners of pronotum rounded. Dorsum of mesosoma with scattered, shallow foveolate punctures which are spaced more than their width apart, and with the area between the punctures smooth and lacking sculpturing. Propodeal lamellae with the dorsal and posterior margins flat, the angles between these margins approximately 90 degrees. Sculpturing on the metaplerual gland bulb consisting of weak rugae over a punctate background. Lateral surfaces of postpetiole with well developed wings. First gastral segment immediately posterior of the postpetiole with short, ill-defined rugae. Body colour yellow-red with light infuscation on the dorsum of the head, lateral mesonotum and on the first gastral tergite.