Melophorus perthensis

This subspecies is common in the sandy portions of King's Park, Perth, which may be regarded as the type-locality. Like most other species of Melophorus it makes flat, excentric crater nests. (Wheeler 1934)

Identification
The worker major of the subspecies aesopus Forel from Central Australia differs from that of perthensis in not having the scapes reaching beyond the posterior border of the head, the eyes are nearer the middle of the sides and the gaster is less metallic. (Wheeler 1934)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  perthensis. Melophorus turneri subsp. perthensis Wheeler, W.M. 1934d: 152 (s.w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
minor Length 3-3.5 mm.

Very similar to the worker major but the smaller head is proportionally narrower, being about one-fourth broader than long. Antennal scapes extending nearly half their length beyond its posterior border. Promesonotum less, base of epinatum more convex, the latter longer in proportion to the declivity. Petiolar scale decidedly thicker, lower and blunter, scarcely produced at the summit, which is impressed but not emarginate.

Sculpture and pilosity as in the worker major; head, thorax and petiole, darker and more brown, as are also the appendages.

major Length 4.5-5 mm.

Very similar to the subspecies Melophorus turneri candidus from Victoria but somewhat larger, with mandibles more strongly bent at the base, antennal scapes extending somewhat more than twice their greatest diameter beyond the posterior border of the head and the clypeal border more produced in the middle and not emarginate. Petiolar scale prolonged and narrowed upward, with distinctly emarginate superior border. Epinotal base and declivity forming a distinct obtuse angle in profile, the former convex: and little more than half as long as the straight, sloping declivity. Pilosity much less developed than in candidus, absent on thorax and petiole and very short and sparse on the legs, the tibiae with a row of four or five bristles on their flexor surface-so Head, thorax, petiole, coxae and antennae ,brownish red or reddish brown, legs brighter yellow or less reddish than in candidus. Gaster with metallic blue-green reflections which are quite as vivid as in the typical turneri, posterior edges of segments yellowish.

Type Material
Several specimens taken by Mr. Glauert on Rottnest Island in December, 1931.