Meranoplus beatoni

Known from the holotype worker. The specimen was collected via Berlese funnel sampling of rainforest litter.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  beatoni. Meranoplus beatoni Taylor, 2006: 23, figs. 5  8 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
HW 0.80; HWE 0.88; HL 0.73; CI 109; EL 0.19; OI 23; SL 0.53; SI 66; PSW 1.00; PSL 0.77; PSI 130; GW 0.94.

Essentially a smaller version of Meranoplus hirsutus, with a much less well-developed and peripherally elaborated promesonotal shield. General characteristics otherwise as in M. hirsutus, notably the structure and sculpturation of the petiole and postpetiole, which are relatively less massive in M. beatoni Promesonotal shield differences as illustrated, with all major homologous structures, marginal extensions, fenestrae etc., readily identifiable. Sculpturing of head and promesonotal shield similar, but less reticulate in M. beatoni, with fewer transverse elements between the longitudinal ribs. Gastral dorsum in both species very superficially sculptured and shining; the hairpits more distinct in M. hirsutus. Strongly hirsute, the hairs somewhat relatively short and slightly less abundant than in M. hirsutus. Bicoloured much as in M. hirsutus, but the ground colour darker and the gaster less brightly differentiated.

Type Material
Known only from the unique holotype, worker. Australia: N.E. Queensland: McDowell Range, 17 km N of Daintree, 16° 06' S,145° 20' E, 27.XI.1985, leg. G. Monteith, ex Berlese funnel sample, sieved rainforest litter (: holotype – No. 32-029200).

Etymology
Named for my long-time friend and colleague Colin D. Beaton. Together we published the first-ever SEMicrographs used for formal illustrations in insect taxonomy (TAYLOR & BEATON 1970), subsequently producing many more (those here probably the last, following the progress of digital photographic technology). We recently together developed the inexpensive EFI equipment used for the first time to illustrate this paper.