Aphaenogaster barbara, Shattuck, S. O., 2008

Shattuck, S. O., 2008, Australian ants of the genus Aphaenogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Zootaxa 1677, pp. 25-45 : 28-29

Aphaenogaster barbara sp. n.

(Figs 1, 2, 21, 22, 24)

Types. Holotype worker, Australia, Queensland, 3km NE Mt. Webb, 15° 03S 145° 09E, 30 April-3 May, 1981, J. E. Feehan ( ANIC) ( ANIC 32-031017); paratype workers, 33 (same data as holotype) ( ANIC 32-001260) ( ANIC, MCZC, QMBA).

Diagnosis. Hairs on venter of head randomly distributed and not forming a distinct psammophore (Fig. 2); head relatively broad (Fig. 21), its posterior margin broadly arched in full face view (Fig. 1); scape relatively short (Fig. 22); erect hairs on mesosomal dorsum tapering to sharp points; propodeal spines long, the dorsal surfaces of propodeum and propodeal spines connected through a gentle concavity followed by a gentle convexity (so that the base of each spine is raised slightly above the dorsal surface of the propodeum) (Fig. 2). This species can be separated from the similar A. kimberleyensis by the broader head and shorter scapes (see that species for additional notes on separating these taxa).

Description. Posterior margin of head broadly arched in full face view, the arch beginning at the occipital collar and with at most a weak angle separating the posterior and lateral margins of the head (often posterior and lateral margins forming a continuous surface). Hairs on venter of head randomly distributed and not forming a distinct psammophore. Mandibular sculpture composed of regularly sized striations. Erect hairs on mesosomal dorsum tapering to sharp points. Propodeal spines long. Dorsal surfaces of propodeum and propodeal spines connected through a gentle concavity followed by a gentle convexity (so that the base of each spine is raised slightly above the dorsal surface of the propodeum). Petiolar node (in dorsal view) longer than broad.

Measurements. Worker (n = 12). CI 84-91; EI 17-20; EL 0.20-0.24; HL 1.22-1.51; HW 1.04-1.29; ML 1.82-2.17; MTL 1.23-1.62; SI 133-156; SL 1.55-1.82.

Material examined (in ANIC unless otherwise noted). Queensland: 10km E Mareeba (Lowery,B.B.); 12km N Collinsville (Lowery,B.B.); 14km W by N Hope Vale Mission (Feehan,J.E.); 15km S Eton (Lowery,B.B.); 15mi. W Mt. Garnet (Lowery,B.B.); 20km N Monto (Lowery,B.B.); 24mi. NE Clermont (Dowse,J.E.; Lowery,B.B.); 25km W Mt. Garnet (Lowery,B.B.); 30mi. N Tambo (Lowery,B.B.); 39mi. NNW Taroom; 50km S Mackay (Lowery,B.B.); 5km E Pentland (Lowery,B.B.); 8km E Woodstock (Greenslade,P.J.M.); Camel Ck. Stn (Harrington,S.A.); Emu Creek, Mareeba (Lowery,B.B.); Expedition Ra., 50km E Rolleston (Lowery,B.B.); Koah (Wheeler,W.M.); Mareeba, 3km along Davies Ck. Road (Lowery,B.B.); Mundubbera(Lowery,B.B.); vic. Mt. Garnet (Taylor,R.W.).

Comments. This is a fairly common and widely distributed Queensland species (Fig. 24) which had previously been confused with A. pythia . However, it differs significantly from A. pythia and there is little chance of confusing these two species. Aphaenogaster barbara occurs in drier forested habitats such as dry sclerophyll and savannah woodlands. Nests are typical for the genus with large funnel-shaped entrances.