Epopostruma infuscocephala

Most collections of E. infuscocephala have come from extreme south-eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales, with a single collection from central New South Wales at Bogan River. Habitats where it has been found include dry sclerophyll, sandstone scrub and scribbly gum, Eucalyptus maculata forest, dry sclerophyll near the ocean and a valley just below sandstone cliffs. Workers and nests have been encountered under rocks and small stones and in hard white clay. They have twice been found nesting under rocks with a common, similarly coloured Meranoplus species, a species which they mimic in colour.

Identification
This species is most similar to Epopostruma angulata and Epopostruma kangarooensis but differs in having the dorsal surface of the head infuscated reddish-brown and notably darker in color than the more lightly coloured pronotum. This species are also allopatric, E. infuscocephala occurring in Queensland and New South Wales while E. angulata and E. kangarooensis are known only from South Australia.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  infuscocephala. Epopostruma infuscocephala Shattuck, in Bolton, 2000: 63 (w.q.) AUSTRALIA.

Description
In full face view the lateral margin of the head between the eye and the posterior corner divided by an angle. Pronotal spines present, narrowly triangular. Posterior section of metanotum in approximately the same plane as the dorsal face of propodeum, the junction of these plates a shallow depression. Posterior face of propodeum between bases of spines and propodeal lobes with flanges. Petiolar spines present, distinct. Anterior face of postpetiole similar in length to or shorter than the dorsal and posterior faces; sides of postpetiole approximately vertical and rounding gradually from dorsal to posterior surfaces; in dorsal view the posterolateral corners forming a thin, angular flange; Dorsum of petiole, postpetiole and gaster with numerous erect hairs, most with bent tips (especially on postpetiole and gaster). First gastral tergite distinctly sculptured and with a matte appearance, sculpturing consisting of scattered rugae over an indistinct background. Body colour dark yellow-red, with the dorsal surface of head infuscated reddish-brown and notably darker in color than the more lightly coloured pronotum; gaster generally lighter, yellow-red.

Measurements

Holotype worker. TL 3.9mm, HL 0.91mm, HW 0.86mm, CI 95, MandL 0.44mm, MandI 48, SL 0.53mm, SI 62, PronW 0.56mm, ML 1.01mm.