20. Metapone salomonis sp.n.

(Figs 106–110)

Type locality. SOLOMON ISLANDS: SAN CRISTOBAL: Wainoni Bay [10°68′S, 162°00′E].

Type deposition. ANIC (Type No. 32-069959).

Distribution, material examined. Solomon islands: san Cristobal (= Makira): Wainoni Bay, in flight, noon (P.J.M. Greenslade, 21;7;1965).

Gyne diagnosis. General and diagnostic features, sculpturation, pilosity and colour as illustrated and in the key to Melanesian and Pacific species above. Clypeus anteriorly rostrate, lateral margins of its posterior section converging anteriorly and indented on each side at the base of the narrower rostrum, anterior border concave, edentate, anterolateral corners in frontal view slightly raised, acute, almost right-angled, apices narrowly rounded. Subpetiolar angle in profile strongly obtuse, rounding to the subpetiolar edge, subpetiolar extension relatively very small, subsemicircular with tapered anterior border.

Dimensions: TL: (estimated) ca. 5.5–6mm; HL: 1.27, HW: 0.87, CpL: 0.46, CpI: 36, MSL: 1.97, PetL: 0.52, PetW: 0.43, PetH: 0.65. TL measurement is estimated (compare proportions of other species) because the specimen has lost its gaster.