Myrmecorhynchus nitidus

This is the least common species of Myrmecorhyncus, being known from only a handful of specimens from the vicinities of Melbourne and Canberra. Essentially nothing is known concerning the biology of this species.

Identification
Mesosomal dorsum with at most a few scattered erect hairs, legs with appressed pubescence but lacking erect hairs; extensive yellow on clypeus covering at least 1/3 of surface; mandibles completely yellow (except dark teeth); propodeum relatively low and flat and metapleural groove very shallow when compared to Myrmecorhynchus carteri.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  nitidus. Myrmecorhynchus nitidus Clark, 1934b: 44, pl. 3, figs. 13-16 (s.w.q.m.) AUSTRALIA.

Taxonomic Notes
Morphologically this species is similar to M. carteri, differing in colour pattern and the shape of the metanotal groove and propodeum. While colour pattern shows considerable variation in Myrmecorhynchus emeryi, this does not seem to be the case here. All known specimens show either the M. carteri or M. nitidus patterns with no intermediate individuals being found. Thus colour suggests that these two taxa are distinct. The shape of the metanotal groove and propodeum also support this conclusion. All known specimens of M. nitidus have the propodeum lower and more angular dorsally compared to M. carteri workers, resulting in the metanotal groove being less distinct and flatter. As with colour, all specimens show one or the other pattern with intermediate forms unknown. Combined, these characters suggest that two separate taxa are involved rather than a single variable species.