Key to Australian Mayriella Species

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The following key to Australian Mayriella is based on Shattuck and Barnett (2007)[1] and Shattuck (2007)[2].

1

  • In dorsal view, anterior region of outer margin of postpetiole expanded laterally compared to posterior regions so its overall outline is trapezoidal => 2

(Leads to: Mayriella ebbei, Mayriella spinosior)

  • In dorsal view, outer margins of postpetiole approximately the same width anteriorly as posteriorly so its overall outline is cylindrical or slightly barrel-shaped => 3

(Leads to: Mayriella abstinens, Mayriella occidua, Mayriella overbecki)

2

  • Dorsum of postpetiole with more than four erect hairs and dorsum of gaster with numerous erect hairs; dorsum of petiole in lateral profile uniformly convex and without distinct, separate dorsal and posterior faces => Mayriella ebbei
  • Dorsum of postpetiole with at most four erect hairs and dorsum of gaster generally lacking erect hairs (rarely hairs present); dorsum of petiole in lateral profile angular and with distinct, separate dorsal and posterior faces => Mayriella spinosior

3

  • Sculpturing in posterior section of antennal scrobe at most weakly developed and always indistinct; sculpturing on dorsal mesosoma consisting of small, widely spaced pits (separated by greater than their diameter) => Mayriella overbecki
  • Sculpturing in posterior section of antennal scrobe well developed and distinct; sculpturing on dorsal surface of mesosoma consisting of large, closely spaced pits (separated by less than their diameter) => 4

(Leads to: Mayriella abstinens, Mayriella occidua)

4

  • Dorsum of petiole in lateral profile strongly angular, the dorsal and posterior faces indistinguishable => Mayriella abstinens
  • Dorsum of petiole in lateral profile with an obtuse angle, the dorsal and posterior faces separated by an angle => Mayriella occidua

References

  1. Shattuck, S. O., Barnett, N. J. (2007). Revision of the ant genus Mayriella. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 80:437–458.
  2. Shattuck, S. O. (2007). New species of Myrmicine ants from Western Australia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa 1661:47–53.