Dolichoderus gordoni sp. n.

(Fig. 12)

Types. Holotype worker from Fletcher, 28°46'S 151°51'E, Queensland, E. Sutton (ANIC, ANIC32-066637); 18 paratype workers, same data as holotype except ANIC32- 061389 (15 in ANIC, 3 in MCZC).

Diagnosis. Pronotum and propodeum with elongate spines; the short pronotal spines are directed anteriorly and approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, in dorsal view a line drawn between their tips intersects the pronotal collar; the first gastral tergite generally lacking hairs, but with a few scattered, very small appressed hairs.

This species is most similar to D. etus and D. doriae . They differ in that D. gordoni lacks fine pubescence on the first gastral tergite but has a few scattered, very small appressed hairs. In addition, the overall colour of the body is a lighter red-brown, rather than a dark brown-black. Additionally, variation in pronotal spine length is displayed between D. gordoni and D. etus . Dolichoderus gordoni appears to have shorter, straighter pronotal spines, whereas D. etus has long spines with a distinct curve near the base of the spine. Spine length between D. gordoni and D. doriae appear similar.

Worker description. See Fig. 12. All available material is similar to the figured individual.

Measurements (n=5). CI 99–100; EI 17–19; EL 0.27–0.31; HL 1.60–1.66; HW 1.59–1.64; ML 2.46–2.61; MTL –1.75–1.71; PronI 67.30–71.06; PronW 1.07–1.15; SI 103–108; SL 1.64–1.77.

Comments. This species is known from a single collection from a forested area of extreme south-eastern Queensland. Nothing is known concerning its biology.