Mesostruma exolympica

This is one of the most commonly collected species in the genus.

Identification
This species can be recognised by the combination of the form of sculpturing on the dorsum of the mesosoma, the relatively broad head and narrow pronotum, and the configuration of the propodeal lamellae.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  exolympica. Mesostruma exolympica Taylor, 1973: 35, pl. 6 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA. See also: Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 50.

Worker
Shattuck (2000) - TL 3.3 - 4.2, HL 0.70 - 0.86, HW 0.65 - 0.82, CI 92 - 96, ML 0.30 - 0.35, MI 41 - 46, SL 0.43 - 0.48, SI 59 - 64, PW 0.44 - 0.58, AL 0.79 - 1.00. Head relatively broad (CI > 90), its posterior margin shallowly concave. Pronotum relatively narrow (about 0.58-0.62 times mesosoma length), in dorsal view its anterolateral corners rounded. Dorsum of mesosoma with scattered, shallow foveolate punctures which are spaced more than their width apart, the area between the punctures smooth and lacking sculpturing. Propodeal lamellae with the dorsal margins flat to weakly concave, the posterior margins strongly concave, the angles between these margins acute, less than 90 degrees. Sculpturing on the metapleural gland bulb consisting of a mosaic of indistinct rugae, punctures and small smooth areas. Postpetiole expanded laterally and wing-like. First gastral segment immediately posterior of the postpetiole with short, indistinct rugae. Body yellow-red to red-brown, appendages slightly lighter, gaster with a dark band across the posterior section of the first tergite (more obvious in lightly coloured individuals, less distinct in darker individuals).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Taylor R. W. 1973. Ants of the Australian genus Mesostruma Brown (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 12: 24-38.
 * Taylor R. W. 1991. Nomenclature and distribution of some Australasian ants of the Myrmicinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 30: 599-614.
 * Taylor R. W., and D. R. Brown. 1985. Formicoidea. Zoological Catalogue of Australia 2: 1-149.