Eldermyrmex Shattuck, 2011

Heterick, Brian E. & Shattuck, Steve, 2011, Revision of the ant genus Iridomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) 2845, Zootaxa 2845 (1), pp. 1-174 : 170

Eldermyrmex Shattuck gen. n.

Type species. Iridomyrmex oblongiceps Wheeler, W.M., 1915b: 93 .

Diagnosis. Head subrectangular with eyes low and lateral on head capsule (reminiscent of Tapinoma ), propodeum low, with a longitudinal ridge separating the dorsal and lateral surfaces, and petiole with a low, broad coneshaped node. This combination of characters will separate this genus from others within this subfamily.

Description. As for the single known species, E. oblongiceps , see Wheeler (1915b: 93).

Comments. It is curious that Wheeler (1915b) did not establish a new genus for this species. He comments that the only known species “does not seem to be a typical Iridomyrmex , but I know of no other genus to which it can be assigned”. His hesitation was based on the observed differences between this and other species not being “very prominent”. However, the shape of the head and placement of the eyes, combined with the shape of the propodeum and petiole are unique and set this species apart from those of other genera. It is clear this species does not belong in Iridomyrmex or any other described genus, and therefore it is here treated as belonging to a monotypic new genus.