Epopostruma curiosa

This species is one of the most morphologically distinctive in the genus. Unfortunately nothing is known of its biology.

Identification
This species stands out from all others in the genus. It is unique in lacking pronotal spines and erect hairs on the upper surfaces of the mesosoma, petiole, postpetiole and gaster, the elongate, cone-shaped eyes and the enlarged petiole.

Identification Keys including this Taxon

 * Key to Epopostruma Species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  curiosa. Epopostruma curiosa Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 59, figs. 61, 73, 88 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
In full face view the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner a broad convexity. Eyes projecting laterally away from the head in a blunt cone. Pronotal spines absent. Posterior section of metanotum and dorsal surface of the propodeum forming a continuous surface. Posterior face of propodeum between bases of spines and propodeal lobes with broad flanges. Petiole greatly enlarged, lacking spines, postpetiole unusually small. Anterior face of postpetiole short and merging into the dorsal face; sides of postpetiole expanded laterally in the form of thin, solid wings, their outer margins convex; posterolateral margin of postpetiole (immediately anterior of gaster) flat. Dorsum of petiole, postpetiole and gaster lacking erect hairs. First gastral tergite smooth; gaster immediately behind attachment with gaster with short, longitudinal rugae. Body colour yellow-red, propodeal spines and flanges and petiole and postpetiole darker; gaster yellow with a dark central band.

Measurements

Holotype worker. TL 3.4mm, HL 0.74mm, HW 0.65mm, CI 88, MandL 0.43mm, MandI 58, SL 0.44mm, SI 68, PronW 0.44mm, ML 0.86mm.