taxonID	type	description	language	source
63B9157CFF7F392F2B2D75E635C06F6D.taxon	description	Worker description. Minor worker. Head. Head oval, square, cordate or rectangular, its posterior margin strongly convex to strongly concave. Compound eyes always present, usually medium to large (eye length generally 0.2 x length of side of head capsule ≥), rarely small. Eye shape elliptical across most species, often slightly reniform due to an invagination of cuticle on the outer margin of the eye, much more rarely ovoid, roughly circular or oval tending to elongate; in some populations of M. hirsutus eyes flattened and embedded in cuticular prominences when seen in full-face view, or projecting roundly or even bizarrely conical. In full-face view, eyes mostly situated in the upper half of the head capsule, rarely (mostly in very small minor workers) at about the midpoint of the capsule, but never anteriad of the midpoint. In profile, eyes usually placed ahead of the midline of the head capsule, less frequently at about the midline or fractionally in front of it, but never behind the midline. Three small ocelli always present. In full-face view, frontal carinae convex, concave, straight, convergent posteriad or divergent posteriad, sometimes raised (particularly near antennal insertion), vestigial beyond antennal insertions in a few taxa. Torulus (antennal sclerite) pedunculated in a couple of species but otherwise inconspicuous. Antenna always 12 - segmented. Scape very variable in length, but usually attaining the posterior margin of the head capsule, and often extending well beyond it. Clypeus never longitudinally carinate, or with pro truding clypeal teeth but otherwise variable in appearance. Posterior margin of clypeus mostly arched and falling away from its mid-sector (i. e., between the frontal carinae), but lateral sectors of clypeus on same plane as mid-sector in a few species. Anterior clypeal margin often convex, with or without an anteromedial dimple, but concave, acuminate, spatulate and variously protrusive clypeal morphologies also occur. The midpoint of the clypeus may be notched, especially in the aeneovirens species-group. A clypeal psammophore of long setae (or ammochaetae) stretched across that sclerite is found in all Melophorus species, and may be located at any elevation, from at or just above the anterior clypeal margin to just under the posterior clypeal margin. Mandibular and gular psammophores of long, curved setae also usually present. Mouthparts. Palp formula mostly 6,4, but 3,4 and 3,3 also occur, maxillary palps variable in length from not reaching the hypostomal bridge to attaining the mesopleuron when they are fully extended. Apical segment of maxillary palp usually oblongiform, but may be narrow and acuminate or even vestigial and barely visible under a stereomicroscope. Mandible most commonly with five distinct teeth, but number of teeth and denticles ranges from four to over 15, mandible edentate except for apical tooth in one species. In five-toothed species apical tooth is nearly always much longer than remaining teeth and teeth 2 and 4 are typically longer than tooth 3 (teeth count taken from apical to basal tooth), basal tooth often offset and directed vertically. Masticatory margin usually vertical or weakly oblique, but strongly oblique in a few species. Mesosoma. Spines or denticles always absent from pronotum and mesonotum, present on propodeum only in M. majeri. Posterior pronotum planar, rounded or angled. Mesothoracic spiracles often opening on small dorsal prominences, these prominences stalk-like in M. hirsutus. Mesopleural process absent. Mesopleuron folds over onto flattened mesosternum without being demarcated by strong carina. Dorsal face of propodeum may be uniformly convex to flat, abruptly conical, or convex anteriad and flattened posteriad. Propodeal angle commonly absent, but may be sharply defined and is produced as denticles in M. majeri. Declivitous face of propodeum convex to flat, longer to shorter than dorsal face. Metanotal groove usually present, forming a weak to strong angle between the mesonotum and propodeum, but is absent or vestigial in a few species. Propodeal spiracle of variable appearance, but always prominent and longer than wide, usually situated at or near propodeal declivity, but nearer to midline of propodeum in some species-groups and in individual species. Petiole. Node always present. In profile, node often squamiform, but may be thicker, e. g., subcuboidal or triangular, and is typically directed posteriad. In full-face view, dorsum of node generally rounded, more rarely angulate, weakly acuminate or indented anteromedially. Petiole with a ventral lobe or keel. Gaster. First tergite vertical and somewhat overarching the petiole in dorsal view, with a small depression for receiving the rear of the node: Legs. Mesotibia and metatibia with one simple spur in most species, spurs reduced or absent in a few groups. General characters. Integument variable, from thick and sculptured to thin, flexible and glossy in very small minor workers of some species, mesonotum may be translucent. Sculpture, where present, predominantly consisting of microreticulation or fine striation, frank rugosity or larger striae found in very few species. Mesopleuron usually with some sculpture, even in otherwise smooth and glossy species. Appressed setae often small, and well-spaced, thick in some species producing pubescence and a silvery sheen in some lights. Erect setae tend to be short and bristly, more rarely fine, long; setae modified and spatulate or even clavate distally in a few species. Many species without erect setae on mesosoma and gaster, or with erect setae confined to margins of gastral tergites. Proventriculus. Proventriculus asepalous.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
42E63B71086710682CF117D0DE1F0DB5.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Australian Capital Territory: Black Mountain (Barnett, N. J.), Black Mt., Site 1 (Barnett, N. J. [ANIC 32 - 029785]), Canberra (Lowery, B. B.), Capital Hill, Canberra (Lowery, B. B.), Lees Spring (Greaves, T.), Mt. Ainslie (Greaves, T.), Mt. Ainslie (Lowery, B. B.), Mt. Stromlo (Greaves, T.). New South Wales: 14 km SW Cootamundra (Lowery, B. B.), 2 mi S Mt Cambewarra (Lowery, B. B.), 8 km S Shooters Hill, 28 km S Oberon (Shattuck, S. O.), Barellan (Lowery, B. B.), Canobolas State Forest (Gush, T.), Condobolin (Lowery, B. B.), Cowan, Sydney (Lowery, B. B.), Fowlers Gap Research Station (Naumann, I. D. & Cardale, J. C.), Lane Cove, Burns Bay, Sydney (Lowery, B. B.), Maroota State Forest (Gush, T.), Memorial Drive, Armidale (Lowery, B. B.), Mudgee (Lowery, B. B.), Myall Lakes National Park (York, A.), near Deniliquin (Zakharov), near Deniliquin (Zakharov [ANIC 32 - 013875]), Newholme Road, near Armidale (Sakurai, Y.), Putty, 50 mi N Windsor (Lowery, B. B.), Pymble (Lowery, B. B.), Royal National Park (Gush, T.), Spring Range Park, 7.5 km NE Hall (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 053450]), The Gib, Bowral (Lowery, B. B.), The Rock Nature Reserve, about 20 mi SE Wagga Wagga (Lowery, B. B.), Tomago (Jackson, G. P. [ANIC 32 - 015239]), West of foothills, Tinderry Mountains (Lowery, B. B.), Whiporie, 55 km S Casino (York, A.). Queensland: 2 km N Charleville (Edwards, E. D. & Fisk, J. H.), Gregory Dev. Rd, Sardine Ck (Monteath & Cook), N. Stradbroke Is. Enterprise (QM Party), Toowoomba (Greaves, T.). South Australia: 10 km SW Meningie (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 13 km S Quorn, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km ENE Beltana (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 19 mi NW Port Lincoln (Greaves, T.), 22 mi E Eucla (Greaves, T.), 2 km S Ravine des Casoars, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 30 km E Poeppel Corner, Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 48 km E Minnipa (DEH Surv. 587 - KDO 014 [M 83]), 4 km S Salt Creek, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km W Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Adelaide (Lea), Alligator Creek, South Flinders Range (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Banff, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bridgewater (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bridgewater (Baker, G. F.), Calca (Lowery, B. B.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Ceduna (Lowery, B. B.), Ceduna (Casperson, K.), Cleland, Mt. Lofty Ranges (Yeatman, E.), Cockatoo, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cockatoo, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Glen Osmond (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kuitpo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mambray Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Messert Res., Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Napperby, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), North of Breakneck River, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), North of Breakneck River, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Para Wirra (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Scrubby Gully, Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Victor Harbour (Greenslade, P. J. M.), West Bay, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Victoria: Anglesea (Andersen, A. N. [JDM 32 - 001829]), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), Bendigo (McAreavey, J.), Big Desert (An dersen, A. N.), Bull Creek, Glenaladale National Park (Andersen, A. N.), Heathcote, near Bendigo, Mt. Ida (Lowery, B. B.), Kew (McAreavey, J.), Wangarratta (Bruce, W. A.), Watsonia (Lowery, B. B.), Wattle Park, Melbourne, Werribee (Lowery, B. B.). Western Australia: 14 km S of Billabong R / D House, Nth / West Coastal Hwy (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001495]), 24 mi ESE Broome (McInnes & Dowse [ANIC 32 - 900075]), 49 mi WSW Ravensthorpe (Greaves, T.), 4 km NW of Gleneagle (Heterick, B. E. & Jacobs, M. [JDM 32 - 001494]), 8 mi E Northcliffe (Taylor, R. W.), Albany (Greaves, T.), Alcoa (Wallace, J.), Bartons Mill (Majer, J. D.), Bartons Mill (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001521]), Black Swan Mine (Langlands, P. & Osbourne, J. [JDM 32 - 001496]), Bunbury (Lowery, B. B.), Canning Vale (Knowles, D. G. [JDM 32 - 001498]), Coalmine Beach, Nornalup National Park, Walpole (Lawrence, J. & N.), Coalmine Rd. (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001830]), Denmark (Lowery, B. B.), Dwellingup (Majer, J. D.), Dwellingup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001500]), Eneabba (Fox, J. [JDM 32 - 001533]), Goora Hill [Gora Hill ]] (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 052115]), Gora Hill (Greaves, T.), Harvey (Mercovich, C.), Jandakot (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001530]), Jandakot (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001529]), Jurien (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001532]), Kalamunda (Greaves, T.), Kalbarri National Park (Ward, P. S.), Kings Park, Perth (Lowery, B. B.), Kojonup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001512]), Manjimup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001509]), Melaleuca Grove, Thomas River (Greaves, T.), Mordalup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001531]), Mt. Clare, 4 mi W Walpole (Taylor, R. W.), Mt. Ragged, west foot (Taylor, R. W.), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029627]), Mundaring (Clark, J.), nr. Wungong Dam (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001493]), Perth (Clark, J.), Reabold Hill (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001534]), Red Hill (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001492]), Rottnest Is. (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001536]), Rottnest Island (Lea), Talyuberlup Picnic Area, Stirling Range National Park (Lawrence, J. & N.), Telegraph Hill, Esperance (Lowery, B. B.), Without Locality (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001535]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
42E63B71086710682CF117D0DE1F0DB5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus aeneovirens is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. aeneovirens the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the minor worker mesosoma is compact and is arcuate in outline. Melophorus aeneovirens can be distinguished from similar species by having, in profile, the clypeus distinctly recurved at about midpoint and produced over the mandible as a small ledge; in full-face view, the anterior margin of the major and minor worker clypeus forms a broadly convex, sometimes crenulate curve that does not protrude over apical the curve of mandible.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
42E63B71086710682CF117D0DE1F0DB5.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal margin entire or very weakly indented, or narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation or hollow; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of long, closely aligned, whitish, appressed setae, with erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts reddish-brown through red to dark crimson, legs dark brown, gaster blackish-brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
42E63B71086710682CF117D0DE1F0DB5.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head strongly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts reddish-brown through red to dark crimson, legs dark brown, gaster blackish-brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
42E63B71086710682CF117D0DE1F0DB5.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 91 - 115; EI 14 - 28; EL 0.19 - 0.34; HL 0.73 - 2.12; HW 0.67 - 2.44; ML 1.15 - 2.47; MTL 0.60 - 1.39; PpH 0.13 - 0.25; PpL 0.61 - 1.15; SI 67 - 142; SL 0.95 - 1.62.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6D893FF4D8C5DAE8B0C9FA343F6AA123.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus attenuipes is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). The Minor worker of this species is characterised as being very small (HW ≤ 0.50 mm), but it is the metafemur of the minor worker that is the best diagnostic charcter. This body part is attenuated to the midpoint and thereafter is of uniform width until its junction with the tibia (the media worker has a similar metafemur, but the attenuation is more gradual and less conspicuous). The head of the minor worker rather elongate and very strongly domed. The major worker can best be identified by the flattened anteromedial sector of its clypeus, this sector not extending beyond the lateral flanks of the clypeus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6D893FF4D8C5DAE8B0C9FA343F6AA123.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocu lar triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of head and foreparts tan, gaster chocolate, coxae and femora brown, tibia and tarsi mainly depigmented yellowish.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6D893FF4D8C5DAE8B0C9FA343F6AA123.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with squared-off vertex; node matt, shagreenate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts and legs orange tan (head slightly more reddish), gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6D893FF4D8C5DAE8B0C9FA343F6AA123.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 3): CI 80 - 114; EI 20 - 32; EL 0.15 - 0.31; HL 0.56 - 1.37; HW 0.45 - 1.57; ML 0.74 - 1.69; MTL 0.53 - 1.10; PpH 0.09 - 0.18; PpL 0.42 - 0.72; SI 79 - 156; SL 0.70 - 1.24.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6D893FF4D8C5DAE8B0C9FA343F6AA123.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Latin ad (' towards') plus tenuis (' thin') and Greek pes (pl. of pous ' foot'); adjective in nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
757599F4514E40317AC19E219F6C2C2D.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), Billabong W Salty Bore, Cravens Peak Station (Lemann, C. [ANIC 32 - 035406]). South Australia: Black Oak Creek, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900004]). Western Australia: 0.9 km along Tanami Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 202]), Geraldton (Clark, J. [ANIC 32 - 900002]), Mumbemarra Hill (10 km E of Geraldton) (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001986]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
757599F4514E40317AC19E219F6C2C2D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus canus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). This particular species is distinctive because the main teeth of the mandible are supplemented with small or indistinct denticles, the total number of teeth and denticles ≥ six. Also, in full-face view, the head of the minor worker is indented below the eye, giving a bell-shaped appearance to the head capsule. This latter character is shared only with M. griseus, which, however has the typical unmodified Melophorus mandible. The species has a very dull, shaggy appearance, the workers being matt, shagreenate, and with very many long, flexuous setae over silvery pubescence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
757599F4514E40317AC19E219F6C2C2D.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval, sides of head divergent towards mandibular articulations; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of many long, curved, semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae of varying lengths that form a coarse pubescence. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex, or straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion, or curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly protrusive anteromedially, the protrusion with a square border; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker consisting of four distinct apical teeth with the basal denticle separated by one to several minute denticles or crenulations; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 3: 2 and 4: 3; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour brown or black (concolorous or bicoloured).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
757599F4514E40317AC19E219F6C2C2D.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; pilosity of frons a mixture of many long, curved, semi-erect setae over well-spaced short semi-erect, decumbent and appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker consisting of four distinct apical teeth with the basal denticles separated by one to several minute denticles or crenulations; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 3: 2 and 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour dark reddish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
757599F4514E40317AC19E219F6C2C2D.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 87 - 111; EI 21 - 43; EL 0.31 - 0.41; HL 0.83 - 1.72; HW 0.72 - 1.91; ML 1.29 - 1.93; MTL 0.77 - 1.00; PpH 0.16 - 0.22; PpL 0.51 - 0.80; SI 57 - 137; SL 0.98 - 1.08.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
757599F4514E40317AC19E219F6C2C2D.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin canus (' grey' or ' hoary'); adjective in nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F05A9A46494D0F3C6FB86AF26AC2E7FD.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bogan River (Armstrong, J.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.). Northern Territory: Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Melville Island (Hoffmann, B.). Queensland: 42 mi NW Julia Creek (Dowse, J. E.), 4 mi ESE Toobeah (Greaves, T.). South Australia: 2.8 km NNW Four Hills Trig. Peake Stn (Stony Desert Survey UB 02 [M 90]), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 001499]), 10 mi NNW Gordon Downs Homestead (McInnes & Dowse [ANIC 32 - 900085]), 11 km W Terhan Water Hole (Heatwole, H.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F05A9A46494D0F3C6FB86AF26AC2E7FD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus castaneus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. castaneus the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the mesosoma of the minor worker tends to linear in orientation, its dorsal outline straight or describing a weak arc (the mesosternal outline and the dorsum of the mesonotum being weakly convergent to subparallel anteriorly). The minor worker of Melophorus castaneus can readily be distinguished from its nearest relatives (M. clypeatus, M. praesens and M. rufoniger) by the uniformly rounded appearance of the vertex of the head when seen in full-face view, and by the uniformly convex propodeum. The major worker is less distinctive, but generally has the rounded propodeum seen in the minor worker, wheareas the M. praesens major worker propodeum is more sloping. The major worker clypeus also lacks the well-developed medial flange found in the major worker of M. rufoniger and is smaller (HW of the former has a HW of ≤ 2.10 mm versus> 3 mm in M. rufoniger). The major worker of M. clypeatus also has a more protrusive clypeal flange than does the major worker of M. castaneus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F05A9A46494D0F3C6FB86AF26AC2E7FD.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence, or short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node rectangular, its vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts and appendages brown, gaster dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F05A9A46494D0F3C6FB86AF26AC2E7FD.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae interspersed with minute, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of head and legs reddish-tan, mesosoma brownish-orange, gaster black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F05A9A46494D0F3C6FB86AF26AC2E7FD.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 84 - 111; EI 18 - 26; EL 0.21 - 0.37; HL 0.95 - 1.88; HW 0.79 - 2.08; ML 1.41 - 2.25; MTL 0.83 - 1.41; PpH 0.13 - 0.27; PpL 0.63 - 0.93; SI 77 - 147; SL 1.16 - 1.60	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F05A9A46494D0F3C6FB86AF26AC2E7FD.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin castaneus (' chestnut' [i. e., coloured]); adjective in nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F5FAC256DE3443A3873E8EE8C4B5B03A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus clypeatus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. clypeatus the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the minor worker mesosoma In profile, the mesosoma of the minor worker tends to linear in orientation, its dorsal outline straight or describing a weak arc (the mesosternal outline and the dorsum of the mesonotum being weakly convergent to subparallel anteriorly. Melophorus clypeatus can be distinguished from from the (likely closely related) M. praesens by the narrow, rectangular, flanged appearance of the anteromedial margin of the clypeus in both major and minor workers, the flange having a straight or weakly indented edge.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F5FAC256DE3443A3873E8EE8C4B5B03A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly protrusive anteromedially, the protrusion with a square border; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour tan, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F5FAC256DE3443A3873E8EE8C4B5B03A.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex, or tapered with squared-off vertex; node matt, shagreenate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae interspersed with minute, appressed setae. General characters. Colour tan, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F5FAC256DE3443A3873E8EE8C4B5B03A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 93 - 108; EI 16 - 25; EL 0.23 - 0.37; HL 0.96 - 2.09; HW 0.89 - 2.26; ML 1.52 - 2.27; MTL 0.89 - 1.31; PpH 0.13 - 0.20; PpL 0.71 - 1.10; SI 73 - 149; SL 1.33 - 1.65.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F5FAC256DE3443A3873E8EE8C4B5B03A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin clypeus (' armed with a shield' [referring to the prominent clypeus]); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
56064A349C65D0E9C0553719C405CAFA.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km W Hillston (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900023]), Armidale (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900016]), Armidale, west of golf course (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900015]), Bogan River (Armstrong, J. [ANIC 32 - 900017]), Bourke (Barrett, C. L. [ANIC 32 - 900018]), Emmett Vale (Valentine [ANIC 32 - 900020]), Hay (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900021]), Hillston, The Common (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900022]), Lachlan River, Condobolin (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900019]), Mungindi (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900024]), Round Mountain (NE NSW) (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900025]), Whiporie, 55 km S Casino (York, A. [ANIC 32 - 900026]). Northern Territory: CSIRO TERC, Darwin (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 047317]), Hills, 27 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900009]), Kapalga, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900007]), Kapalga, Kakadu National Park (Andersen, A. N. [ANIC 32 - 900008]), Manbullo I., SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900010]). Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), ' Paingo' turnoff (Monteath & Cook), ' Wallaroo' Hwy; 6 km WNW (Burwell / Monteath), 33 mi SSW Tara (Dowse, J. E. [ANIC 32 - 900014]), Blackwood NP (Monteath & Cook), Blair Athol Mine (Houston, W. [ANIC 32 - 040330]), Corry HS, 2 km SW, Retro-Corry Rd (Burwell), Fanning R Hmstd, 3.3 km SE (Monteith & Cook), Illaweena St. Drewvale (QM Party), Koondooloo, Hannaford Rd North via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.), Lizard Island (Reichel, H. [ANIC 32 - 900011]), Lolworth NP (Wright, S.), Lords Table (Burwell), Moolayember Ck NP (Wright / Burwell), Moolayember Ck NP (Wright / Burwell), Moolayember Ck NP (Wright / Burwell), Mt Castor, 0.5 km W (Burwell / Monteath), Mt Pollux, SW base (Burwell, C.), Mt Pollux, SW base (Burwell, C.), N. Stradbroke Is. Enterprise (QM Party), Proserpine, Thompson Creek (Raven & Burwell), Ransome Reserve (QM Party), Redlands Hilliards Ck, nr South St (RHC 1) (Stanisic, J.), Redlands Hilliards Ck, nr South St (RHC 1) (BAAM / QM Party), St George (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900013]), St George (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900012]), Springsure, 16 km N (Monteath, G.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.), Wolfgang Peak (Burwell, C. J. / Monteath, G.). Victoria: Patho (Potter, H. A. [ANIC 32 - 900027]), Patho (Potter, H. A. [ANIC 32 - 039539]). Western Australia: Argyle Diamond Mine via Kununurra (Postle, A. [JDM 32 - 004540]), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029573]), Packsaddle (van Leeuwen, S. [JDM 32 - 004542]), Pilbara locality unknown (Unknown [JDM 32 - 004539]), Tropicana minesite (Summerhayes, J. [JDM 32 - 004541]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
56064A349C65D0E9C0553719C405CAFA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus curtus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. curtus the tibiae possess fine, appressed pubescence in addition to stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae This species differs from M. sulconotus in the appearance of the mesosoma, which, in profile, has a pronotum and mesonotum that are weakly to strongly convex in the minor worker, The antennal scapes and tibiae lack bristly erect and semi-erect setae, and short, erect setae are normally sparse on dorsum of mesosoma. The head of the minor worker is oval or squared and the frontal triangle is triangular in appearance. This combination of characters separates M. curtus from M. gibbosus and M. griseus, which share the pilosity pattern seen on the metatibae in M. curtus. Both M. griseus and M. gibbosus have erect setae on the antennal scape and the tibiae. The major worker of M. curtus can also be distinguished from that of M. gibbosus (the major worker of M. griseus is unknown) by its partially shagreenate frons, the frons being microreticulate in the M. gibbosus major worker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
56064A349C65D0E9C0553719C405CAFA.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting almost completely of appressed setae that may form pubescence (tiny, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal margin entire or very weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae, or consisting of long, closely aligned, whitish, appressed setae, with erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour brown, gaster slightly darker in some workers.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
56064A349C65D0E9C0553719C405CAFA.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilos ity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange-red, gaster brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
56064A349C65D0E9C0553719C405CAFA.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 87 - 109; EI 15 - 31; EL 0.18 - 0.40; HL 0.68 - 2.40; HW 0.59 - 2.62; ML 0.94 - 2.81; MTL 0.57 - 1.81; PpH 0.11 - 0.35; PpL 0.49 - 1.23; SI 72 - 149; SL 0.88 - 1.90.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8DC34006EE6B9D9B5F8F9ADE4FFE2AB7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus fulgidus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). Melophorus fulgidus is not particularly distinctive, but can be identified in having, in full-face view, the eyes of the minor worker placed high on the head and breaking the outline of head capsule where the broadly convex posterior margin of the head meets the sides. Unlike most membes of the species-complex, both major and minor worker are glabrous, smooth and shining, with the appressed setae spaced much greater than their own length apart. In profile, the major worker has a flat mesonotum that overarches the pronotum, and, in full-face view, a protruding, weakly bifurcate anteromedial clypeal margin. This combination of characters separate M. fulgidus from other Melophorus in its species-complex, but careful checking is required. The species appears to be very localised in the Flinders Ranges in mid-north South Australia.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8DC34006EE6B9D9B5F8F9ADE4FFE2AB7.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly protrusive anteromedially, the protrusion with a square border; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and uniformly striolate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8DC34006EE6B9D9B5F8F9ADE4FFE2AB7.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum overlapping pronotum, planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of head orange, remainder of body brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8DC34006EE6B9D9B5F8F9ADE4FFE2AB7.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 94 - 109; EI 19 - 29; EL 0.26 - 0.36; HL 0.94 - 1.75; HW 0.88 - 1.90; ML 1.54 - 2.18; MTL 1 / 03 - 1.37; PpH 0.15 - 0.20; PpL 0.69 - 0.90; SI 85 - 152; SL 1.34 - 1.61.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8DC34006EE6B9D9B5F8F9ADE4FFE2AB7.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin fulgidus (' gleaming'); participle in nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
58780454A7AA199DC3CAA3550E936C84.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), Proserpine, Deadman Creek (Raven, R.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.). South Australia: Mt. Remarkable, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900072]), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: Queen Victoria Spring (CALM [JDM 32 - 001570]), Westonia (Harris, R. et. al. [JDM 32 - 001569]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
58780454A7AA199DC3CAA3550E936C84.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus gibbosus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. gibbosus the tibiae possess fine, appressed pubescence in addition to stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae. Unlike its near relative, M. griseus, the frontal carinae of the worker are not raised or laminate at the edges; the frontal triangle is triangular in appearance and the sides of the head of minor worker are not divergent below eyes. In profile, the pronotum and mesonotum form a strong convexity, and this is very distinctive of the ant. The major worker also has a uniformly microreticulate head.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
58780454A7AA199DC3CAA3550E936C84.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eye more-or-less circular. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile prono tum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour concolorous brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
58780454A7AA199DC3CAA3550E936C84.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head oval; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour brown, head and gaster darker than mesosoma.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
58780454A7AA199DC3CAA3550E936C84.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 95 - 107; E 18 - 27 I; EL 0.21 - 0.27; HL 0.81 - 1.42; HW 0.77 - 1.52; ML 1.14 - 1.62; MTL 0.65 - 0.93; PpH 0.13 - 0.23; PpL 0.49 - 0.73; SI 77 - 121; SL 0.93 - 1.18.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
58780454A7AA199DC3CAA3550E936C84.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Late Latin gibbosus (' humpbacked'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4E0D8DD3535037838DDA6E9DE40BBC5B.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Gibb River Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E., B. E. [M 217 / M 218]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4E0D8DD3535037838DDA6E9DE40BBC5B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus griseus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. griseus the tibiae possess fine, appressed pubescence in addition to stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae Melophorus griseus differs from M. curtus by the features mentioned above. The Frontal carinae of the minor worker is raised and laminate at the edges, the frontal triangle is narrowly semi-oval, the sides of head are concave below eyes, giving it a bell-shaped appearance and, in profile, the in profile, pronotum and mesonotum form a gentle curve. These features separate it from its likely nearest relative, M. gibbosus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4E0D8DD3535037838DDA6E9DE40BBC5B.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval, sides of head divergent towards mandibular articulations; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight, elevated. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation or hollow; node matt with indistinct microsculpture. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour brown, gaster slightly darker than foreparts.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4E0D8DD3535037838DDA6E9DE40BBC5B.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 1): CI 91; EI 23; EL 0.23; HL 1.10; HW 1.01; ML 1.58; MTL 1; PpH 0.166; PpL 0.62; SI 136; SL 1.40.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4E0D8DD3535037838DDA6E9DE40BBC5B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin griseus (' gray'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7FD049204C7604D031B45FAAA6638BA2.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: Baroalba Spring (Taylor, R. W.), Western Australia: Augustus Island.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7FD049204C7604D031B45FAAA6638BA2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus kuklos is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. kuklos the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the minor worker mesosoma is compact and has an arcuate outline. Melophorus kuklos most closely resembles M. aeneovirens, but in the former, in profile, the clypeus is straight or weakly and broadly convex, and produced over the mandible as a very pronounced ledge. In full-face view, the anteromedial margin of the major and minor worker clypeus is produced as a narrow flange that is distinctly notched or even forked at its midpoint. Also, in contrast to M. aeneovirens, the dorsum of the minor worker mesosoma is strongly arcuate and almost elliptical.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7FD049204C7604D031B45FAAA6638BA2.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove generally shallow (NT) but may be more deeply impressed (WA), broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum uniformly flattened along an oblique trajectory; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7FD049204C7604D031B45FAAA6638BA2.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented, or narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour russet.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7FD049204C7604D031B45FAAA6638BA2.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 89 - 106; EI 16 - 29; EL 0.18 - 0.25; HL 0.69 - 1.48; HW 0.61 - 1.57; ML 1.02 - 1.74; MTL 0.54 - 0.87; PpH 0.12 - 0.17; PpL 0.52 - 0.87; SI 72 - 141; SL 0.86 - 1.14.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7FD049204C7604D031B45FAAA6638BA2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek kuklos (' circle', referring to the species' outline); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
71A3F0C32D00F2F2AAFC37CC2B0B3FA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus mullewaensis is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. mullewaensis the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the mesosoma of the minor worker tends to linear in orientation, its dorsal outline straight or describing a weak arc (the mesosternal outline and the dorsum of the mesonotum being weakly convergent to subparallel anteriorly). Only the (damaged) minor worker of Melophorus mullewaensis is known. This species can be distinguished from all others in its species-complex by its flattened, attenuated pronotum.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
71A3F0C32D00F2F2AAFC37CC2B0B3FA9.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex, frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its decliv ity greater than 2: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node rectangular, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster missing in two known specimens. General characters. Colour chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
71A3F0C32D00F2F2AAFC37CC2B0B3FA9.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 88; EI 25 - 28; EL 0.25 - 0.26; HL 1.05 - 1.18; HW 0.92 - 1.04; ML 1.91 - 2.01; MTL 1.13 - 1.21; PpH 0.17 - 0.14; PpL 0.80 - 0.87; SI 144 (one specimen); SL 1.49 (one specimen).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
71A3F0C32D00F2F2AAFC37CC2B0B3FA9.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality; third declension masculine suffix added to toponym to form an adjective.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6EC937147B369F34B58242F6A6A61E05.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km NE Mt Bryan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 49 km N Minnipa (DEH Surv. 507 - KDO- 013 [M 80 / M 106]), Brookfield Conservation Park (Shattuck, S. O.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Wudinna townsite (Heterick, B. E. [M 329]). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), ca. 15 km WNW Yaapeet, Wyperfeld National Park (Yen, A. H.), Murray Sunset Natl. Park, Millewa South Bore Track, 31.1 km S Shearers Quarters (Lambkin, C., Yeates, D., Starwick, N. & Recsei, J. [ANIC 32 - 043294]). Western Australia: Woolundra Rd. (NW of Doodlakine) (Abensperg-Traun, M. [JDM 32 - 001984]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6EC937147B369F34B58242F6A6A61E05.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus platyceps is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). Melophorus platyceps has a very flattened head, but can be separated from several other flat-headed Melophorus by its short maxillary palps which don't reach the neck, and, in particular, in its more-or-less linear mesosomal dorsum after a weak anterior pronotal incline (when seen in profile). These two features, in particular, distinguish it from the otherwise similar M. tenuis, which belongs to the same species-complex. The metanotal groove is vestigial in the minor worker and weakly impressed in media and major workers, and the anterior clypeal margin weakly convex.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6EC937147B369F34B58242F6A6A61E05.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons coriaceous; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter uniformly more-or-less flat with metanotal suture absent or vestigial; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and finely striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 2: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node weakly shining and faintly striolate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange or orange tan, gaster dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6EC937147B369F34B58242F6A6A61E05.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum overlapping pronotum, planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour as for minor worker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6EC937147B369F34B58242F6A6A61E05.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 84 - 115; EI 19 - 33; EL 0.20 - 0.29; HL 0.73 - 1.30; HW 0.62 - 1.50; ML 1.21 - 1.83; MTL 0.68 - 0.98; PpH 0.11 - 0.21; PpL 0.51 - 0.72; SI 77 - 156; SL 0.96 - 1.16	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6EC937147B369F34B58242F6A6A61E05.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Greek platys (' broad', ' flat') plus Latin - ceps (' - headed' [from caput]); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E26F7A7F23CF5E5C0DE1D4FA7FDC667.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Morton, S.). South Australia:, 3 minor workers (one broken in two) from Brookfield, South Australia, 29 October 1991, (Shattuck, s. [# 2506.6]); 10 km E Mt Ive HS, Gawler Ranges, South Australia, (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mt Serle Stn, 2.3 km SSE Moosha Bore (Flinders Ra surv REH 0501). Victoria: 6.3 km N Hattah (Yen, A. L. [M 109]). Western Australia: 8 km N Bullfinch (Heterick, B. E. [M 130 / M 131]), Theda / Doongan, North Kimberley (Cross, A.) [not on map], Derby (Dodd, W. D.), Kojonup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001474]), Pardoo Stn turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 266]), Tutanning, (Perth, A. [JDM 32 - 001480] [major worker - imaged, this work]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E26F7A7F23CF5E5C0DE1D4FA7FDC667.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus praesens is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. praesens the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the mesosoma of the minor worker tends to linear in orientation, its dorsal outline straight or describing a weak arc (the mesosternal outline and the dorsum of the mesonotum being weakly convergent to subparallel anteriorly). Melophorus praesens is almost identical to M. clypeatus but can be distinguished from that species by the less protrusive clypeus in both major and minor workers. Minor workers of Melophorus praesens can be distinguished from those of the similar M. castaneus by the asymmetrical appearance of the vertex and by the overlapping appressed setae on the gaster, and from minor workers of M. rufoniger by their smaller size (M. rufoniger HW of major worker> 3 mm, HW of minor worker> 1 mm; M. praesens HW of major worker ≤ 2.3 mm, HW of minor worker <1 mm) and the less protrusive medial sector of the clypeus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E26F7A7F23CF5E5C0DE1D4FA7FDC667.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of anten nal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles trian gular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped, or shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, long, whitish, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Two main colour forms: concolorous chocolate, and orange-tan with chocolate gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E26F7A7F23CF5E5C0DE1D4FA7FDC667.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum overlapping pronotum, planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence, or long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticu lation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of longish, closely aligned, appressed setae interspersed with short, bristly, erect setae (some distally flattened). General characters. Colour of foreparts tan or reddish chocolate, gaster brown to chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E26F7A7F23CF5E5C0DE1D4FA7FDC667.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 86 - 108; EI 17 - 28; EL 0.24 - 0.38; HL 0.99 - 2.13; HW 0.85 - 2.31; ML 1.63 - 2.65; MTL 0.97 - 1.60; PpH 0.18 - 0.25; PpL 0.78 - 1.31; SI 76 - 157; SL 1.34 - 1.76.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E26F7A7F23CF5E5C0DE1D4FA7FDC667.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin praesens (' at hand'); participle in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
531D2C4407842D1F19111E55F97913A0.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Australian Capital Territory: Black Mountain (Greaves, T.), Black Mountain (Greaves, T.), Black Mountain (Mercovich, C.), Mt. Pleasant (Lowery, B. B.). New South Wales: 12 mi WSW Boomi (Greaves, T.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bogan River (Armstrong, J.), Broken Hill (Lowery, B. B.), Callubri Station, 2 mi from homestead (Greaves, T.), Callubri Station, 2 mi from homestead (Greaves, T.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Elura Mine, Cobar (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap Research Station (Naumann, I. D. & Cardale, J. C.), Gwydir Hwy, 5 km E Warialda (Reichel, H. L. M. [ANIC 32 - 007246]), Lightning Ridge (Lowery, B. B.), Newholme Road, near Armidale (Sakurai, Y.), S. Ita (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tomago (Jackson, G. P. [ANIC 32 - 015277]). Northern Territory: 200 km NE Alice Springs (Andersen, A. N.), 25 km N Alice Springs (Shattuck, S. O.), 25 km N Alice Springs (Shattuck, S. O.), 27 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km S Jabiru, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Atartinga, NW Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900096]), Bing Bong homestead (Feehan, J. E.), Doyles Ridge (Greaves, T.), Gove, Nhulunbuy (Taylor, R. W. [ANIC 32 - 002773]), Jabiru (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Jabiru (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Johnstons Lagoon (Greaves, T.), Kapalga, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koolpinyah (Barrett, C.), Koolpinyah (Hill, G. F.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo Research Station (Gross, G.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), nr Limbunya turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 222 / M 223]), slopes above Baroalba Spring (Taylor, R. W. & Feehan, J. E.), slopes above Baroalba Spring (Taylor, R. W. & Feehan, J. E.). Queensland: 15.5 km S Emerald (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 2 km N Charleville (Edwards, E. D. & Fisk, J. H. [ANIC 32 - 007282]), 2 km N Rokeby (Zborowski, P. & Horak, M. [ANIC 32 - 043556]), 30 km SSE Heathlands (Shattuck, S. O.), 35 km SSW of Charleville (Edwards, E. D. & Fisk, J. H. [ANIC 32 - 015215]), 3 km W Batavia Downs (Zborowski, P. & Dressler, W. [ANIC 32 - 043028]), 3 km W Batavia Downs (Zborowski, P. & Calder, A. [ANIC 32 - 042992]), 7 km N Finch Hatton (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 045391]), Blair Athol Mine (Houston, W. [ANIC 32 - 040334]), Burwilla, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Byfield State Forest (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 044921]), Carnarvon Gorge National Park (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 044799]), Clermont (Cudmore, R. A.), Como Scarp, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cooloola (Plowman), Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Gold Creek Reserve, Brisbane (Lowery, B. B.), Hann River (Zborowski, P. & Horak, M. [ANIC 32 - 031061]), Irene St., Cairns (collector unknown [ANIC 32 - 015156]), Kabali East, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kabali West, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kabali West, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kirrama (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Musgrave, 17 km W Coleman R Crossing (Eastwood, R. [M 115]), near Dimbulah (Taylor, R. W. & Feehan, J.), Noosa River, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Noosa River, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Rainbow Beach, National Park Ranger Station (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 044523]), Teewah Creek, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Teewah Creek, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Townsville (Conlith, S.), Wacol, Brisbane (Lowery, B. B.). South Australia: 15 km NW Blinman, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900097]), 5 km W Geranium (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 8 km W Lameroo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Blyth (Lowery, B. B.), Blyth (Lowery, B. B.), Buckleboo Homestead, N Eyre Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M); Katarapko Island (General) (Loxton High [ANIC 32 - 046270]), Katarapko Island (General) (Loxton High [ANIC 32 - 046408]), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Loxton (Kaires, R. [ANIC 32 - 015153]), Nth Moolooloo Stn, 6.7 km SSE (NWFR Survey PUTO 2), Reny Island (Renmark High [ANIC 32 - 046604]), Reny Island (Renmark High [ANIC 32 - 046587]), Sturt Vale Homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), WNW Morgan (Halliday, R. B.). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 2 km E Cowangie (Shattuck, S. O.), Chinaman Well, Big Desert (Andersen, A. N.), Heathcote (Lowery, B. B.). Western Australia: 17 km E Invermay Stn (Heterick, B. E. [M 227]), 26 mi SSE Karonie (Taylor, R. W.), 7 mi SSE Widgiemooltha (Taylor, R. W.), County Downs Hsd (south boundary) (Heterick, B. E. [M 247]), Creek Crossing camp, 54 km W Durack River homestead (Shattuck, S. O.), Dunham River (rest area) (Heterick, B. E. [M 213]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
531D2C4407842D1F19111E55F97913A0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus rufoniger is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. rufoniger the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the mesosoma of the minor worker tends to linear in orientation, its dorsal outline straight or describing a weak arc (the mesosternal outline and the dorsum of the mesonotum being weakly convergent to subparallel anteriorly). Melophorus rufoniger major and minor workers can be distinguished by their large size (HW> 1 mm in minor workers and> 3 mm in major workers), the asymmetrical vertex in the minor worker and the well-developed and protrusive clypeal flange in both major and minor workers. This species is also predominantly red-and-black compared with the shades of brown or yellow seen in similar species.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
531D2C4407842D1F19111E55F97913A0.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval, sides of head divergent towards mandibular articulations; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting almost completely of appressed setae that may form pubescence (tiny, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad, or distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped, or shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 2: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae minute and closely aligned, creating a silvery sheen; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node rectangular, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or square with rounded angles; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, long, whitish, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange to reddish-tan, legs light tan, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
531D2C4407842D1F19111E55F97913A0.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head strongly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits, or shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae minute and closely aligned, creating a silvery sheen; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or generally rounded with median indentation, or square with rounded angles; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts reddish- or orange-brown, gaster brown to chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
531D2C4407842D1F19111E55F97913A0.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 87 - 109; EI 14 - 25; EL 0.28 - 0.47; HL 1.26 - 3.19; HW 1.10 - 3.46; ML 2.12 - 3.59; MTL 1.43 - 2.30; PpH 0.21 - 0.47; PpL 0.96 - 1.65; SI 69 - 158; SL 1.74 - 2.39.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
531D2C4407842D1F19111E55F97913A0.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin rufus plus niger (' red-and-black'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
22B12A5DE7631C8D96578F4DA835129F.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: 4 km E Lake Argyle (Heterick, B. E. [M 219]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
22B12A5DE7631C8D96578F4DA835129F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus sulconotus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. sulconotus the tibiae possess fine, appressed pubescence in addition to stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae No major worker was available for examination. The chief diagnostic feature in the minor worker is the flattened posterior pronotum and mesonotum which descends steeply to the metanotal groove. This species is restricted to the wetter Northern Kimberley distinct and the far north Northern Territory.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
22B12A5DE7631C8D96578F4DA835129F.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight, elevated. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae minute and closely aligned, creating a silvery sheen; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange, legs light tan, gaster dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
22B12A5DE7631C8D96578F4DA835129F.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 97 - 99; EI 19 - 20; EL 0.27 - 0.29; HL 1.38 - 1.55; HW 1.34 - 1.53; ML 2.24 - 2.46; MTL 1.47 - 1.58; PpH 0.22 - 0.26; PpL 0.86 - 0.93; SI 120 - 127; SL 1.71 - 1.84.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
22B12A5DE7631C8D96578F4DA835129F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin sulcus (' groove') plus Neo-Latin notus (' back'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D16E5A1D90D2688884C278ED9B5DA0C3.taxon	materials_examined	Type. Holotype minor worker from 1.3 km NE of Morgan River, 15 ° 08 ' 10 " S, 126 ° 09 ' 09 " E, Western Australia, 20 August 2012, A. Cross; 345 m elevation, ethylene glycol pitfall, open savannah [sic] woodland over sandy soil; sp. C [ANIC 32 - 900210] (WAM).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D16E5A1D90D2688884C278ED9B5DA0C3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus tenuis is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. tenuis the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. In profile, the mesosoma of the minor worker tends to linear in orientation, its dorsal outline straight or describing a weak arc (the mesosternal outline and the dorsum of the mesonotum being weakly convergent to subparallel anteriorly). Only the minor worker of Melophorus tenuis is known. This species can be distinguished from all others in its species-complex its dorsoventrally flattened head, its long maxillary palps (short in the superficially similar M. platyceps) and its weakly sinuous mesosomal outline when seen in profile.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D16E5A1D90D2688884C278ED9B5DA0C3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval, sides of head divergent towards mandibular insertions; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; cuticle of frons with weak sheen, finely shagreenate; in single specimen pilosity of frons consisting exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eyes set around midline of head capsule; eye shape elliptical. Antennal carinae straight in full-face view; antennal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles ap proximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile flattened, promesonotum on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum elongate, smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and completely inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, its vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly shagreenate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour uniformly dark olive-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D16E5A1D90D2688884C278ED9B5DA0C3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 1): CI 82; EI 30; EL 0.25; HL 0.99; HW 0.82; ML 1.72; MTL 1.18; PpH 0.16; PpL 0.67; SI 168	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D16E5A1D90D2688884C278ED9B5DA0C3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin (' thin', ' slender'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
924936BFECD164F7EE71A605CB0AB1D2.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Argyle Diamond Mine via Kununurra (Postle, A. [JDM 32 - 004554]), Barrow Island (N. Gunawardene / C. Taylor [M 314]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
924936BFECD164F7EE71A605CB0AB1D2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus teretinotus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded), and the M. aeneovirens species-complex (in full-face view, psammophore ranged along or just above anterior margin of clypeus and following the curve of the margin; anterior margin of clypeus broadly medially produced, and often with central notch that may be deeply impressed, but is never acuminate at its midpoint; metatibia with maximum of two rows of preapical spines). In M. teretinotus the tibiae possess stout, socketed, appressed to subdecumbent setae only, with fine, appressed pubescence lacking. The minor worker only is known. Melophorus teretinotus cannot be mistaken for any other Melophorus: the mesosoma is strongly arched, smooth and glabrous, the mesonotum and propodeum are confluent and the metanotal groove is completely lacking.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
924936BFECD164F7EE71A605CB0AB1D2.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove absent; propodeum shining and uniformly striolate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour brown, gaster slightly darker than foreparts.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
924936BFECD164F7EE71A605CB0AB1D2.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 82 - 85; EI 26 - 30; EL 0.21 - 0.25; HL 0.83 - 1.16; HW 0.68 - 0.98; ML 1.38 - 1.64; MTL 0.62 - 0.79; PpH 0.10 - 0.17; PpL 0.68 - 1.04; SI 127 - 149; SL 1.02 - 1.25.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
924936BFECD164F7EE71A605CB0AB1D2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin terete (' cylindrical and tapering') plus Neo-Latin notus (' back'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
629FFCF48A3E59FB965493250725AF21.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, north Louth (Bryannah, M.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Northern Territory: 18 km E The Granites (Morton, S. & Greenslade, P. J. M.), 25 km N Alice Springs (Shattuck, S. O.), 25 km SSW The Granites, Tanami Desert (Morton, S. & Greenslade, P. J. M.), 35 km SW The Granites, Tanami Desert (Morton, S. & Greenslade, P. J. M.), 28 km WbyS Docker River (Feehan, J. E.), Glen Helen (Shattuck, S. O.), 61.5 km E Kalkarindji (Heterick, B. E. [M 220]), Avon Downs (Colles, D. H.), Barry Caves (Feehan, J. E.), Batchelor (Hill, G. F. [ANIC 32 - 039541]), Ellery Ck., Big Hole, West Macdonnells NP (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 029215]), Kings Creek Station (Donellan, S.), nr Limbunya turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 224]), Mataranka (Greaves, T), Rabbit Flat near Tanami (Wearne, K), Ti Tree, 170 km N Alice Springs (Hiddins, L.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), Holts Creek, 8 km N Musselbrook Camp (Naumann, I. D.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), Mica Creek, Mount Isa (Burwell, C. J.), 13 km from S-bend on Plum Pudding Track (Lemann, C. [ANIC 32 - 035469]), 15 mi S Kamilaroi Homestead (Dowse, J. E.), Mt. Isa (Weatherill, L.). South Australia: 14.5 km W Wallatinna HS (Pitjantjatjara Lands Survey [M 89 / M 105]), 18 mi W Mt. Morris (McInnes & Dowse), 25 mi W Mt. Morris (McInnes & Dowse). Western Australia: 10 km NE Woree Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 180 / M 181 / M 182]), 11 km E Willare Bridge (Heterick, B. E. [M 246]), 12 mi N Wittenoom (McInnes & Dowse), 12 mi S Cardawan Homestead, SSW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse [ANIC 32 - 900069]), 14 km E Roebuck Plains RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 187]), 150 km SW Giles Meteorological Station (Heatwole, H.), 16 km SbyW Onslow (Feehan, J. E.), 26 mi NE Paynes Find on Sandstone Road (Douglas, A. M. & M. J.), 27 km SE Newman (Britton, E. B.), 34 mi ENE Broome (McInnes & Dowse), 47 km E Fitzroy Crossing (Heterick, B. E. [M 235]), 50 km N Carnarvon (Morton, S. R. [ANIC 32 - 900070]), 56 mi WSW Mt. Gordon, Browne Range (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 68 km S Newman (Britton, E. B.), 70 km N Halls Creek (Heterick, B. E. [M 211]), 74 km EbyN Cosmo Newberry (Feehan, J. E.), 85 km E Meentheena OC (CALM Pilbara Survey [JDM 32 - 004588]), Alpha Is., Monte Bello Islands (Campbell, T. G. [ANIC 32 - 039538]), Argyle Diamonds via Kununurra (Postle, A. T. [JDM 32 - 004532]), Broome (Weatherill, L.), Derby (Campbell, J. G.), Derby (Marchant [JDM 32 - 004536]), Garden Well, 9 km SWbyS Mt. Phoenix (Feehan, J. E.), Jigalong (Hickmer, J.), Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie N. A. [M 143]), Marillana Station (Dunlop, J. N. [JDM 32 - 004535]), Nita Downs turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 262]), Tropicana Minesite (Summerhayes, J. [JDM 32 - 004587]), Well 31, Canning Stock Route between Meekatharra and Billiluna Pool [Collector unknown], Willare Bridge (Heterick, B. E. [M 190]), Willie Creek turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 276]), Windjana Gorge National Park (Ward, P. S.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
629FFCF48A3E59FB965493250725AF21.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus bagoti is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded). The ant is also placed as a member of the M. bagoti complex because of the acuminate appearance of the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin. In full-face view, the psammophore occurs as a row of long, thick setae set slightly above the anterior clypeal margin. Melophorus bagoti has five rows of preapical tibial spines on the metatibia, and this distinguishes it from its sister, M. gracilipes, and all other Melophorus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
629FFCF48A3E59FB965493250725AF21.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square or rectangular, tending to trapezoid; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin convex, weakly acuminate anteromedially; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron uniformly shagreenate to moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle or bluntly angulate; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 2: 1; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node a broadly right-angled triangle, node with steeply declivitous posterior face; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy or shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour mostly uniformly deep orange, but some workers with foreparts and appendages orange, and gaster black with blue-green iridescence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
629FFCF48A3E59FB965493250725AF21.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons ranging from matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate through to shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin convex, acuminate anteromedially, margin entire; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate, or matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 3: 2 and 4: 3; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node a broadly right angled triangle, node with steeply declivitous posterior face; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour as for minor worker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
629FFCF48A3E59FB965493250725AF21.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 99 - 118; EI 16 - 22; EL 0.30 - 0.52; HL 1.41 - 2.81; HW 1.39 - 3.33; ML 2.66 - 4.59; MTL 1.91 - 3.01; PpH 0.32 - 0.47; PpL 1.23 - 1.73; SI 81 - 147; SL 2.04 - 2.71.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D0E09528F08BF7412F8A3550774E619E.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: 100 km E Wiluna (Forrest, J.), 10 mi SE Karonie (Taylor, R. W.), 11 mi E Meekatharra (McInnes & Dowse), 13 mi SE Giles (McInnes & Dowse), 16 mi S Leonora (McInnes & Dowse), 16 mi W Coonana (Key, K.), 18 mi SE Agnew (McInnes & Dowse), 30 km S of ' The Overlander' (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001951]), 30 mi E Paynes Find on Sandstone Road (Douglas, A. M. & M. J.), 31 mi SW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse), 4 mi W Mt Charles (McInnes & Dowse), 55 mi E Wiluna (McInnes & Dowse), 60 km N Ajana (Upton, M. S.), 7 mi WSW Manunda Road House (McInnes & Dowse), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A.), G. J. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 310]), Geeraning Rock (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001950]), Kanka water hole, near Warburton (Heatwole, H. & Greenslade, P. J. M.), Lyndon River (Mercer, R.), Mardathuna Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 08]), Meekatharra (Mercovich, C.), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029629]), Mullewa, Murchison River (Greaves, T.), nr Pamellia Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 178]), Pannawonica Hill (Bokhari, F. [M 150]), Rabbit Proof Fence Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 004618]), Sandstone Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 168 / M 169 / M 170]), Tardun (Mercovich, C.), Wiluna, Yamarna Homestead (Richardson, S.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D0E09528F08BF7412F8A3550774E619E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus gracilipes is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded). The ant is also placed as a member of the M. bagoti complex because of the acuminate appearance of the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin. In full-face view, the psammophore occurs as a row of long, thick setae set slightly above the anterior clypeal margin. Unlike its sister species, M. bagoti, M. gracilipes has just two rows of preapical tibial spines on the metatibia.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D0E09528F08BF7412F8A3550774E619E.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval, sides of head divergent towards mandibular articulations; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex, or straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin convex, weakly acuminate anteromedially; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus, or set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and uniformly striolate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node a broadly right angled triangle with steeply declivitous posterior face; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or square with rounded angles; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour variable, pale yellow to brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D0E09528F08BF7412F8A3550774E619E.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex, or straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion, or curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin convex, acuminate anteromedially, margin entire; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus, or set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex, or convex anteriad, mesonotum overlapping pronotum, planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex sharply defined, or a broadly right angled triangle; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour concolorous light orange or russet with brown gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D0E09528F08BF7412F8A3550774E619E.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 101 - 120; EI 15 - 21; EL 0.29 - 0.44; HL 1.36 - 2.54; HW 1.38 - 3.04; ML 2.44 - 4.11; MTL 2.47 - 2.84; PpH 0.21 - 0.47; PpL 1.04 - 1.70; SI 89 - 153; SL 2.11 - 2.69.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D0E09528F08BF7412F8A3550774E619E.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin gracilis (' slender') plus pes (' foot'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6619DA36E59716820E58D464592010DC.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: Callanna Bore, Callanna Stn (Stony Desert survey), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Ferries McDonald NP (Mathews, E. G [M 116]), Keith, 5 km W Mt. Rough, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900078]), near Mt. Westall (Taylor, R. W., Bartell, R. J. & Lowery, B. B.), Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.), Scorpion Springs CP, 6.3 km S Pine Hut Soak (Forrest, J. [M 91]), Wudinna townsite (Heterick, B. E. [M 334]). Victoria: Little Desert Nat. Pk., Eastern Block, Dahlenburgs Mill Track, 17.8 km S Nhill (Lambkin, C., Yeates, D., Starwick, N. & Recsei, J. [ANIC 32 - 030801]), Wyperfeld National Park, Murrayville Track, 45.2 km SSE Murrayville (Lambkin, C., Yeates, D., Starwick, N. & Recsei, J. [ANIC 32 - 030935]). Western Australia: 28 mi SbyW Balladonia Motel (Taylor, R. W.); media worker from Junana Rock (Taylor, R. W.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6619DA36E59716820E58D464592010DC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus nemophilus is a member of the M. aeneovirens species-group (in full-face view, the anterior clypeal margin convex, apron-like and covering whole or part of the retracted mandible, except in M. nemophilus, the medial clypeal sector often produced so that it is protrusive when seen in profile; the psammophore frequently with coarse and well-separated ammochaetae, these always placed on or just above anterior margin; in profile, the propodeum elongate and oblique or broadly rounded) but is placed in its own, monotypic species-complex. Uniquely for this group, the setae of the clypeal psammophore are fine and placed at around the midpoint of clypeus, and the anterior margin of the clypeus is a moderately flattened curve in all workers and does not cover the base of the mandibles. The ant has five to seven mandibular teeth, the major worker having the same mandibular structure as minor worker, and, in profile, the mesosoma is long and gracile, with an obliquely descending propodeum. Molecular data support the placement of M. nemophilus as belonging to a unique complex within the broader M. aeneovirens species-group.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6619DA36E59716820E58D464592010DC.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to seven mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour light brown to blackish, usually concolorous, but gaster may be darker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6619DA36E59716820E58D464592010DC.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum overlapping pronotum, planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange or brownish-orange with dark brown gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6619DA36E59716820E58D464592010DC.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 96 - 123; EI 17 - 30; EL 0.25 - 0.40; HL 0.86 - 1.94; HW 0.83 - 2.38; ML 1.65 - 2.77; MTL 1.25 - 1.83; PpH 0.16 - 0.33; PpL 0.72 - 1.18; SI 77 - 94; SL 0.78 - 1.83.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6619DA36E59716820E58D464592010DC.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin nemus (' forest') plus Neo-Latin philus (' attracted to'); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
BCD1A08C32703932E94F6DA129320FCD.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: Darwin (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 066666]), Mudginberri (Andersen, A. N. [ANIC 32 - 066653]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
BCD1A08C32703932E94F6DA129320FCD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus anderseni is a member of the M. anderseni species-group (maxillary palp segments short [not reaching neck sclerite], narrow and terminating in a subulate [awl-shaped] segment; PF 6,4; metatibial apical spur absent; in full-face view, masticatory margin of mandible strongly oblique with four teeth in known major workers [except chrysus], and four to six teeth in minor worker). This species is distinguished from three other members of the group by having a thick, rectangular or quadrate petiolar node in the minor worker, the anterior clypeal margin broadly convex and protrusive; the clypeal psammophore located below the midline of the clypeus (major worker) or near its anterior margin (minor worker) and in having the antennal scape of minor worker devoid of erect setae. The species is confined to northern Australia.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
BCD1A08C32703932E94F6DA129320FCD.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting almost completely of appressed setae that may form pu bescence (tiny, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Four to five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length <than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node cuboidal, rounded above; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour reddish-brown, gaster slightly darker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
BCD1A08C32703932E94F6DA129320FCD.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave, frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker always four; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex sharply defined; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct sha greenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour dull orange, gaster brownish-orange.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
BCD1A08C32703932E94F6DA129320FCD.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 98 - 114; EI 19 - 24; EL 0.25 - 0.32; HL 1.06 - 1.45; HW 1.04 - 1.65; ML 1.76 - 1.94; MTL 1.28 - 1.40; PpH 0.16 - 0.19; PpL 0.69 - 0.78; SI 73 - 135; SL 1.20 - 1.39.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7A9AC6D6EF267912FEF16E1168DC2111.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus andersenioides is a member of the M. anderseni species-group (maxillary palp segments short [not reaching neck sclerite], narrow and ter minating in a subulate [awl-shaped] segment; PF 6,4; metatibial apical spur absent; in full-face view, masticatory margin of mandible strongly oblique with four teeth in known major workers [except chrysus], and four to six teeth in minor worker). This species is distinguished from three other members of the group by having a thick, rectangular or quadrate petiolar node in the minor worker, the anterior margin of clypeus weakly convex, the clypeus folded back and not protrusive, the clypeal psammophore located at the midline of clypeus and in having the antennal scape of minor worker with many short, erect, bristly setae.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7A9AC6D6EF267912FEF16E1168DC2111.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker four to five; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four, or distinctly shorter than apical tooth and tooth no. two, tooth no. four vestigial, or distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth, or absent; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length <than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node cuboidal, rounded above; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour brownish-orange to dark russet.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7A9AC6D6EF267912FEF16E1168DC2111.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Four to five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile steeply rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and generally smooth, with only weak indistinct shagreenation; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour brownish-orange.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7A9AC6D6EF267912FEF16E1168DC2111.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 5): CI 104 - 127; EI 18 - 25; EL 0.25 - 0.31; HL 0.97 - 1.36; HW 1.00 - 1.74; ML 1.60 - 2.04; MTL 1.56 - 1.40; PpH 0.19 - 0.23; PpL 0.64 - 0.84; SI 72 - 136; SL 1.25 - 1.37.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
7A9AC6D6EF267912FEF16E1168DC2111.taxon	etymology	Etymology. anderseni (see above) plus Greek - oides (' resembling').	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E5103B40531A2F8FD531FD9B17E6C56.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 16 mi N Gawler (Greaves, T.), Calca, near Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900146]). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E5103B40531A2F8FD531FD9B17E6C56.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus chrysis is a member of the M. anderseni species-group (maxillary palp segments short [not reaching neck sclerite], narrow and terminating in a subulate [awl-shaped segment]; PF 6,4; metatibial apical spur absent; in full-face view, masticatory margin of mandible strongly oblique with four teeth in known major workers [except chrysus], and four to six teeth in minor worker). This species is distinguished from others in the group by having, in profile, the petiolar node thickly squamiform in the minor worker, the major worker smooth and glossy in appearance, and also by having, in profile, the pronotum smoothly rounded and inclined at angle> 30 °, and, in profile, the clypeus evenly convex or more strongly convex posteriorly, but not bulbous. The " pillipes " condition (whorls of fine, erect setae on appendages) occurs in some populations.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E5103B40531A2F8FD531FD9B17E6C56.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae, or consisting wholly or mainly of long, curved setae, appressed setae apparently absent. General characters. Colour light yellow to gamboge yellow.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E5103B40531A2F8FD531FD9B17E6C56.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and generally smooth, with only weak indistinct shagreenation; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting mainly of well-spaced short, semi-erect and decumbent setae. General characters. Colour gamboge yellow.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E5103B40531A2F8FD531FD9B17E6C56.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 101 - 117; EI 22 - 32; EL 0.18 - 0.25; HL 0.56 - 0.96; HW 0.57 - 1.12; ML 0.81 - 1.32; MTL 0.56 - 0.80; PpH 0.09 - 0.11; PpL 0.36 - 0.58; SI 76 - 116; SL 0.66 - 0.85.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8E5103B40531A2F8FD531FD9B17E6C56.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Chrysus (Greek) was the spirit of gold; noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4808FC0F9F67BE53B29861AE59EF22D4.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Packsaddle (van Leeuwen, S.)	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4808FC0F9F67BE53B29861AE59EF22D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus subulipalpus is a member of the M. anderseni species-group (maxillary palp segments short [not reaching neck sclerite], narrow and terminating in a subulate [awl-shaped] segment; PF 6,4; metatibial apical spur absent; in full-face view, masticatory margin of mandible strongly oblique with four teeth in known major workers [except chrysus], and four to six teeth in minor worker). The major worker of this species is unknown. The minor worker of M. subulipalpus can be distinguished from its sister species (M. chrysus) by having, in profile, the pronotum more-or-less flattened and only very weakly inclined anteriad, the head and body weakly to moderately shining, the sculpture ranging from superficial microreticulation to evident shagreenation or minutely striate sculpture, and in having, in profile, the clypeus strongly convex, tending to bulbous. The " pillipes " condition has not been not seen in the few workers collected.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4808FC0F9F67BE53B29861AE59EF22D4.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining and uniformly striolate, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight, or broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five or six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; in five-toothed workers third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and tooth no. two, tooth no. four vestigial; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining, uniformly striolate or superficially microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and uniformly striolate, or matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiolar. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate or superficially microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation, or shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour pale brownish-yellow to tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4808FC0F9F67BE53B29861AE59EF22D4.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 102 - 108; EI 26 - 30; EL 0.22 - 0.25; HL 0.70 - 0.93; HW 0.72 - 0.93; ML 1.15 - 1.53; MTL 0.97 - 1.29; PpH 0.12 - 0.15; PpL 0.49 - 0.63; SI 135 - 140; SL 1.01 - 1.26.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
4808FC0F9F67BE53B29861AE59EF22D4.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin subulus (' awl') plus palpus (' stroking' / ' caress'; applied to the palps of an arthropod); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CC651811980C06F1AA0E93F6DE842C89.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus argus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [[ (excluding mjobergi clade) HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors (where known) 1.05 mm]). The minor worker of Melophorus argus (the major worker is unknown) can be recognised by a combination of a promently scalloped mesopleuron, a thickish, dorsall rounded petiolar node and a glabrous mesosoma that is bimodal when viewed in profile.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CC651811980C06F1AA0E93F6DE842C89.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex, or narrowly protrusive anteromedially, the protrusion with a square border; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and smooth on dorsum, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly striolate-microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node broadly squamiform, almost a tubercle; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour concolorous brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CC651811980C06F1AA0E93F6DE842C89.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 87 - 90; EI 29 - 32; EL 0.12 - 0.11; HL 0.42 - 0.43; HW 0.36 - 0.39; ML 0.54 - 0.58; MTL 0.26 - 0.27; PpH 0.07 - 0.08; PpL 0.21 - 0.21; SI 113 - 116; SL 0.37 - 0.44.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CC651811980C06F1AA0E93F6DE842C89.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latinized Greek argus (Greek argos ' shining'); participle in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD42C32743F37D0F69216C0D12853A54.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Australian Capital Territory: Black Mt., Site 5 (Barnett, N. J. [ANIC 32 - 029813]), Black Mt., Site 5 (Barnett, N. J. [ANIC 32 - 029821]), Mt Ainslie (Lowery, B. B.), Yarralumla (Lowery, B. B.). New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Armidale (Lowery, B. B.), Belanglo State Forest (Gush, T.), Bomaderry, Nowra (Lowery, B. B.), Cowan Creek (Lowery, B. B.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kapunda, N Nyngan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Lane Cove River, Burns Bay, Sydney (Lowery, B. B.), Mudgee (Lowery, B. B.), Myall Lakes (York, A.), Myall Lakes (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Myall Lakes (York, A.), Myall Lakes National Park (York, 0 A.), Newholme Road, near Armidale (Sakurai, Y.), Pymble (Lowery, B. B.), Richmond (Greenslade, P. J. M.), St. Ives, Sydney (Lowery, B. B.). Northern Territory: 105 km N Yuendumu (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 25 km N Alice Springs (Shattuck, S. O.), about 3 km W Alice Springs (Feehan, J. E.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), vicinity of Ayers Rock (Allwood, A.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), 3.6 km NW homestead on Plum Pudding Track, Cravens Peak Station (Lemann, C. [ANIC 32 - 036837]), 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 75 km E Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Blair Athol Mine (Houston, W. [ANIC 32 - 040331]), Proserpine, Thompson Creek (Raven & Burwell), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.), Wacol, Brisbane (Lowery, B. B.). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km NE Mt Bryan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 53 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km NW Ketchowla Homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km W Mt. Rough, Coorong-Keith (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km WSW Pitlochry Homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 6 km NW Mt Pleasant (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900109]), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Blyth (Lowery, B. B.), Brookfield Conservation Park (Shattuck, S. O.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Chowilla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Eyre Hwy, 9.7 km NE Cootra (Heterick, B. E. [M 328]), Fairview Conservation Park, N Lucindale (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Glen Osmond (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Hale (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Katarapko Island (Loxton High [ANIC 32 - 046389]), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore, Milang Conservation Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Moorowie Plain (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mt. Gunson (Case, T. J.), Mt. Remarkable, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Napperby, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), North of Breakneck River, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), North Sandy Creek, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Ocean Beach, Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Para Wirra (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Rocky River, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Salt Creek, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B.), vicinity of Nanam Well, Scorpion Springs Conservation Park (Museum Party), Victor Harbour (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Wudinna townsite (Heterick, B. E. [M 331 / M 333]). Tasmania: Barnes Bay, N. Bruny Island (Lowery, B. B.), George Town (Littler, F. M.), Lefroy (Lowery, B. B.). Victoria: 15 km W Nyarrin (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), Cape Schank (Lowery, B. B.), Cape Schank (Lowery, B. B.), Glenaladale National Park (Andersen, A. N.), Heathcote, near Bendigo (Lowery, B. B.), Hopetoun (Andersen, A. N.), Hurstbridge (Lowery, B. B.), Murray Sunset Natl. Park, Millewa South Bore Track, 5.2 km WSW Shearers Quarters (Lambkin, C., Yeates, D., Starwick, N. & Recsei, J. [ANIC 32 - 043283]), Rotamah Island, Gippsland Lakes (Andersen, A. N.), Studley Park, Kew (Lowery, B. B.), Watsonia (Lowery, B. B.), Watsonia (Lowery, B. B.), Watsonia (Lowery, B. B.). Western Australia: 1 km W Canna (Heterick, B. E. [M 317 / M 319]), 1.5 km S Koolyanobbing (Heterick, B. E. [M 15]), 11 km W Terhan Water Hole (Heatwole, H.), 4 km W Ellendale Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 239 / M 240 / M 241 / M 242]), 4 km W Ellendale Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 243 / M 244 / M 245]), 46 mi WNW Norseman (Taylor, R. W.), 8 km NW Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges National Park (Ward, P. S.), Argyle Diamonds via Kununurra (Postle, A. T. [JDM 32 - 001931]), Christmas Tree Well (Heterick, B. E. [M 20]), Coomallo Downs (Heterick, B. E. [M 12 / M 49]), County Downs Hsd (south boundary) (Heterick, B. E. [M 248]), Eneabba-Leeman Rd. (Dunn, R. [JDM 32 - 001943]), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 001940]), Eyre Hwy, 20 km N Norseman (Heterick, B. E. [M 338]), Harrismith (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001927]), Hines Hill (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001929]), Hyden Cemetery (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001930]), Int. Holland Tr. / Norseman Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001926]), Jurien (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001972]), Kojonup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001935]), Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie, N. A. [M 144]), Mt Gibson rest area (Heterick, B. E. [M 299 / M 300 / M 301]), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029570]), Ongerup-Jerramungup Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001925]), Sandstone Rd turnoff (B .. E Heterick [M 296 / M 297 / M 298]), Sandstone Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 294]), Tammin (Clark, J.), The Granites' Mt Magnet (Heterick, B. E. [M 171]), Wannamal West (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001939]), Woolgangie (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001924]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD42C32743F37D0F69216C0D12853A54.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus biroi can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [[ (excluding mjobergi clade) HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors (where known) 1.05 mm]). Melophorus biroi is very similar to several other small or very small Melophorus. The minor worker can be distinguished from similar forms by its almost invariably glabrous mesosoma, the lack of erect setae, especially marginal setae, on the gaster, the weakly impressed metanotal groove, the truncate propodeum, the thin, widened petiolar node and the lack of heavy sculpture on the mesopleuron. Since the major worker of many M. biroi complex species is not known, the M. biroi major worker cannot be diagnosed with high definition, and is best identified from nest series in which minor workers are also included. However, this subcaste has a weakly convex pronotum and mesonotum and a weakly ot moderately impressed metanotal groove enabling it to be separated from the very similar M. castanopus (flattened pronotum and mesonotum) and M. dicyrtos (strongly convex pronotum and mesonotum and deeply impressed metanotal groove), and the posterior clypeal margin is arched. The anterior clypeal margin often has a small dimple (as in many members of the M. fieldi complex). Melophorus biroi shows a lot of morphological variation, and there is substantial molecular evidence that this is a species complex of at least several species. Further investigation into Melophorus biroi is needed.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD42C32743F37D0F69216C0D12853A54.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square, or approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in profile, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex, or smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum, or weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped, or a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour variable, often orange-and-brown or concolorous brown; if foreparts light-coloured, gaster always brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD42C32743F37D0F69216C0D12853A54.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertions and frontal carinae; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex, or pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or square with rounded angles; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of short, bristly, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour mostly orange with brown gaster, head may be brown with yellow pronotum and mesonotum and brown propodeum and metasoma, or head and gaster may be brown with tan mesosoma.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD42C32743F37D0F69216C0D12853A54.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 92 - 113; EI 22 - 37; EL 0.18 - 0.24; HL 0.53 - 0.97; HW 0.49 - 1.10; ML 0.69 - 1.24; MTL 0.36 - 0.66; PpH 0.09 - 0.12; PpL 0.29 - 0.51; SI 69 - 105; SL 0.51 - 0.76.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F2848430CCA103D8BB778208302D6A3B.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 3 km N Kosciusko National Park (Lowery, B. B.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 4 mi E Berry (Lowery, B. B.), 7 Mile Beach, Gerroa (Lowery, B. B.), Cousins Gully Road, Kioloa State Forest (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 035780]), Fitzroy Falls (McAreavey, J. J.), Lane Cove River, Burns Bay, Sydney (Lowery, B. B.), Newholme Road, near Armidale (Sakurai, Y.), Pymble (Lowery, B. B.), Pymble (McAreavey, J.), South Black Ra., Tallaganda Natl. Pk., 14.5 km fr. Hoskinstown (Lambkin, C. & Starwick, N. [ANIC 32 - 043214]), Whiporie, 55 km S Casino (York, A.). South Australia: 4 km N Bunker Hill, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 4 km SW Auburn (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900113]), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900176]), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bridgewater (Baker, G. F.), Bridgewater (Baker, G. F.), Cleland, Mt. Lofty Ranges (Yeatman, E.), Jupiter Creek, 4 km W Echunga (Shattuck, S. O.), Mt. Lofty (Lowery, B. B.), Mt. Lofty Ranges, Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), Mt. Lofty Ranges, Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), N Sandy Creek, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Para Wirra (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Rocky River, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Rocky River, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Salt Creek, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandy Creek, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Shackle Track, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Tasmania: 3 km E Darlington, Maria Island (Lowery, B. B.). Victoria: 10 mi N Glenelg (Lowery, B. B.), Rotamah Island, Gippsland Lakes (Andersen, A. N.), Wangaratta (Bruce, W. A.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F2848430CCA103D8BB778208302D6A3B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus castanopus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally com pressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [[ (excluding mjobergi clade) HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors (where known) 1.05 mm]). Melophorus castanopus can be most easily confused with M. biroi but the appearance of the major and minor workers, seen in profile, is slightly more flattened than the corresponding major and minor workers of the latter species, and the minor worker has erect setae on first gastral tergite, including a line of marginal setae. The minor worker mesosoma also possesses a couple to a few, usually stout erect setae (several specimens may need to be seen because of abrasion). Such setae are abundant and modified in a few isolated populations.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F2848430CCA103D8BB778208302D6A3B.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting mainly of short, appressed setae, together with a few erect and semi-erect setae. General characters. Colour of most populations concolorous light to dark brown, a few populations with orange foreparts and dark brown gasters.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F2848430CCA103D8BB778208302D6A3B.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertions and Frontal carinae; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moder ate, (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour brownish-orange with brown gaster to concolorous chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F2848430CCA103D8BB778208302D6A3B.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 93 - 116; EI 20 - 29; EL 0.14 - 0.25; HL 0.51 - 0.11; HW 0.47 - 1.29; ML 0.69 - 1.50; MTL 0.36 - 0.77; PpH 0.07 - 0.16; PpL 0.28 - 0.67; SI 75 - 124; SL 0.58 - 0.96.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F2848430CCA103D8BB778208302D6A3B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek kastanos (' chestnut-tree'; hence the colour) plus pous (' foot'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
658135B29617CE45289DB7C8AAD369FB.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Nyngan (Armstrong, J.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
658135B29617CE45289DB7C8AAD369FB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus compactus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. mjobergi clade because of characters best seen in the major worker. These include (seen in full-face view) the deeply recessed area around the frontal carinae and medial sector of clypeus visible in the major and media workers, the psammophore generally placed on or just above anterior margin of clypeus, and the minor workers hairy with bristly, short erect setae. Melophorus compactus can then be distinguished from M. mjobergi and M. postlei by the following characters: head of major worker without distinct sculpture and strongly shining, the setae-bearing sockets on head (if visible) appearing as tiny pits only, the sculpture also reduced on the head of media worker, which is moderately shining, in full-face view, the antennal carina of the major worker distinctly extended posteriad past the antennal insertion, the posterior extension of the carina straight, and the eye of the minor worker placed medially on the head capsule and large in size (in profile, eye length ≈ 0.40 x length of side of head capsule).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
658135B29617CE45289DB7C8AAD369FB.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head extended posteriad as a convex, sloping surface with a slight medioccipital protuberance; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal margin entire or very weakly indented, or narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal midpoint distinctly notched; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Four or five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pro notum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or uniformly flattened along an oblique trajectory; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence, or long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node rectangular, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, long, whitish, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour reddish-brown with brown gaster through to concolorous chocolate	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
658135B29617CE45289DB7C8AAD369FB.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Four mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or uniformly flattened along an oblique trajectory; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence, or long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour from medium brown with darker gaster to blackish-crimson.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
658135B29617CE45289DB7C8AAD369FB.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 98 - 107; EI 24 - 27; EL 0.14 - 0.22; HL 0.53 - 0.86; HW 0.52 - 0.92; ML 0.77 - 1.12; MTL 0.45 - 0.52; PpH 0.05 - 0.09; PpL 0.30 - 0.46; SI 65 - 129; SL 0.60 - 0.67.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
658135B29617CE45289DB7C8AAD369FB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin compactus (' thick'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2681072807BF04B7443B49C07A42C1C3.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Jandakot Reg. Pk. (Gunawardene, N. [JDM 32 - 001960]), Reabold Hill (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001959]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2681072807BF04B7443B49C07A42C1C3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus cuneatus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade] HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). Melophorus cuneatus cannot be confused with any other other Melophorus except, perhaps, for M. paramorphomenus, which, however, has the diagnostic characters of the M. fieldi complex. In profile, the propodeal dorsum of minor and media workers of M. cuneatus is extremely narrow and almost acuminate, the metanotal groove in all workers is narrowly and deeply impressed, the mesonotum of the minor worker is hypertrophied so that the metathoracic spiracle is situated on its underside in a distinctly lateral position and all workers possess weak pubescence and a moderate number of erect setae on the mesosoma.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2681072807BF04B7443B49C07A42C1C3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex, or planar or weakly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight, or broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum wedge-shaped, tapering dorsad; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum reduced to a narrow sliver; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts chocolate to black, gaster dark brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2681072807BF04B7443B49C07A42C1C3.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly emarginate; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth num bers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and uniformly microreticulate, with shallow dimpling evident on the dorsum of the mesonotum; anterior mesosoma in profile steeply rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of longish, closely aligned, appressed setae interspersed with short, bristly, erect setae (some distally flattened). General characters. Colour of foreparts russet to dark reddish-brown, gaster dark brown to brownish-black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2681072807BF04B7443B49C07A42C1C3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 98 - 115; EI 19 - 27; EL 0.14 - 0.23; HL 0.52 - 1.06; HW 0.52 - 1.23; ML 0.77 - 1.35; MTL 0.45 - 0.73; PpH 0.05 - 0.12; PpL 0.30 - 0.59; SI 73 - 129; SL 0.67 - 0.89.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2681072807BF04B7443B49C07A42C1C3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin cuneatus (' wedge-shaped'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D49DCA2CBBC66546AE81673F68BCCEFB.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: 1 km NNE Bullita, Gregory Nat. Park (Weir, T. & Bouchard, P. [ANIC 32 - 051712]), 22 km WSW Borroloola (Feehan, J. E.), Caranbirini Water Hole, 33 km SW Borroloola (Feehan, J. E.), Jabiru (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Jabiru, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Jabiru, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kapalga, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: 13 km E by S Weipa (Zborowski, P. & Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 043330]), 3.5 km SWbyS Mt. Baird (Naumann, I. D.), Clermont, 7.5 km E (Burwell, C.), Hann River (Zborowski, P. & Horak, M. [ANIC 32 - 031071]), Lolworth NP (Wright, S.), Proserpine, Airport Drive (Raven, R.), Red Falls (Monteath, G.), Somerset, Cape York (Cameron, E.), Weipa (Majer, J. D.). Western Australia: Argyle Diamond Mine via Kununurra (Postle, A. T. [JDM 32 - 004621]), Argyle Diamond Mine via Kununurra (Postle, A. [JDM 32 - 004988]), Marillana Ck (Dunlop, N. [JDM 32 - 005034]), Mt. Whaleback (Walker, K. J. [JDM 32 - 004942]), Zuytdorp (WAM / CALM [JDM 32 - 001975]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D49DCA2CBBC66546AE81673F68BCCEFB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus dicyrtos can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [[ (excluding mjobergi clade) HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors (where known) 1.05 mm]). Melophorus dicytos can be recognised and distinguished from species of similar appearance (e. g., M. biroi and M. castanopus) by virtue of the propodeum of the minor and major worker being protuberant, strongly truncate, and with an elevated dorsal surface which is much shorter than its declivitous surface. This is also a relatively large member of the M. biroi complex (HW of minor worker 0.65 mm ≥, HW of major worker 1.25 mm ≥) and is largely tropical (M. castanopus in contrast is largely southeastern in distribution and apparently does not occur in NT, QLD and WA, so is probably not sympatric with M. dicyrtos). The metanotal groove characteristically is a deep V-shaped notch and most workers have long, flexuous setae on the mesosomal surface but these may be short and bristly.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D49DCA2CBBC66546AE81673F68BCCEFB.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex, or planar or weakly concave; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and smooth on dorsum, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly striolate-microreticulate, or with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified, or short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt, or distinctly angulate, propodeal angle sharp; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length, or short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous orange tan to dark reddish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D49DCA2CBBC66546AE81673F68BCCEFB.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons striolate anteriad, smooth and shining posteriad; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex in full-face view, or straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; mastica tory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan to dark reddish-black, gaster dark chocolate to blackish.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D49DCA2CBBC66546AE81673F68BCCEFB.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 100 - 117; EI 19 - 26; EL 0.17 - 0.24; H 0.66 - 1.09 L; HW 0.66 - 1.28; ML 0.91 - 1.42; MTL 0.53 - 0.84; PpH 0.12 - 0.13; PpL 0.38 - 0.58; SI 81 - 120; SL 0.79 - 1.04.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D49DCA2CBBC66546AE81673F68BCCEFB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek dikyrtos (' two-humped'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F7436E208C23BCFA1B16786B44526FEB.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 24 km E Rankins Spring (Lowery, B. B.), 4 km N Coombah Road House, Route 79 (Crozier, R. H., Imai, H. T. & Ward, P. S.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.). South Australia: Brookfield Conservation park (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 900110]), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Victoria: Sea Lake (Goudie [ANIC 32 - 900111]). Western Australia: 30 km N Billabong RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 25 / M 35 / M 36]), 7 km E of Burakin (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001978]), Dryandra SF (Norwood, C. [JDM 32 - 001980]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F7436E208C23BCFA1B16786B44526FEB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus graciliceps can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. mjobergi clade but differs from the most derived species, and the major worker does not have the deeply recessed area around the frontal carinae and medial sector of clypeus or the impressed setae-bearing sockets visible in the major and media workers that is seen in M. mjobergi, M. postlei and M. compactus. Minor and major workers workers of M. graciliceps are clothed with fine, appressed silvery setae that form pubescence in the minor worker, at least, in conjunction with multiple scattered, modified erect setae (the modified setae varying from distally slightly flattened to clavate) on the head, mesosoma and gaster. This species can only be confused with its near relation, M. lissotriches, but differs in having an only weakly convex eye in the minor worker (strongly convex in M. lissotriches), the eye barely interrupting the outline of head capsule. In profile, the pronotum of the minor worker rises gently, and the mesosoma is thereafter more-or-less straight, the mesonotum does not dip towards the propodeum and the metanotal groove is not demarcated by a v-shaped notch. The frontal carinae of the major worker is concave (straight or weakly convex in M. graciliceps) and the cuticle of its head is smooth and shining (matt or weakly shining in M. graciliceps).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F7436E208C23BCFA1B16786B44526FEB.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting almost completely of appressed setae that may form pubescence (tiny, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above mid point of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12), or present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with sharp angles; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, modified (sometimes clavate), erect setae. General characters. Colour brown to blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F7436E208C23BCFA1B16786B44526FEB.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting mainly of well-spaced appressed and a few mainly modified, clavate (feather-like) erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and generally smooth, with only weak, indistinct shagreenation; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour reddish-orange, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F7436E208C23BCFA1B16786B44526FEB.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 90 - 117; EI 20 - 32; EL 0.19 - 0.31; HL 0.67 - 1.32; HW 0.60 - 1.55; ML 0.98 - 1.87; MTL 0.71 - 0.95; PpH 0.09 - 0.15; PpL 0.43 - 0.69; SI 70 - 158; SL 0.95 - 1.08	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F7436E208C23BCFA1B16786B44526FEB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin gracilis (' slender') plus - ceps (' - headed' [from caput]); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DB1888FB475145239BE2635508964DA4.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: 4 km N Cape Leveque turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 251]), 42 mi N Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse [ANIC 32 - 900213]), 5 km N Pardoo Hill (Heterick, B. E. [ANIC 32 - 900212]), Nita Downs turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [ANIC 32 - 900209]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DB1888FB475145239BE2635508964DA4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus gracilis can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade] HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). Melophorus gracilis resembles a very small, glossy M. biroi (major worker HW ≤ 0.65 mm, minor worker HW ≤ 0.40 mm). The minor worker of the ant can be distinguished from M. biroi by the possession of a pair or several long, erect setae at the midpoint of the pronotum (the M. biroi minor worker nearly always has a glabrous mesosoma with only a tiny pronotal seta or two in very rare individuals) and erect setae on the first gastral tergite including a line of erect marginal setae. The lack of mesosomal setae also distinguishes tiny minor workers of M. ludius from minor workers of this ant. The major worker can be distinguished from the major worker of M. biroi by the non-protuberant or arched anterior clypeal margin, and from the M. ludius major worker by the restriction of erect mesosomal setae to a pair on the pronotum (more setae and these widely dispersed in the M. ludius major worker).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DB1888FB475145239BE2635508964DA4.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval, sides of head convergent towards mandibular insertions; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons consisting almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae confined to ocular triangle). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eye elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth; mandible triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth nos 2 and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth throughout; anterior mesosoma smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad; mesonotum gently convex; a pair to several pronotal setae about as long as eye and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; integument of propodeum smooth and shining throughout; propodeum rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae sparse (a couple or several); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ³ 1 / 2 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, petiolar node rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral segment consisting of a few well-spaced erect and semi-erect setae and longish, appressed setae that are separated by about their own length. General characters. Honey-coloured, gaster light brown to brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DB1888FB475145239BE2635508964DA4.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons consisting almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae confined to ocular triangle). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eye elliptical, slightly ovoid posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved towards antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth; mandible triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth nos 2 and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, superficial microreticulation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma smoothly rounded anteriad and more flattened posteriad; mesonotum gently convex; pronotum with a pair of setae shorter than eye and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; integument of propodeum shining with multiple hair-like striolae on metapleuron; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae few in number and minute; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ³ 1 / 2 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, petiolar node rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy with faint transverse striolae visible in some lights; pilosity of first gastral segment consisting of a few well-spaced erect and semi-erect setae and appressed or decumbent setae that are separated by more than their own length. General characters. Honey-coloured, gaster light brown to brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DB1888FB475145239BE2635508964DA4.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 7): CI 92 - 98; EI 25 - 31; EL 0.12 - 0.16; HL 0.42 - 0.64; HW 0.38 - 0.61; ML 0.56 - 0.78; MTL 0.32 - 0.44; PpH 0.07 - 0.10; PpL 0.23 - 0.33; SI 87 - 110; SL 0.42 - 0.54.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DB1888FB475145239BE2635508964DA4.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin gracilis (' slender'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AFACDA1E6B7CF7BFFE2EF3E79EE76925.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: 9 kn N Yanchep (Leicester, K. / McDavitt, S.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AFACDA1E6B7CF7BFFE2EF3E79EE76925.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus latinotus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade] HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). Uniform, minute, net-like microreticulation and a transverse row of short, stout unmodified setae placed across the centre of pronotum distinguish minor workers of this rare ant from similar forms in the M. biroi species-complex. The major worker is unknown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AFACDA1E6B7CF7BFFE2EF3E79EE76925.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; man dibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node matt with indistinct microsculpture. Gaster. Gaster matt with faint, indistinct microsculpture; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, long, whitish, appressed setae with erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour dull brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AFACDA1E6B7CF7BFFE2EF3E79EE76925.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 101 - 103; EI 26 - 26; EL 0.15 - 0.17; HL 0.54 - 0.59; HW 0.56 - 0.59; ML 0.75 - 0.78; MTL 0.41 - 0.45; PpH 0.09 - 0.08; PpL 0.34 - 0.35; SI 108 - 114; SL 0.60 - 0.68.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AFACDA1E6B7CF7BFFE2EF3E79EE76925.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin latus (' broad') plus Latinized Greek notus (Greek notos ' back'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
94D0317D82A66570F356A336E9A45160.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bogan River (Armstrong, J.), Callubri Station, 2 mi from homestead (Greaves, T.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.). Northern Territory: 25 km N Alice Springs (Shattuck, S. O.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), nr Limbunya turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 226]), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), 75 km E Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Observatory Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029567]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
94D0317D82A66570F356A336E9A45160.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus lissotriches can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. mjobergi clade but differs from the most derived species in that the major and media workers do not have the deeply recessed area around the frontal carinae and medial sector of clypeus or the impressed setae-bearing sockets visible in the heads of major and media workers of M. mjobergi, M. postlei and M. compactus. Minor and major workers of M. lissotriches are clothed with fine, appressed silvery setae that form pubescence in the minor worker, at least, in conjunction with multiple scattered, modified erect setae (the modified setae varying from distally slightly flattened to clavate) on the head, mesosoma and gaster. This species can only be confused with its near relation, M. graciliceps, but differs in having, in full-face view, the eye of the minor worker moderately convex and bulging well beyond the outline of head capsule. In profile, the mesosoma of the M. lissotriches minor worker is sinuous, the mesonotum dipping towards its junction with the propodeum and forming a weak v-shaped notch. The frontal carinae of major worker is straight or weakly convex (concave in the M. graciliceps major worker), and the cuticle of the major worker head is matt or weakly shining and minutely pitted.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
94D0317D82A66570F356A336E9A45160.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node rectangular, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour honey-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
94D0317D82A66570F356A336E9A45160.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of many short, erect, bristly setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae weakly convex; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation or hollow; appearance of node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of short, bristly, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange, gaster tawny-brown with more orange towards the sclerite margins.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
94D0317D82A66570F356A336E9A45160.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 89 - 105; EI 16 - 29; EL 0.17 - 0.26; HL 0.68 - 1.51; HW 0.60 - 1.58; ML 1.01 - 1.84; MTL 0.92 - 1.11; PpH 0.10 - 0.14; PpL 0.44 - 0.78; SI 62 - 173; SL 0.98 - 1.04.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
94D0317D82A66570F356A336E9A45160.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek lissos (' smooth', ' polished') plus pl. of trichos (' hair'); noun in the nominative plural standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AD4049EB3159485B570FB7FBDF36FA48.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus longiceps can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade] HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). In profile, the head of the minor worker is distinctly dorsoventrally flattened and, in full-face view, extremely narrow (CI ≤ 75). This extreme narrowness is a unique character that defines this species. Some M. biroi have rather narrow heads, but in those cases the CI is> 85. The major worker is unknown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AD4049EB3159485B570FB7FBDF36FA48.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt, or distinctly angulate, propodeal angle sharp; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour uniformly chocolate with some tan highlights.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AD4049EB3159485B570FB7FBDF36FA48.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 76 - 81; EI 30 - 38; EL 0.15 - 0.16; HL 0.56 - 0.63; HW 0.43 - 0.51; ML 0.72 - 0.82; MTL 0.41 - 0.43; PpH 0.07 - 0.10; PpL 0.29 - 0.34; SI 111 - 121; SL 0.52 - 0.56.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AD4049EB3159485B570FB7FBDF36FA48.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin longus (' long') plus - ceps (' - headed' [from caput]); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08EDCE28AAF7B62259375D613180E7C8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus macrops can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade]; HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). The minor worker of M. macrops is defined at a species level by its large eye (EI 40 - 41), the presence of at least several erect setae on the mesosoma including propodeal setae, the deeply impressed metanotal groove (when viewed in profile) and the rounded propodeum. The first gastral tergite has erect setae, including a line of marginal setae. The major worker is unknown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08EDCE28AAF7B62259375D613180E7C8.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule), or moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and smooth on dorsum, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly striolate-microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and smooth on dorsum and declivitous face, metapleuron with striolate-microreticulate sculpture; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts uniformly tan (or head dark chocolate, mesosoma tan), gaster dark chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08EDCE28AAF7B62259375D613180E7C8.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 92 - 95; EI 40 - 41; EL 0.18 - 0.19; HL 0.48 - 0.51; HW 0.45 - 0.47; ML 0.61 - 0.68; MTL 0.32 - 0.33; PpH 0.08 - 0.08; PpL 0.24 - 0.25; SI 109 - 110; SL 0.49 - 0.51.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08EDCE28AAF7B62259375D613180E7C8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek makros (' long') plus ops (' eye'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EB9DA66C16686653A94D2C602A971555.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bogan River (Armstrong, J. [ANIC 32 - 900099]), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Northern Territory: Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), 10 km E Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.). South Australia: 15 km NE Mt Bryan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 1 km W Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km E Emu Junction, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 8 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore, 2 km NE homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 30 km SE Kambalda (Walliss, N. [JDM 32 - 004551]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EB9DA66C16686653A94D2C602A971555.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus microreticulatus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade]; HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). This species is characterised by having large eyes (EI 40 ≥). The minor worker is of small size (HW 0.40 mm ≥) and lacks erect setae on mesosoma and first gastral tergite. The minor worker can be distinguished from similar size M. biroi, the only species with which it may be confused, by possessing distinct microreticulate sculpture over the mesosoma (this sculpturing may be weaker on the pronotum in some specimens). The major worker has a posterior clypeal margin that is not arched or falling away between the antennal insertion and tentorial pit, and an anterior clypeal margin that is straight and not protuberant. This, and the microreticulate sculpture will serve to distinguish the M. microreticulatus major worker from the major worker of M. biroi.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EB9DA66C16686653A94D2C602A971555.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout, or pronotum smooth and shining, mesonotum shining and superficially microreticulate, mesopleuron densely microreticulate and may be almost matt; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 3: 2 and 4: 3; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of head and mesosoma dark brown to blackish-brown, mesosoma variably brown-and-orange-tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EB9DA66C16686653A94D2C602A971555.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertions and Frontal carinae; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining, dorsum and declivitous face of propodeum mainly smooth, but with weak to strong vertical striolae arising from metapleuron; propodeum wedge-shaped, tapering dorsad; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 3: 2 and 4: 3; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous light brown or orange tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EB9DA66C16686653A94D2C602A971555.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 95 - 111; EI 25 - 45; EL 0.18 - 0.19; HL 0.41 - 0.70; HW 0.40 - 0.78; ML 0.55 - 0.90; MTL 0.26 - 0.44; PpH 0.06 - 0.09; PpL 0.23 - 0.39; SI 65 - 88; SL 0.35 - 0.50.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EB9DA66C16686653A94D2C602A971555.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Greek mikros (' small') plus Latin reticulatus (' netted'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A8281BBA54504F873C91AF1970BCC8F2.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Warialda (Oliver, T.). Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.) (QM), Tindaree via Tara (House, A & Brown, S.) (QM).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A8281BBA54504F873C91AF1970BCC8F2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus minimus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade]; HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). Melophorus minimus is the tiniest Melophorus with a head width of 0.47 mm in one measured major worker. Apart from minute size, the minor worker of this species has a distinctive profile with a strongly truncate, cuboidal propodeum that descends into its declivitous face at an angle approaching ninety degrees. The minor worker eye is large (EI 40 - 41) and the antennal scape is shorter than in most Melophorus (SI as little as 94). The mesosoma and first gastral tergite are always glabrous. The size of the major worker alone is sufficient to identify it, but its large eye combined with its smooth, glabrous mesosoma also separate it from other small Melophorus major workers in the M. biroi species-complex.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A8281BBA54504F873C91AF1970BCC8F2.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour mainly concolorous brown; mesonotum may be orange tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A8281BBA54504F873C91AF1970BCC8F2.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertions and frontal carinae; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical, or roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved towards antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum shining and superficially microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of short, well-spaced appressed setae only. General characters. Colour dark brown, lateral mesonotum lighter in colour.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A8281BBA54504F873C91AF1970BCC8F2.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 88 - 96; EI 40 - 41; EL 0.14 - 0.17; HL 0.37 - 0.44; HW 0.33 - 0.47; ML 0.43 - 0.55; MTL 0.23 - 0.28; PpH 0.06 - 0.06; PpL 0.19 - 0.24; SI 94 - 104; SL 0.34 - 0.39.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A8281BBA54504F873C91AF1970BCC8F2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin (dim.) minimus (' least'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
85BB8C8DB07F5D63D954630129726AA8.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: nr Limbunya turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 225]). Western Australia: 14 km E Roebuck Plains RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 191]), 30 km N Sandfire Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 183]), 4 km N Cape Leveque turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 250]), 4.3 km N Stanley rest area (Heterick, B. E. [M 255]), 47 km E Fitzroy Crossing (Heterick, B. E. [M 238]), 5 km N Pardoo Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 264]), Argyle Diamond Mine via Kununurra (Postle, A. [JDM 32 - 001567]), Argyle Diamond Mine via Kununurra (Postle, A. [JDM 32 - 001566]), Argyle Diamonds via Kununurra (Postle, A. T. [JDM 32 - 001561]), Argyle Diamonds via Kununurra (Postle, A. T. [JDM 32 - 001563]), Dampier Downs turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 252]), Erskine Ra (Heterick, B. E. [M 192]), Ethel Creek (Singarayar, F. K. [JDM 32 - 004667]), Lissadell Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 212]), Nita Downs turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 260]), Pardoo Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 179]), Willie Creek turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 277]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
85BB8C8DB07F5D63D954630129726AA8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus mjobergi can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. mjobergi clade because of characters best seen in the major worker. These include (seen in full-face view) the deeply recessed area around the frontal carinae and medial sector of clypeus visible in the major and media workers, the psammophore generally placed on or just above anterior margin of clypeus, and the minor workers hairy with bristly, short erect setae. In Melophorus mjobergi the head of all workers is microreticulate and moderately shining to matt and the setae-bearing sockets on the head of the major worker are impressed so as to appear as small, oval depressions. In full-face view, the antennal carina of the major worker is limited to a flange around the antennal insertion, a weak ridge representing the posterior extension of carina is strongly concave posteriad. This will differentiate this ant from M. compactus. Also, unlike M. compactus, the eye of the minor worker is placed anteriorly on head capsule and is moderate in size (in profile, eye length ≈ 0.25 x length of side of head capsule). Melophorus mjobergi is very similar to M. postlei but the appressed setae in all workers is loose and relatively thick and does not obscure the underlying cuticle, which is moderately shining in appearance.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
85BB8C8DB07F5D63D954630129726AA8.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence, or long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae over long, closely aligned, whitish, appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous light brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
85BB8C8DB07F5D63D954630129726AA8.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, with many fine, longitudinal striolae anteriad; pilosity of frons a mixture of many short, erect, bristly setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. Eye small (eye length <0.20 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Four mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth number two, but longer and narrower than basal tooth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, straight thereafter; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, narrowly V-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); no appressed propodeal setae, but a few relatively long decumbent setae present, not creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length greater than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and superficially microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi- erect setae and decumbent setae that are not sufficiently close to form pubescence. General characters. Colour uniformly light olive brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
85BB8C8DB07F5D63D954630129726AA8.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 89 - 89; EI 29 - 30; EL 0.16 - 0.17; HL 0.63 - 0.65; HW 0.56 - 0.58; ML 0.86 - 0.88; MTL 0.57 - 0.60; PpH 0.08 - 0.10 -; PpL 0.35 - 0.36; SI 136 - 137; SL 0.76 - 0.79.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
392ABECB82E5EC4583E5CCCB96BE1F29.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: 30 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Avon Downs (Colles, D. H.), Kapalga (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900181]), Kapalga (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo Research Station (Gross, G.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900086]), nr Limbunya turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 221]), Western Australia: Dunham River (rest area) (Heterick, B. E. [M 216]), 100 km N Meekatharra (Heath, M & Turpin, J. [JDM 32 - 004896]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
392ABECB82E5EC4583E5CCCB96BE1F29.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus postlei can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. mjobergi clade because of characters best seen in the major worker. These include (seen in full-face view) the deeply recessed area around the frontal carinae and medial sector of clypeus visible in the major and media workers, the psammophore generally placed on or just above anterior margin of clypeus, and the minor workers hairy with bristly, short erect setae. In Melophorus postlei the head of all workers is microreticulate and moderately shining to matt and the setae-bearing sockets on the head of the major worker are impressed so as to appear as small, oval depressions. In full-face view, the antennal carina of the major worker is limited to a flange around the antennal insertion, a weak ridge representing the posterior extension of carina is strongly concave posteriad. This will differentiate this ant from M. compactus. Also, unlike M. compactus, the eye of the minor worker is placed anteriorly on head capsule and is moderate in size (in profile, eye length ≈ 0.25 x length of side of head capsule). Melophorus postlei can be distinguished from its near relative, M. mjobergi, in that the appressed setae in all workers is fine and forms pubescence that largely obscures the underlying cuticle, which is matt in appearance.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
392ABECB82E5EC4583E5CCCB96BE1F29.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and microreticulate, or matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour brown to chocolate (gaster may be darker than foreparts).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
392ABECB82E5EC4583E5CCCB96BE1F29.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; pilosity of frons a mixture of many short, erect, bristly setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding anteromedially, clypeal margin entire or weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Four mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile gently sinuous after initial steep pronotal incline; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour uniformly reddish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
392ABECB82E5EC4583E5CCCB96BE1F29.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 87 - 114; EI 17 - 33; EL 0.15 - 0.23; HL 0.53 - 1.16; HW 0.46 - 1.33; ML 0.73 - 1.34; MTL 0.47 - 0.75; PpH 0.08 - 0.15; PpL 0.31 - 0.57; SI 61 - 144; SL 0.66 - 0.81.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
392ABECB82E5EC4583E5CCCB96BE1F29.taxon	etymology	Etymology. After Dr. Tony Postle; noun in the genitive case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
207497F88F71AB9B556CD54A1A5B64A1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus propebiroi can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade]; HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). The minor worker of M. propebiroi closely resembles M. biroi but has relatively long, partially overlapping appressed setae that form a weak pubescence on the mesosoma and gaster and also numerous short, bristly, erect setae on the mesosoma and gaster. The pilosity pattern enables this species to be distinguished from all other taxa in its species-complex. Only the minor worker is known.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
207497F88F71AB9B556CD54A1A5B64A1.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum shining and densely microreticulate, with distinct striolae on metapleuron; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae over long, closely aligned, whitish, appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
207497F88F71AB9B556CD54A1A5B64A1.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 97 - 101; EI 24 - 25; EL 0.15 - 0.16; HL 0.64 - 0.67; HW 0.59 - 0.67; ML 0.82 - 0.91; MTL 0.44 - 0.51; PpH 0.10 - 0.10; PpL 0.37 - 0.41; SI 112 - 119; SL 0.70 - 0.76.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
207497F88F71AB9B556CD54A1A5B64A1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin prope (' near') plus biroi.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
149F5FF2EC45069D7B212A983AC9E59A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus turbineus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is placed in the M. biroi species-complex on the basis of a further suite of characters (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur [except rarely in the mjobergi clade]; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; head dorsoventrally compressed to varying degrees in the minor worker of most species with the eyes placed high on the sides; compact legs, and small body size [excluding mjobergi clade]; HW of smallest minor 0.36 mm, average HW of smallest minors 0.46 mm; HW of largest known major 1.29 mm, average HW of largest majors [where known] 1.05 mm). Next to M. minimus, M. turbineus is probably the smallest Melophorus. The minor worker has a distinctive propodeum that is produced vertically and is conical in profile. The propodeal spiracle is very large, being approximately 0.75 x height of propodeum. The eye is also large (eye length approximately 0.40 x length of side of head capsule). These characteristics make this species readily recognisable. The major worker is unknown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
149F5FF2EC45069D7B212A983AC9E59A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head weakly convex, or planar or weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight and retrousse anteromedially; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker to seven; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and smooth on dorsum, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly striolate-microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum sharply conical; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum reduced to a narrow sliver; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of head and gaster chocolate, mesosoma tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
149F5FF2EC45069D7B212A983AC9E59A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 98 - 100; EI 33 - 35; EL 0.13 - 0.14; HL 0.37 - 0.43; HW 0.36 - 0.43; ML 0.53 - 0.54; MTL 0.24 - 0.28; PpH 0.06 - 0.07; PpL 0.18 - 0.21; SI 88 - 96; SL 0.35 - 0.38.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
149F5FF2EC45069D7B212A983AC9E59A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin turbineus (' conical'); adjective in nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C852D4E0B1926A2A6477AEF88DE97A88.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: St. George (Lowery, B. B.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C852D4E0B1926A2A6477AEF88DE97A88.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus brevignathus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. Furthermore, this species can also be placed in the M. brevignathus species-complex. This species-complex has the following diagnostic characters: in full-face view the head capsules of the major, media and minor workers are square with small, flattened eyes (except in the media and minor workers of M. marmar, which have a large, convex eye [but the eye is flattened in the major worker]); in profile, the eyes are placed anteriad of the midline of head capsule; the anterior margin of the clypeus is distinctly sinuate, projecting an teromedially as a bluntly triangular extension or flattened dimple in major and media workers; the five-toothed mandible of all workers is very narrow, parallel and coarsely striate throughout its length (broader and more finely striate in most members of the M. fieldi and the M. biroi species-complexes); and the maxillary palps in all workers is short, barely attaining neck sclerite at their greatest extension and often only reaching the midpoint of venter of head capsule when the head is moderately inclined. The eye of Melophorus brevignathus is placed low on head capsule, its bottom third intersected by an imaginary horizontal line separating head capsule (excluding mandibles) into equal upper and lower sectors, thus separating it from M. quadratus. The species can be distinguished from M. marmar by the following: in full-face view, the head is distinctly convex and the appressed setae on the first gastral tergite in all workers are shorter and separated from the preceding and succeeding rows by at least 2 x their own length. The eyes of the minor worker are similar to those of major worker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C852D4E0B1926A2A6477AEF88DE97A88.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin sinuate with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker four to five; mandibles narrow, mandibular blade truncate, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and tooth no. two, tooth no. four vestigial; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts brown to dark brown, gaster blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C852D4E0B1926A2A6477AEF88DE97A88.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head as for minor worker; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, ap pressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion, or curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin sinuate with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker 4 - 5; mandibles narrow, mandibular blade truncate, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae, or consisting of short, bristly, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts reddish-brown or brown, gaster blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C852D4E0B1926A2A6477AEF88DE97A88.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 109 - 112; EI 16 - 23; EL 0.21 - 0.26; HL 0.84 - 1.44; HW 0.92 - 1.62; ML 1.00 - 1.56; MTL 0.67 - 1.02; PpH 0.12 - 0.18; PpL 0.41 - 0.63; SI 66 - 84; SL 0.77 - 1.06.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C852D4E0B1926A2A6477AEF88DE97A88.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin brevis (' short') plus Neo-Latin gnathus (' jaw'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
566FF5997F96A5957A4E49A41E4D590A.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Lake Austin (Heterick, B. E. [M 287 / M 288 / M 289]), Lake Lefroy (Gordon, R.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
566FF5997F96A5957A4E49A41E4D590A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus marmar species can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. Furthermore, this species can also be placed in the M. brevignathus species-complex. This species-complex has the following diagnostic characters: in full-face view the head capsules of the major, media and minor workers are square with small, flattened eyes (except in the media and minor workers of M. marmar, which have a large, convex eye [but the eye is flattened in the major worker]); in profile, the eyes are placed anteriad of the midline of head capsule; the anterior margin of the clypeus is distinctly sinuate, projecting anteromedially as a bluntly triangular extension or flattened dimple in major and media workers; the five-toothed mandible of all workers is very narrow, parallel and coarsely striate throughout its length (broader and more finely striate in most members of the M. fieldi and the M. biroi species-complexes); and the maxillary palps in all workers is short, barely attaining neck sclerite at their greatest extension and often only reaching the midpoint of venter of head capsule when the head is moderately inclined. The eye of Melophorus marmar is placed low on head capsule, its bottom third intersected by an imaginary horizontal line separating head capsule (excluding mandibles) into equal upper and lower sectors, thus separating it from M. quadratus. The species can be distinguished from M. brevignathus by the following: in full-face view, the head is straight or even weakly concave and the appressed setae on the first gastral tergite in all workers are longer and separated from the preceding and succeeding rows by ≥ 1 x their own length. The eyes of the minor and media workers large and convex, those of the major worker flat.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
566FF5997F96A5957A4E49A41E4D590A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar to weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight, or broadly and evenly convex with or without a vestigial anteromarginal dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles narrow, mandibular blade truncate, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth slightly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, mesonotum flattened and projecting marginally over pronotum and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum rounded or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour shining brown to black, antennae yellow to light brown, legs often dark medially and conspicuously paler near joints.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
566FF5997F96A5957A4E49A41E4D590A.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head as for minor worker; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule), or small, (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin weakly sinuate with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate, or moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen), or present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex, or tapered with sharp vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour shining brown, legs paler distally.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
566FF5997F96A5957A4E49A41E4D590A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 105 - 112; EI 16 - 18; EL 0.21 - 0.25; HL 1.09 - 1.40; HW 1.15 - 1.57; ML 1.21 - 1.56; MTL 0.88 - 1.13; PpH 0.13 - 0.16; PpL 0.49 - 0.60; SI 69 - 76; SL 0.88 - 1.09.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
566FF5997F96A5957A4E49A41E4D590A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Old Irish marmar (' marble'): after the shining appearance of the ant; adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86513213606F1C04CA6E970B2AE2EDE5.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 3 km W Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Lake Meramangye, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86513213606F1C04CA6E970B2AE2EDE5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus quadratus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. Furthermore, this species can also be placed in the M. brevignathus species-complex. This species-complex has the following diagnostic characters: in full-face view the head capsules of the major, media and minor workers are square with small, flattened eyes (except in the media and minor workers of M. marmar, which have a large, convex eye [but the eye is flattened in the major worker]); in profile, the eyes are placed anteriad of the midline of head capsule; the anterior margin of the clypeus is distinctly sinuate, projecting anteromedially as a bluntly triangular extension or flattened dimple in major and media workers; the five-toothed mandible of all workers is very narrow, parallel and coarsely striate throughout its length (broader and more finely striate in most members of the M. fieldi and the M. biroi species-complexes); and the maxillary palps in all workers is short, barely attaining neck sclerite at their greatest extension and often only reaching the midpoint of venter of head capsule when the head is moderately inclined. Unlike M. brevignathus and M. marmar, M. quadratus has the eye, in full-face view, placed very high on capsule, and slightly above an imaginary horizontal line separating the head capsule (excluding mandibles) into equal upper and lower sectors; moreover the workers are glabrous (erect mesosomal setae are present in the other two species in the complex).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86513213606F1C04CA6E970B2AE2EDE5.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square, or quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave, or strongly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly emarginate with projecting anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles narrow, mandibular blade truncate, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86513213606F1C04CA6E970B2AE2EDE5.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head as for minor worker; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eyes small, (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin sinuate, weakly projecting anteromedially; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles narrow, mandibular blade truncate, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86513213606F1C04CA6E970B2AE2EDE5.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 105 - 112; EI 16 - 18; EL 0.21 - 0.25; HL 1.09 - 1.40; HW 1.15 - 1.57; ML 1.21 - 1.56; MTL 0.88 - 1.13; PpH 0.13 - 0.16; PpL 0.49 - 0.60; SI 69 - 76; SL 0.88 - 1.09.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86513213606F1C04CA6E970B2AE2EDE5.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin quadratus (' square'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DBAA30CF287A860BD12FF69863A6E052.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: Bessie Spring, 8 km ESE Cape Crawford (Feehan, J. E.), Jabiru (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tennant Creek (Field, J. F.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), ' Paingo' turnoff (Monteith & Cook), 20 km S Winton (nr. Bladensburg Natl. Pk.) (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 039878]), 26 mi NNW Mt. Isa (Dowse, J. E.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.). Western Australia: 1 km W Canna (Heterick, B. E. [M 321]), 30 km SE Kambalda (Walliss, N. [JDM 32 - 004715]), G. J. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 304]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DBAA30CF287A860BD12FF69863A6E052.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus ankylochaetes can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Furthermore, this species clusters with several others in the M. fieldi complex which share the following characters: gaster with curved erect setae, semi-erect setae and a few decumbent setae only, genuine appressed setae lacking; the body generally strongly sculptured and hirsute and the antennal scapes and legs with whorls of many fine, straight setae. Melophorus ankylochaetes is distinguishable from M. incisus as the mesonotum and propodeum are not globose; the mesonotum being separated from the mesopleuron and propodeum by a weak groove or indentation. Melophorus ankylochaetes can also be distinguished from populations of Melophorus hirsutipes with the ' pillipes ' condition because of the narrow, squamiform petiolar node of major and media workers (when viewed in profile) and the shiny appearance of the head (more matt and even rugulose in M. hirsutipes). The minor worker is not so distinctive, but can still be separated from the minor worker of M. hirsutipes (" pillipes ") by the more shining appearance of the head and anterior mesosoma and by its rounded propodeum.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DBAA30CF287A860BD12FF69863A6E052.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons striolate anteriad, smooth and shining posteriad; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin convex, weakly acuminate anteromedially; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae, or shining and uniformly striolate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting wholly or mainly of long, curved setae, appressed setae apparently absent. General characters. Colour mainly foreparts russet with gaster blackish-brown; more rarely concolorous blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DBAA30CF287A860BD12FF69863A6E052.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertion sand frontal carinae; pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four, or absent; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2, or not applicable, propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting mainly of well-spaced short, semi-erect and decumbent setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts dark orange tan, gaster blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DBAA30CF287A860BD12FF69863A6E052.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 101 - 126; EI 19 - 38; EL 0.20 - 0.33; HL 0.51 - 1.39; HW 0.52 - 1.76; ML 0.71 -. 1.71; MTL 0.43 - 1.12; PpH 0.07 - 0.20; PpL 0.27 - 0.65; SI 63 - 118; SL 0.61 - 1.12.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DBAA30CF287A860BD12FF69863A6E052.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Greek ankylos (' crooked') plus Greek khaitē ' long hair' (here, ' bristle'); noun in the nominative plural standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AACE0D22A3FEF102E0864432F27392FF.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 25 km ENE Fort Gray Homestead (Morton, S. R.), 40 mi N Warren (Lowery, B. B.), Bogan River (Armstrong, J.), Callubri Station, 2 mi from homestead (Greaves, T.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kapunda, N Nyngan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Trundle (Lowery, B. B.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), 12 mi WSW Camel Creek Homestead, W Ingham (Dowse, J. E.), 22 mi E Condamine (Dowse, J. E.), 25 km SW Warwick (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 65 km E Birdsville (Forrest, J.), Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Illaweena St. Drewvale (QM Party), Redlands Hilliards Ck, nr South St (RHC 1) (QM Party), St. George (Lowery, B. B.). South Australia: 15 km NE Umberatana, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Eyre Hwy, 9.7 km NE Cootra (Heterick, B. E. [M 324]), Lake Short Res. (Churchett, G. & R. [M 87 / M 102]), Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), Sea Lake (Goudie). Western Australia: 12 km S of Exmouth (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001781]), 64 km E of Southern Cross (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001784]), Sandstone Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 295]), Tropicana Minesite (Summerhayes, J. [JDM 32 - 004538]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AACE0D22A3FEF102E0864432F27392FF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus bruneus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus bruneus workers require careful checking to distinguish them from related species, particularly those of M. turneri and M. fieldi. Most M. bruneus workers can be distinguished from all taxa except M. fieldi by the following combination of characters: (1) eye relatively large (eye length 0.50 x length of side of head capsule in minor worker, approximately 0.33 x length of side of head capsule in major worker ≥), (2) in full-face view, periphery of upper frons surrounded to about the level of the eyes with short, bristly, erect setae that are often flattened distally; (3) minor worker small (HW ≈ 0.56 - 0.59 mm); (4) non-iridescent head of major worker relatively smooth and gleaming (e. g., Fig. 54 (a )) and, (5) clypeal psammophore of fine setae placed at or about midpoint of clypeus. The minor worker of Melophorus bruneus is distinguished from that of M. fieldi by its brown or dark reddish-brown but not blackish-brown colour that lacks a dull, silky sheen, by its smoothly convex pronotum when seen in profile, by the longer, often flexuous erect setae on the mesosoma (length of longer setae ≥ greatest width of antennal scape) and, in relatively glabrous minor workers, the long and conspicuously pale appressed setae on the mesosoma. The major worker has short, sometimes modified setae that are far more numerous than those of the major worker of M. fieldi and these give a shaggy appearance to most majors; moreover, the appressed setae on gaster are longer than in M. fieldi and overlap. Some populations of M. bruneus have glabrous minor workers. These can be distinguished from related species (particularly M. turneri and M. inconspicuus) by their matt, microreticulate heads and the relatively long, pale, appressed setae on the gaster (similar species usually have erect setae on the mesosoma, they have smoother and more shining heads and they have short, appressed setae on the gaster).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AACE0D22A3FEF102E0864432F27392FF.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and microreticulate, microreticulation reduced on humeri, or with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length <than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour brown, gaster (and often head) darker than mesosoma.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AACE0D22A3FEF102E0864432F27392FF.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of mid line of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of head and foreparts brownish-orange to brown with darker brown to blackish gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
AACE0D22A3FEF102E0864432F27392FF.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 103 - 127; EI 24 - 41; EL 0.24 - 0.37; HL 0.57 - 1.23; HW 0.59 - 1.55; ML 0.78 - 1.55; MTL 0.48 - 0.94; PpH 0.08 - 0.14; PpL 0.31 - 0.64; SI 64 - 108; SL 0.64 - 0.99.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
69EA478CAB8148A3829C335DFFD023A4.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.). South Australia: Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900102]), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 1 km W Canna (Heterick, B. E. [M 320]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
69EA478CAB8148A3829C335DFFD023A4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus eumorphus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. The appressed setae on the gaster in all workers of M. eumorphus are very small and inconspicuous when the gaster is moderately distended, and are separated from one another by at least their own length, these appressed setae also being inconspicuous on the mesosoma and never long and silvery. The mesosoma is glabrous in the minor worker or has one or a few flexuous, erect setae. The node of the minor worker is often squamiform and most commonly the cuticle is shining or even glossy with vestigial or weak shagreenation. These features serve to differentiate M. eumorphus from most of the members of its complex. This ant may be distinguished from the few remaining similar species (notably M. longipes, M. turneri and M. vitreus) by the following characters: the minor worker is very small (HW <0.55 mm), the frons of the head capsule is smooth and shining, the eye is large (eye length approximately 0.40 x length of head capsule), the mesopleuron has distinct, wrinkled or scalloped sculpture that may extend to the mesonotum (this is a particularly good feature to help distinguish this ant from the similar-sized M. vitreus) and the propodeum is a rounded cube. The major worker is also very small (HW ≤ 0.73 mm) with a large eye (eye length approximately 0.38 x length of head capsule) and the mesopleural sculpture as for the minor worker	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
69EA478CAB8148A3829C335DFFD023A4.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule), or moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. In full-face view, anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and smooth on dorsum, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly striolate-microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae, or consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of head and gaster chocolate, mesosoma tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
69EA478CAB8148A3829C335DFFD023A4.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum shining, dorsum and declivitous face of propodeum mainly smooth, but with weak to strong vertical striolae arising from metapleuron; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour as for minor worker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
69EA478CAB8148A3829C335DFFD023A4.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 105 - 110; EI 26 - 33; EL 0.16 - 0.21; HL 0.46 - 0.73; HW 0.49 - 0.73; ML 0.64 - 0.91; MTL 0.38 - 0.56; PpH 0.07 - 0.11; PpL 0.23 - 0.33; SI 91 - 105; SL 0.51 - 0.73.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
69EA478CAB8148A3829C335DFFD023A4.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek eu (' well', ' good') plus Latinized Greek morphus (Greek morphe ' shape', ' form'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D882B5E60FAEBA4F56D9F1DC40526C75.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Mundi Mundi, near Broken Hill (Valentine, J.). Northern Territory: 14 mi NNE Narwietooma Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 17 km S Rabbit Flat (Greenslade, P. J. M.). South Australia: 53 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Blyth (Lowery, B. B.), Blyth, N Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), Brookfield (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900060]), Koonamore, 5 km NE homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 1 km W Canna (Heterick, B. E. [M 316]), 15.2 km S Koolyanobbing (Heterick, B. E. [M 02 / M 31 / M 32]), Black Swan Mine (Langlands, P. & Osbourne, J. [JDM 32 - 001489]), Mt Crawford (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 004669]), Westonia (Harris, R., et. al. [JDM 32 - 001490]), Woolgangie (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001488]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D882B5E60FAEBA4F56D9F1DC40526C75.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus fieldi can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus fieldi workers require careful checking to distinguish them from related species, particularly those of M. turneri and M. bruneus. Most M. fieldi workers can be distinguished from all taxa except M. bruneus by the following combination of characters: (1) eye relatively large (eye length 0.50 x length of side of head capsule in minor worker, approximately 0.33 x length of side of head capsule in major worker ≥), (2) in full-face view, periphery of upper frons surrounded to about the level of the eyes with short, bristly, erect setae that are often flattened distally; (3) minor worker small (HW ≈ 0.56 - 0.59 mm); (4) non-iridescent head of major worker relatively smooth and gleaming (e. g., Fig. 54 (a )) and, (5) clypeal psammophore of fine setae placed at or about midpoint of clypeus. The minor worker of M. fieldi is a concolorous blackish-brown, finely shagreenate with a dull silky sheen, while, in profile, the pronotum rises gradually to its junction with the mesonotum without any obvious convexity and the mesonotum is slightly humped (see under the diagnosis for M. bruneus for differences between M. fieldi and that species in these particulars). The mesosoma has a few to many short, straight, bristly setae, these often expanded distally, the length of the longest setae ≤ greatest length of antennal scape, and the appressed setae are short and inconspicuous. The major and media worker and media workers are concolorous brown (the holotype is an orange-yellow with a brown gaster), with scattered short, sometimes modified setae and the appressed setae on the gaster are well-separated and do not overlap (unlike the case with M. bruneus).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D882B5E60FAEBA4F56D9F1DC40526C75.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker four to five; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation, or shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour dark chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D882B5E60FAEBA4F56D9F1DC40526C75.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae interspersed with minute, appressed setae. General characters. Colour brown, lower frons and appendages generally pale brownish-yellow (however, the holotype has bright orange-yellow fore-parts and brown gaster).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D882B5E60FAEBA4F56D9F1DC40526C75.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 105 - 115; EI 26 - 42; EL 0.24 - 0.31; HL 0.54 - 1.03; HW 0.56 - 1.19; ML 0.79 - 1.32; MTL 0.56 - 0.84; PpH 0.09 - 0.13; PpL 0.33 - 0.56; SI 77 - 127; SL 0.71 - 0.92.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C730B724076AF4E2BF58CAF39034F08F.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), St. George (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900119]). Western Australia: 3 km E Fitzroy Crossing (Heterick, B. E. [M 197]), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 004579]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C730B724076AF4E2BF58CAF39034F08F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus fulvidus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. This species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus fulvidus is a relatively distinctive species. The Major, media and minor workers are uniformly microreticulate and, in profile, the petiolar node of the minor and media worker is thick and tuberculate in shape, while that of the major worker is squamiform. The metatibial apical spur is absent in this species. The mesosoma of the minor and media workers is matt and glabrous, while that of the major worker has around 12 short, bristly, erect setae. These features, combined with the distinctive colour (minor and media workers are orange, the major worker orange with a brown gaster), will serve to identify the species.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C730B724076AF4E2BF58CAF39034F08F.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node cuboidal, rounded above; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node matt and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster matt with distinct microreticulate pattern; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour concolorous dusky light orange.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C730B724076AF4E2BF58CAF39034F08F.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting mainly of appressed and stout erect setae, the latter bristly in appearance and distinctly modified (flattened) distally. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker, or 4 - 5; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four, or absent; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node matt, and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange, gaster light orange-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C730B724076AF4E2BF58CAF39034F08F.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 98 - 113; EI 26 - 37; EL 0.17 - 0.24; HL 0.47 - 0.83; HW 0.46 - 0.94; ML 0.68 - 1.14; MTL 0.46 - 0.66; PpH 0.08 - 0.12; PpL 0.30 - 0.50; SI 81 - 132; SL 0.61 - 0.77.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
C730B724076AF4E2BF58CAF39034F08F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Late-Latin fulvidus (' dull brownish-yellow'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08CAAD432A811485471503CD2C1EDD9A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus gilliatensis can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. The clypeus is folded back abruptly slightly below its midpoint, so that the anterior portion projects as a protuberance at about 90 ° to the mandible, the clypeal psammophore being placed along the line of demarcation. The unusual form of the clypeus, suggestive of ants in the M. wheeleri complex, serves to identify the species, which is restricted to a small area of central QLD.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08CAAD432A811485471503CD2C1EDD9A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight and retrousse anteromedially; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and microreticulate, microreticulation reduced on humeri; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour of foreparts brown, gaster dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08CAAD432A811485471503CD2C1EDD9A.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square tending to trapezoid anteriad; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of many long, curved, semi-erect setae over well-spaced short semi-erect, decumbent and appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi- erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour of foreparts very variable, including orange, black, or orange with brownish-red head; gaster dark brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08CAAD432A811485471503CD2C1EDD9A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 103 - 120; EI 18 - 32; EL 0.28 - 0.30; HL 0.83 - 1.38; HW 0.85 = 1.66; ML 1.20 - 1.66; MTL 0.77 - 1.05; PpH 0.11 - 0.20; PpL 0.50 - 0.81; SI 64 - 113; SL 0.97 - 1.07.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
08CAAD432A811485471503CD2C1EDD9A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for the type locality; third declension masculine suffix added to toponym to form an adjective.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96BA670237D15529F5BB0D81B74D62D3.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 20 mi N Tottenham (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900153]), 20 mi SE Bourke (Greaves, T.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900093]), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900164]), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900163]), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Northern Territory: 11 km N Tennant Creek (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 30 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900092]), about 5 km N Henbury Homestead (Feehan, J. E. [ANIC 32 - 900150]), Elliott (Weatherill, L.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (T. Beutel), ' Merigol' (T. Beutel), ' Merigol' (T. Beutel), 14 mi W Cloncurry (Dowse, J. E.), Alton Downs old homestead, about 48 km SW Birdsville (Feehan, J. E. [ANIC 32 - 900151]), Mt. Isa (Weatherill, L.), Nairana (E. M. Exley), Sandringham (Morton, S. [ANIC 32 - 900162]), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R. [ANIC 32 - 900161]). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 2 km NE Kalamurina Homestead (Feehan, J. E. [ANIC 32 - 900159]), 30 km S Granite Downs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 3 km NE homestead, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 80 km E Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900158]), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900157]), Eckerts Creek (Barmera Primary [ANIC 32 - 046265]), Eyre Hwy, 9.7 km NE Cootra (B. E. Heterick [M 74]), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Moolooloo, Flinders Ranges (Riddle, A. R.), Olympic Dam (Matthews, E. G. & Watts, C.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900160]). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N. [ANIC 32 - 900167]), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N. [ANIC 32 - 900168]). Western Australia: 1.5 km S Koolyanobbing (B. E. Heterick [M 19 / M 51 / M 52]), 50 km NE Wiluna (F. Bokhari [M 323]), 70 km N Halls Creek (B. E. Heterick [M 210]), Cape Bernier (Andersen, A. N.), Coomallo Downs (B. E. Heterick [M 01]), Durack River (J. B. Stuckey [M 114]), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 004544]), G. J. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (B. E. Heterick [M 311]), KW Road, Lancelin district (B. E. Heterick [M 119]), Margaret River, Marillana Creek (Dunlop, N. [JDM 32 - 004547]), Mulga Rock (S. Dunnart [M 92]), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029568]), Pannawonica Hill (F. Bokhari [M 153]), Rabbit Proof Fence (B. E. Heterick [M 69 / M 70]), Wittenoom Gorge (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 004543]), Yampi 2 Stn, Kimberley Area (Palmer, C. [JDM 32 - 004546]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96BA670237D15529F5BB0D81B74D62D3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus hirsutipes can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. The species is highly variable in appearance: (1) Melophorus hirsutipes ('' pillipes' '). This form of the species clusters with several others in the M. fieldi complex which share the following characters: gaster with curved erect setae, semi-erect setae and a few decumbent setae only, genuine appressed setae lacking; the body generally strongly sculptured and hirsute and the antennal scapes and legs with whorls of many fine, straight setae. Melophorus hirsutipes is distinguishable from M. incisus in that the mesonotum and propodeum are not globose and the mesonotum is separated from the mesopleuron and propodeum by a weak groove or indentation. Melophorus hirsutipes can be distinguished from Melophorus ankylochaetes because of the thicker, petiolar node of major and media workers (when viewed in profile), which is more tubercular in appearance and often directed posteriad. The sculpture of the head varies from weakly shining to matt and rugulose. The minor worker has a sloping propodeum with curved, erect setae. (2) The less hirsute form of M. hirsutipes, which lacks erect setae on the tibiae, can be distinguished from similar M. fieldi complex species by the following characters: the mesosoma has long, flexuous, curved erect setae (the pronotal setae and those on anterior mesosoma being curved posteriad, setae on posterior mesonotum being curved anteriad, while those on the propodeum are curved in both directions); rather long appressed setae are present on the mesonotum and gaster but these do not combine to form a silvery pubescence; in profile, the anterior two-thirds of clypeus is often straight or slightly concave, forming an oblique surface, the anteromedial clypeal dimple weak or vestigial and, in profile, the petiolar node in the minor worker is thick, to about 0.7 x as wide as high, with its dorsum noticeably directed posteriad in many instances.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96BA670237D15529F5BB0D81B74D62D3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head strongly convex or weakly convex; sculpture of frons very variable, from matt, uniformly striate or rugose (northern populations) down a cline to shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only (many southern populations); pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes more-or-less circular, elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad to distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex with or without anteromedian dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron varying in appearance from matt or weakly shining to strongly shining and mainly smooth (sculpture shagreenate or even striate-rugose on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum in northern populations and mainly lacking in southern populations with vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove varying from a vestigial furrow to broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining, shagreenate or matt and rugose with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3, or about 1: 1 or smoothly rounded with propodeal dorsum and propodeal declivity confluent (northern populations); erect propodeal setae present and sparse to abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length, or sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal to rectangular, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node weakly to moderately shining (northern) to shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture (southern). Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae that form a variable pubescence, or wholly or mainly of long, curved setae, appressed setae apparently absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange-tan or light brown, gaster brown or chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96BA670237D15529F5BB0D81B74D62D3.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex (northern) or weakly concave (southern); cuticle of frons varying along a cline from matt or with a weak sheen, indistinct or coriaceous (northern) to shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only (southern); pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent or appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at (northern) or above (southern) midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad, or distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex, or broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or weakly shining and coriaceous (northern) to moderately shining and shagreenate throughout (southern); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow (indicated mainly by an angle and the metathoracic spiracles) to broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum weakly shining with pitted, rugose sculpture dorsally and striate rugosity laterally, or matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate (northern) or propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate (southern); propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle (northern) or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2 (southern); erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced (northern) but long, each seta reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence (southern); propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex blunt (northern) to squamiform (southern); in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles, uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record') to shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of wholly or mainly of long, curved setae, appressed setae apparently absent (mainly northern) or a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence (mainly southern). General characters. Colour of foreparts orange-tan, gaster brown to chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96BA670237D15529F5BB0D81B74D62D3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 106 - 127; EI 17 - 32; EL 0.20 - 0.33; HL 0.72 - 1.54; HW 0.76 - 2.06; ML 1.03 - 2.06; MTL 0.66 - 1.38; PpH 0.10 - 0.26; PpL 0.40 - 0.83; SI 67 - 114; SL 0.87 - 1.44.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96BA670237D15529F5BB0D81B74D62D3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin hirsutus (' shaggy') plus pes (' foot'); adjective in the nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B2DCEE25263F49C610BE900778B7FEF6.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: 30 km N Sandfire Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 184 / M 185 / M 186]), Pannawonica (Boisduval, M. [JDM 32 - 004620]), Port Hedland (Weatherill, L.), Port Hedland (Heterick, B. E. [M 270]), Sandford Rock (Yandle, S. [JDM 32 - 001991]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B2DCEE25263F49C610BE900778B7FEF6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus incisus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Furthermore, this species clusters with several others in the M. fieldi complex which share the following characters: gaster with curved erect setae, semi-erect setae and a few decumbent setae only, genuine appressed setae lacking; the body generally strongly sculptured and hirsute and the antennal scapes and legs with whorls of many fine, straight setae. Melophorus incisus can then be distinguished from closely allied forms by its globose mesonotum and propodeum and the fact that the mesonotum, the mesopleuron and the propodeum are separated from each other by a deep sulcus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B2DCEE25263F49C610BE900778B7FEF6.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandi bles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout, or pronotum smooth and shining, mesonotum shining and superficially microreticulate, mesopleuron densely microreticulate and may be almost matt; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum shining and densely microreticulate, with distinct striolae on metapleuron; propodeum always smoothly rounded; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum reduced to a narrow sliver; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout, or shining and striolate. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting wholly or mainly of long, curved setae, appressed setae apparently absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts reddish-brown to chocolate, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B2DCEE25263F49C610BE900778B7FEF6.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head strongly convex; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertions and frontal carinae; pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial micro reticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting wholly or mainly of long, curved setae, appressed setae apparently absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B2DCEE25263F49C610BE900778B7FEF6.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 96 - 117; EI 19 - 31; EL 0.18 - 0.29; HL 0.60 - 1.27; HW 0.78 - 1.49; ML 0.84 - 1.55; MTL 0.48 - 0.93; PpH 0.13 - 0.20; PpL 0.36 - 0.59; SI 70 - 118; SL 0.68 - 1.05.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B2DCEE25263F49C610BE900778B7FEF6.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin incisus (' cut' or ' dissected'); adjective in the nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E1A7D631126B1F92F9B2D968E4294AC1.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km W Broken Hill (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mundi Mundi, near Broken Hill (Valentine, J.), near Deniliquin (Zakharov [ANIC 32 - 013879]). Northern Territory: 105 km N Yuendumu (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km SE Alice Springs (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 17 km NW Alexandria Downs (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 20 km S Alice Springs (Andersen, A. N.), 20 km S Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 20 km SE Alice Springs (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 20 km SE Alice Springs (David son, D. & Morton, S.), 25 km W Tennant Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), about 50 km E Finke (Feehan, J. E.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: 20 mi S St George (Lowery, B. B.), Mt. Isa (Weatherill, L.), near Thallon (Lowery, B. B.). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km SW Meningie (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 12 km W Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 18 km NNE Meningie (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 20 km NE Macumba Station (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 30 km S Granite Downs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 3 km NE homestead, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km WNW Pitlochry Homestead, Coorong-Keith (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Banff, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bay of Shoals, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bindyi, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), BM 17, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cockatoo, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cockatoo, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Curdimurka (Feehan, J. E.), E Horse Rock, Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fairview Conservation Park, N Lucindale (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fairview Conservation Park, N Lucindale (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), head of Bight Cliff, 54 km WbyS Nullarbor (Taylor, R. W.), Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Moorowie Plain (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.), Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Salt Creek, 8 km S (Animal and Plant Control Commission), Salt Creek, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Salt Lagoon, near Bay of Shoals, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandy Creek, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Victor Harbour (Greenslade, P. J. M.), West Bay, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Yorke Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), Little Desert (Andersen, A. N.). Western Australia: 1 km S Capricorn RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 275]), 12 mi N Wittenoom (McInnes & Dowse), 36 mi NE Carnegie Homestead (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 48 mi E Cosmo Newberry Mission (McInnes & Dowse), 48 mi E Cosmo Newberry Mission (McInnes & Dowse), Argyle Diamonds via Kununurra (Postle, A. [JDM 32 - 004713]), Binningup turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 123]), Bold Park (Achour, P. [JDM 32 - 001802]), Boundary Island (Piek, J. [JDM 32 - 001804]), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 004577]), Gibb R. (Mercer, R. [JDM 32 - 001821]), Hope Valley (Heterick, B. E.), Israelite Bay (Greaves, T.), Martin (Heterick, B. E.), Milyeannup (Parkinson, W. [JDM 32 - 001791]), Mt. Whaleback, Newman (Walker, K. J. [JDM 32 - 001828]), Nerren Nerren Stn. (Harvey, M. S. & Waldock, J. M. [JDM 32 - 004759]), Perth (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001813]), Perth (Clark, J.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E1A7D631126B1F92F9B2D968E4294AC1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus inconpicuus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophours inconspicuus belongs to a clade of very similar and highly derived Melophorus that are also common and widespread, and specimens have to be checked carefully using the following characters before they can be distinguished from M. bruneus, M. fieldi, M. hirsutipes, M. longipes, M. lanuginosus and M. turneri: the eye in minor workers is moderate in size (large in M. bruneus and M. fieldi minor wokers), in profile, the clypeus is evenly convex or weakly concave in its anterior third, the petiolar node is thin, much less than 0.7 x as wide as high and either straight or weakly bent posteriad. The appressed setae on the mesosoma and gaster are moderate in length and interspersed with bristly erect setae (this is a good character by which to distinguish this ant from workers of M. turneri, in which the appressed setae are very short), the silvery pubescence is limited to small areas of the pronotum or entirely absent (forms a thick thatch in M. lanuginosus); the erect setae on mesosoma are generally few and bristly in appearance (often <diameter of eye, unlike the longer and more flexuous setae in M. hirsutipes) and the entire mesosoma may be glabrous. The cuticle is generally weakly shagreenate, except for the mesopleuron, and the foreparts are commonly moderately shining. the petiolar node in the minor worker essentially squamiform, that of major worker a true scale. The major worker can be distinguished from major workers of M. bruneus and M. fieldi by its larger size (HW> 1.70 mm versus HW <1.60 mm) and its less finely sculptured and shinier appearance. The ' pillipes ' condition is always absent.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E1A7D631126B1F92F9B2D968E4294AC1.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly emarginate with projecting anteromedial dimple, or straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour concolorous brown to blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E1A7D631126B1F92F9B2D968E4294AC1.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of short, bristly, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts variably orange tan to chocolate, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E1A7D631126B1F92F9B2D968E4294AC1.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 96 - 125; EI 18 - 37; EL 0.21 - 0.31; HL 0.59 - 1.38; HW 0.57 - 1.72; ML 0.86 - 1.68; MTL 0.58 - 1.05; PpH 0.08 - 0.19; PpL 0.35 - 0.71; SI 67 - 135; SL 0.76 - 1.15.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E1A7D631126B1F92F9B2D968E4294AC1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Late Latin inconspicuus (' not conspicuous'); adjective in the nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A478DDDD9346F11416DBCC5E05F62EDB.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: St. Ives GM via Kambalda (Curtin Students [JDM 32 - 001803]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A478DDDD9346F11416DBCC5E05F62EDB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus isaiah can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. In full-face view, the eye of all workers is placed very high on the head, and slightly above an imaginary horizontal line separating the head (excluding the mandibles) into equal upper and lower sectors. The high placement of the eyes, especially in the minor worker where they occur at the junction of the vertex and the genae, sets this species apart from all other Melophorus within the M. fieldi species-complex.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A478DDDD9346F11416DBCC5E05F62EDB.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae, or consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour brown (gaster usually darker) with legs that are pale yellowish and depigmented distally.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A478DDDD9346F11416DBCC5E05F62EDB.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum overlapping pronotum, planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12), or variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation, or shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of head orange tan or light brown, mesosoma brown, gaster dark brown, legs pale yellowish.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A478DDDD9346F11416DBCC5E05F62EDB.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 102 - 118; EI 19 - 31; EL 0.19 - 0.28; HL 0.60 - 1.26; HW 0.62 - 1.48; ML 0.86 - 1.50; MTL 0.61 - 1.05; PpH 0.08 - 0.15; PpL 0.36 - 0.63; SI 75 - 125; SL 0.77 - 1.11.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A478DDDD9346F11416DBCC5E05F62EDB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A pun on the high placement of the eyes on the head capsule; noun in the nominative singular used without declension.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E597507C2A4B40E02428B1164BD58172.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Northern Territory: Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.). South Australia: Burnt Camp Dam, Calperum (Medlin, G. C.). Western Australia: 0.9 km along Tanami Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 206 / M 207 / M 208]), 18.5 km E Southern Cross (Heterick, B. E. [M 132 / M 133 / M 134]), Dunham River (rest area) (Heterick, B. E. [M 214 / M 215]), Marillana Ck. (Dunlop, N. [JDM 32 - 001823]), Miling (Heterick, B. E. [M 302 / M 303]), Panawonica [Pannawonica] (Brown, K. [JDM 32 - 001827]), Pilbara Locality (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001812]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E597507C2A4B40E02428B1164BD58172.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus lanuginosus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. In general, Melophorus lanuginosus is rendered distinctive by a combination of its long white setae, which form a thatch on the gaster and on the pronotum, the long erect setae on the mesosoma (longer setae> diameter of eye); cuticle with strong shagreenate sculpture, matt or with weak sheen and a relatively thick petiolar node in the minor worker (to about 0.6 x as wide as high). Neither is the petiolar node a true scale in the major worker. In most specimens the anteromedial dimple is prominent and protrudes as a V-shaped lip. These features combined are found only in this species. In addition to these features, the " pillipes " form has whorls of fine, straight erect setae on the legs and antennal scape. A second variant found at a couple of sites in NW Australia has aberrant major and media workers. These possess a short, protrusive flange on the midline of the capsule between the frontal carinae, and frons adjacent to the frontal carinae is recessed as in the M. mjobergi clade major workers. Additionally in these subcastes, the torulus is bizarrely produced as a sleeve to the base of the antennal scape and its pedicel. Apart from these particular features, these two variant conform to the diagnosis of the typical M. lanuginosus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E597507C2A4B40E02428B1164BD58172.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule, or set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of head capsule, or set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3, or about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence, or long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform, or subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture, or matt and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation, or shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour various shades of orange or brown, usually concolorous but gaster may be darker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E597507C2A4B40E02428B1164BD58172.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts various shades of light tan with brown gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E597507C2A4B40E02428B1164BD58172.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 103 - 116; EI 21 - 31; EL 0.20 - 0.35; HL 0.61 - 1.45; HW 0.62 - 1.69; ML 0.92 - 1.22; MTL 0.67 - 1.22; PpH 0.10 - 0.19; PpL 0.37 - 0.65; SI 72 - 130; SL 0.81 - 1.22.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E597507C2A4B40E02428B1164BD58172.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin lanuginosus (' woolly' or ' downy'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
ECA0A45E2337E087D486E1495BF46A83.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: about 50 km E Finke (Feehan, J. E.). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900192]), 1 mi S Victory Downs Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 20 mi W Mt Whinham (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 25 mi NE Maralinga (McInnes & Dowse), 29 km ENE Yantanabie (Taylor, R. W., Bartell, R. J. & Lowery, B. B.), 34 mi NW Woomera (Greaves, T.), 3 km NE homestead, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 3 mi S Mt Morris, Musgrave Range (McInnes & Dowse), 5 mi NW Coffin Hill (McInnes & Dowse), Blyth, 4 mi W Clare (Lowery, B. B.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Eyre Highway, 38 km W Kimba (Heterick, B. E.), Eyre Hwy, 9.7 km NE Cootra (Heterick, B. E. [M 327]), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.), 50 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 1 km W Canna (Heterick, B. E. [M 318]), 1.5 km S Koolyanobbing (Heterick, B. E. [M 60]), 16 km S Mt Magnet (Heterick, B. E. [M 291 / M 292]), 19 km N Hines Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 05 / M 22 / M 33 / M 34]), 19 mi SEbyS Karonie (Taylor, R. W.), 20 mi SW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse), 23 mi SWbyS Coolgardie (Taylor, R. W.), 26 mi NWbyW Norseman (Taylor, R. W.), 6 mi W Karonie (Greaves, T.), 8 km N Bullfinch (Heterick, B. E. [M 124]), 9 mi W Zanthus (Taylor, R. W.), Beebyn Stn. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001783]), Coomallo Downs (Heterick, B. E. [M 03 / M 42]), Dedari, 320 mi E Perth (Douglas, A.), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 001793]), Junana Rock, 9 km NW Mt. Ragged (Taylor, R. W.), Kadji Lake Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001795]), Kalgoolie (Greaves, T.), Mardathuna Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 23 / M 56]), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029564]), Port Hedland (Weatherill, L.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
ECA0A45E2337E087D486E1495BF46A83.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus longipes can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus longipes can be confused with several very similar and highly derived Melophorus that are also common and widespread, and specimens have to be checked carefully using the following characters before they can be distinguished from M. eumorphus, M. turneri and M. vitreus: Melophorus longipes can be distinguished from M. eumorphus by its larger size (minor worker HW 0.57 mm ≥; major worker HW> 1.50 mm); and less strongly sculptured mesopleuron. In turn, the Melophorus longipes minor workers lack the protuberant clypeus seen in M. vitreus minors, the clypeus being only weakly protuberant and usually with a distinct dimple at its anterior midpoint, are less gracile, have a squamiform petiolar node and do not exhibit the " pillipes " condition (which is general in M. vitreus). It is with many populations of Melophorus turneri that Melophorus longipes can be most easily confused. However, in M. longipes the metafemur of the minor worker is longer and attenuated towards its junction with the tibia (metafemur ≥ 0.90 x length of mesosoma) compared with the shorter, stouter metafemur in the M. turneri minor (metafemur ≤ 0.75 x length of mesosoma). In profile, the dorsum of the minor worker propodeum is smoothly curved on to its declivitous face in M. longipes whereas there is often a distinct angle in the case of M. turneri. Major workers are more difficult to differentiate. However, the major worker mesonotum in M. longipes is flat to weakly convex versus weakly to moderately convex in M. turneri major workers, the M. longipes major worker metafemur is increasingly depigmented towards its articulation with the tibia, and the tibia is depigmented yellowish-white. The appearance of the major worker metafemur in M. turneri workers seen is always uniform and similar in colour pattern to the tibia, both parts being ochraceous to yellowish.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
ECA0A45E2337E087D486E1495BF46A83.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only; Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial clypeal dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and tooth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae few in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform to narrowly conical, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Body tan with a brown gaster and the legs a light tan, becoming pale yellow distally.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
ECA0A45E2337E087D486E1495BF46A83.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only; Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial clypeal dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and tooth numbers two and four; masticatory mar gin of mandibles vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, node uniformly rounded or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae). General characters. Body tan with a brown gaster and the legs an increasingly pale yellowish, becoming depigmented distally.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
ECA0A45E2337E087D486E1495BF46A83.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 10): CI 105 - 124; EI 18 - 33; EL 021 - 0.30; HL 0.61 - 1.38; HW 0.64 - 1.70; ML 0.87 - 1.70; MTL 0.62 - 1.10; PpH 0.11 - 0.17; PpL 0.36 - 0.70; SI 69 - 118; SL 0.75 - 1.17.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
ECA0A45E2337E087D486E1495BF46A83.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin longus (' long') plus pes (' foot'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
14E5762D3E95C9524C91D98DE738E90A.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Moree (I. Oliver). Western Australia: 11 km N Wiluna (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 11 km N Wiluna (Davidson, D. & Morton, S. [ANIC 32 - 066606]), 11 km N Wiluna (Davidson, D. & Morton, S. [ANIC 32 - 066608]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
14E5762D3E95C9524C91D98DE738E90A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus major can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. The large-eyed Melophorus major closely resembles several related Melophorus, most obviously M. bruneus, M. fieldi and the M. turneri candidus form of M. turneri. The one distinctive feature that places at least the M. major minor worker apart from other Melophorus in its species-complex is the low placement of the clypeal psammophore: in profile, this structure is to be found just behind the anterior clypeal margin and it is also placed well below the midpoint of the clypeus in some major workers. At present the few known major workers cannot be separated with any confidence from related species or populations of species with an anteriorly situated psammophore, but the propodeum is narrow with an oblique dorsal face and the colour of major workers seen is shining brown with the gaster slightly darker, and this character may be helpful in some cases.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
14E5762D3E95C9524C91D98DE738E90A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule), or moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 2: 1; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts brown, gaster blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
14E5762D3E95C9524C91D98DE738E90A.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2, or greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan, gaster blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
14E5762D3E95C9524C91D98DE738E90A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 99 - 112; EI 23 - 37; EL 0.28 - 0.37; HL 0.76 - 1.45; HW 0.75 - 1.63; ML 1.07 - 1.71; MTL 0.69 - 1.08; PpH 0.12 - 0.16; PpL 0.43 - 0.71; SI 70 - 109; SL 0.82 - 1.14.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E895090F14BB74528FA0789E4062CFA3.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Northern Territory: 15 km SE Alice Springs (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 20 km S Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900120]), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), NW Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kabali East, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kabali East, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kabali Fan, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.). South Australia: 15 km ENE Beltana, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 30 km E Poeppel Corner, Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km NW Mt Davies turnoff, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 70 km E Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Birdsville Track, 12 km SW Etadunna (Forrest, J.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cowarie, Birdsville Track (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Wilgena Hill, E. Tarcoola (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 0.5 km along Tanami Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 198 / M 199 / M 200 / M 201]), 30 km N Billabong RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 11]), 40 km W Halls Creek (Heterick, B. E. [M 231]), 5 km N Kumarina (Heterick, B. E. [M 284 / M 285]), 58 km E Nanutarra (Ward, P. S.), 8 km N Auski RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 274]), Dowerin (Heterick, B. E. [M 67 / M 68]), Eyre Hwy, 20 km N Norseman (Heterick, B. E. [M 335]), G [ascoyne]. J [unction]. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 305]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E895090F14BB74528FA0789E4062CFA3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus microtriches can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus microtriches is a very matt species and has a distinctive, reticulate tibia and antennal scape. In addition, the erect setae on the metatibia are short and stout (length of longest setae <greatest width of tibia) and cannot be confused with ' pillipes " condition setae which are long, straight and fine. In addition to the erect setae, this species possesses appressed metatibial setae that are thickly distributed and often form a distinct pubescence on the tibia. The gaster of the minor worker is also strongly pubescent. These characters combined make this species readily diagnosable.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E895090F14BB74528FA0789E4062CFA3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile eyes set anteriad of midline of head capsule; in profile, eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour variegated orange tan and brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E895090F14BB74528FA0789E4062CFA3.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square, or rectangular; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propo deum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour variegated orange- or reddish-brown with brown gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E895090F14BB74528FA0789E4062CFA3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 105 - 123; EI 23 - 31; EL 0.23 - 0.35; HL 0.69 - 1.28; HW 0.73 - 1.57; ML 1.06 - 1.72; MTL 0.65 - 1.00; PpH 0.12 - 0.17; PpL 0.43 - 0.72; SI 71 - 118; SL 0.86 - 1.11.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E895090F14BB74528FA0789E4062CFA3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek mikros (' small') plus pl. of trichos (' hair'); noun in the nominative plural standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
792169EB10C15DDC70DFBF4FBB20C1DB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus orthonotus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, mandible and palps. The elongate propodeum, however, is unique in the species-group and resembles more closely the typical form of the propodeum in the M. aeneovirens species-group (see below). The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Uniquely among the Melophorus seen, where rare species are often only represented by minor workers, here it is the major and media worker of this species that are the sole representatives in the collections examined. Even so, the species cannot be confused with any other Melophorus. In profile, the major and media worker have a smooth, elongate propodeum, with the propodeal angle indicated only by a faint curve, the metanotal groove being a weak impression so that the mesonotal and propodeal outline is barely interrupted. The mesonotum and mesopleuron are not separated by any impression or suture, and the mesosternal outline is strongly convergent anteriad with the outline of mesonotum, similar to some ants in the M. aeneovirens species-group.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
792169EB10C15DDC70DFBF4FBB20C1DB.taxon	description	Media worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule); in profile, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan to reddish brown, gaster brown to blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
792169EB10C15DDC70DFBF4FBB20C1DB.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour of head orange tan, mesosoma and legs orange, gaster blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
792169EB10C15DDC70DFBF4FBB20C1DB.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 1): CI 104; EI 22; EL 0.25; HL 1.11; HW 1.16; ML 1.80; MTL 0.97; PpH 0.13; PpL 0.85; SI 111; SL 1.28.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
792169EB10C15DDC70DFBF4FBB20C1DB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Greek: othos (' straight') plus notus (Neo-Latin ' back'); adjective in the nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2FBE3FEE45AF163BB5D74D32BA756449.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Barrow Island (Gunawardene, N. / Taylor, C. [M 313]),	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2FBE3FEE45AF163BB5D74D32BA756449.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus paramorphomenus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus paramorphomenus cannot be confused with any other Melophorus except perhaps M. cuneatus, which, however, has the typical features of the M. biroi species-complex. The worker thorax possesses an apparent metanotum that is confluent with the mesonotum, and often extends over the propodeum. The metanotal suture is obsolete, its position indicated only by a superficial, transverse furrow (more pronounced in the major worker), the propodeum is reduced in size and wedge-shaped, with the narrow end of the wedge often under a fold of the metanotum and, finally, the metathoracic spiracle is lateral and situated within the metanotal sector	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2FBE3FEE45AF163BB5D74D32BA756449.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, set anteriad of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and microreticulate, microreticulation reduced on humeri; anterior mesosoma in profile rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove absent; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum wedge-shaped, tapering dorsad; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum reduced to a narrow sliver; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts dark ochre or orange tan, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2FBE3FEE45AF163BB5D74D32BA756449.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square, or rectangular; posterior margin of head weakly convex; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Four mandibular teeth in major worker- 5; mandibles narrow, strap-like, internal and external borders parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile steeply rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a weak furrow; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum wedge-shaped, tapering dorsad; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum reduced to a narrow sliver; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour orange tan with brown gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2FBE3FEE45AF163BB5D74D32BA756449.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 103 - 120; EI 20 - 29; EL 0.17 - 0.27; HL 0.58 - 1.12; HW 0.60 - 1.35; ML 0.84 - 1.45; MTL 0.51 - 0.87; PpH 0.05 - 0.04; PpL 0.27 - 0.47; SI 75 - 121; SL 0.73 - 1.01.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2FBE3FEE45AF163BB5D74D32BA756449.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek paramorphos (' change of physical shape') plus Latinized Greek menus (Greek menos ' spirit' or ' force') referring to the odd appearance of the mesosoma; adjective in the nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E825166E4A714F314814B70888C0CC37.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Callubri Station (Greaves, T.), Mudgee (Lowery, B. B.), near Pooraka, 8 mk E Florida, 10 km E Canbelego (Ward, P. S. [ANIC 32 - 010587]), Pulletop Nature Reserve, near Griffith (Lowery, B. B.), Round Hill Reserve, 40 km NW Eubalong (Morton, S. R.). Northern Territory: 15 mi NW Mt Wedge Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), Johnstons Lagoon (Greaves, T.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: Mica Creek, Mount Isa (Burwell, C. J.), Illaweena St. Drewvale (QM Party), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 16 mi SE Mt Wooltarlinna (McInnes & Dowse), 29 mi E Mt Davies, Tomkinson Range (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 6 km W Wanilla, Eyre Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Brookfield (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Calca (Lowery, B. B.), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B.). Western Australia: 109.5 km SE of Newman (van Leeuwen, S. & Bromilow, R. N. [JDM 32 - 001836]), 15 mi ESE Leonora (McInnes & Dowse), 2 km N Capricorn RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 175 / M 176 / M 177]), 23 mi S Youanmi (Douglas, A. M. & M. J.), 27 mi SEbyS Zanthus (Taylor, R. W.), 32 mi WNW Mt Samuel (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 34 mi WSW Ravensthorpe (Greaves, T.), 40 mi W Esperance (Lowery, B. B.), 44 mi NE Carnegie Homestead (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 48 mi N Balladonia Homestead (Taylor, R. W.), 4 mi S Pingrup (Greaves, T.), 5.5 km E of Merredin (Jacobs, M. [JDM 32 - 001837]), 6 mi W Yellowdine (Greaves, T.), Alcoa via Jarrahdale (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001858]), Bartons Mill (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001850]), Beechboro, Perth (Lowery, B. B.), Blue Hill Range (Bokhari, F. [M 147]), Blue Hill Range (Bokhari, F. [M 149]), Chandlers Breakaway (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001832]), Christmas Tree Well (Heterick, B. E. [M 21 / M 57]), Coomallo Downs (Heterick, B. E. [M 10 / M 40 / M 43 / M 44]), Darlington, E Perth (Lowery, B. B.), Del Park (Wallace, J. [JDM 32 - 001846]), Dwellingup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001839]), Dwellingup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001838]), Dwellingup (Wallace, J. [JDM 32 - 001842]), Harrismith (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001834]), Int. Holland Tr. / Norseman Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001833]), Kings Park, Perth (collector unknown [ANIC 32 - 006437]), Kings Park, Perth (Lowery, B. B.), KW Road, Lancelin district (Heterick, B. E. [M 79 / M 120]), KW Road, Lancelin district (Heterick, B. E. [M 76 / M 117]), Marillana Ck. (Dunlop, N. [JDM 32 - 001861]), Mundaring Weir (collector unknown), Palmyra (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001831]), Perth (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001848]), Rabbit Proof Fence Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 004572]), Reabold H. (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001845]), Reabold H. (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001844]), Sappers Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 160]), Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park (Shattuck, S. O.), Tardun (Mercovich, C.), Yamarna Homestead (Richardson, S. [ANIC 32 - 032237]), Yarra Road (Douglas, A. M. & M. J.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E825166E4A714F314814B70888C0CC37.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus perthensis can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus perthensis is a relatively large (HW 0.72 - 1.92 mm), smooth and shiny species. The appressed setae on the gaster are very small and well-separated. This ant is most likely to be confused with some populations of M. turneri. However, when viewed in profile, the smoothly rounded pronotum and the mesonotum that is elongate and broadly convex and arches above the level of the pronotum in all workers make this ant distinctive in most cases. In a few eastern states populations of M. turneri the pronotum and mesonotum are strongly convex, but these workers do not possess the very truncate propodeum seen in M. perthensis that usually arises above the metanotal groove.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E825166E4A714F314814B70888C0CC37.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen and superficial microreticulation (more pronounced on mesopleuron); anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform, or subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts brown, gaster usually dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E825166E4A714F314814B70888C0CC37.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only, or consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified, or short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or generally rounded with median indentation, node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour reddish-brown, gaster darker.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E825166E4A714F314814B70888C0CC37.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 97 - 119; EI 17 - 32; EL 0.23 - 0.33; HL 0.74 - 1.61; HW 0.72 - 1.92; ML 1.06 - 2.02; MTL 0.69 - 1.36; PpH 0.11 - 0.19; PpL 0.44 - 0.74; SI 70 - 123; SL 0.89 - 1.35.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
736623E72DEC9D75EA4CE588BA4E7986.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 14 km SW Taplin (Vertebrate Survey [M 84 / M 107]), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.). Western Australia: Boddington (Postle, A. C. [JDM 32 - 001568]), Eneabba (Bisevac, L. & Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001560]), Eneabba (Sartori, M. & Stone, R. [JDM 32 - 001565]), Harrismith (Jacobs, M. [JDM 32 - 001556]), Tammin (Greaves, T.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
736623E72DEC9D75EA4CE588BA4E7986.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus sericothrix can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus sericothrix possesses several characters which, taken, together, combine to define the species adequately: in profile, the head of the minor worker is weakly to moderately dorsoventrally compressed, also, when seen in profile, the eye is set above the midpoint of the gena, the clypeal psammophore of the major worker is set at around the midpoint of the clypeus to halfway between midpoint and anterior margin, and that of media and minor workers from below the midpoint to just above the anterior margin. The head, body and legs of the minor worker are strongly pubescent, all worker subcastes having many short, unmodified, prickly, erect setae on the head and body with a couple to a moderate number of such setae also distributed along the antennal scapes. However, these setae are mainly or wholly absent from the tibiae. The propodeum has an obliquely declivitous face. Small members of the M. mjobergi clade which have many unmodified erect setae may be confused with this species, but major workers of M. compactus, mjobergi and M. postlei have only one preapical metatibial spine, and the head of the major worker of M. sericothrix is very typically that of the M. fieldi complex members and not at all like the head of the major worker of M. compactus, M. mjobergi or M. postlei.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
736623E72DEC9D75EA4CE588BA4E7986.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting of appressed pubescence, with many short, unmodified, erect setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt with indistinct shagreenate sculpture throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1, or not applicable, propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node matt and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour concolorous smoky, dark greyish-brown to black or variegated blackish-brown and tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
736623E72DEC9D75EA4CE588BA4E7986.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons striolate anteriad, smooth and shining posteriad; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi- erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange to dark tan, gaster dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
736623E72DEC9D75EA4CE588BA4E7986.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 87 - 120; EI 18 - 33; EL 0.17 - 0.26; HL 0.58 - 1.20; HW 0.50 - 1.44; ML 0.80 - 1.66; MTL 0.51 - 1.00; PpH 0.07 - 0.16; PpL 0.30 - 0.68; S 84 - 149 I; SL 0.75 - 1.22.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
736623E72DEC9D75EA4CE588BA4E7986.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Latin sericus (' silky') plus Greek thrix (' hair').	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CB6680C64305105136DC79CD7737539C.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: Mt Pollux, SW base (Wright, S. G.), Mt Pollux, SW base (Wright, S. G.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CB6680C64305105136DC79CD7737539C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus setosus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. The vestiture of short modified setae that clothe the head and body of this ant (but not the legs or antennal scape), and the distinctive frontal carinae that are straight or weakly convex and converge anteriad rather than diverging, as in most Melophorus, make this species unmistakeable.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CB6680C64305105136DC79CD7737539C.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting mainly of stout, appressed and erect setae, both sets of setae modified and thickened and occasionally clavate (featherlike) in appearance. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and uniformly striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 3: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan to brick red (head may be darker), gaster black with or without violet iridescence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CB6680C64305105136DC79CD7737539C.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; frons consisting mainly of appressed and stout erect setae, the latter bristly in appearance and distinctly modified (flattened) distally. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove deep, V-shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair-like striolae; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan, gaster black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CB6680C64305105136DC79CD7737539C.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 108 - 118; EI 22 - 28; EL 0.26 - 0.33; HL 0.86 - 1.27; HW 0.93 - 1.49; ML 1.20 - 1.52; MTL 0.78 - 0.93; PpH 0.17 - 0.17; PpL 0.48 - 0.61; SI 75 - 105; SL 0.98 - 1.11.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
CB6680C64305105136DC79CD7737539C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin setosus (' bristly'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A9F2264554C64A8F584657DEA20F4DB3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus solitudinis can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs, and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. In Melophorus solitudinis the body of both the major and the minor worker are clothed with modified, erect setae (distally thickened, clavate or spatulate) to various degrees in addition to unmodified setae. In full-face view, the heads of the major and minor worker are matt with microreticulate sculpture. These features separate this taxon from most others. The major worker of this species is more densely sculptured than are M. bruneus and M. fieldi, the M. solitudinis minor worker is much larger than the minor workers of those two species, and its weakly divergent frontal carinae distinguish this ant from M. setosus.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A9F2264554C64A8F584657DEA20F4DB3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node matt and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining and microreticulate; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae over long, closely aligned, whitish, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts and legs orange-tan, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A9F2264554C64A8F584657DEA20F4DB3.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting mainly of appressed and stout erect setae, the latter bristly in appearance and dis tinctly modified (flattened) distally. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate-striolate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of longish, closely aligned, appressed setae interspersed with short, bristly, erect setae (some distally flattened). General characters. Colour of foreparts and legs orange-tan, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A9F2264554C64A8F584657DEA20F4DB3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 109 - 117; EI 19 - 24; EL 0.26 - 0.34; HL 0.99 - 1.37; HW 1.08 - 1.59; ML 1.34 - 1.67; MTL 0.89 - 1.09; PpH 0.17 - 0.24; PpL 0.54 - 0.71; SI 78 - 99; SL 1.07 - 1.24.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A9F2264554C64A8F584657DEA20F4DB3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin solitudinis (' loneliness'): a reference to the ant's remote habitat; adjective in the nominative case.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
FF5B9E71A02C3B4F49683D13FA4EE28C.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: 10 mi W Narwietooma Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 11 km N Tennant Creek (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 20 km S Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 25 km SSW The Granites, Tanami Desert (Morton, S. & Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km SE Anthony's Lagoon (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 8 mi W Mulga Park Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), about 3 km W Alice Springs (Feehan, J. E. [ANIC 32 - 900144]), about 5 km N Henbury Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo Research Station (Gross, G.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Newcastle Waters (Chinnick, L.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tennant Creek. Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), 13 km from S-bend on Plum Pudding Track (Lemann, C. [ANIC 32 - 035482]), 2 mi NE Quamby (Dowse, J. E.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.). South Australia: 10 mi WNW Mt Wooltarlinna (McInnes & Dowse), 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 12 km W Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 12 km W Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 18 mi W Mt. Morris (McInnes & Dowse), 20 km NE Macumba Station (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 30 km E Poeppel Corner, Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 31 mi SSW Observatory Hill (McInnes & Dowse), 37 mi W Victory Downs Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 40 km WNW Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 4 km W Purni Bore, SW Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km S Coober Pedy (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 53 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 53 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km SE Oodnadatta (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 5 km SE Oodnadatta (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), about 6.5 km N Leigh Creek (Feehan, J. E.), about 60 km N Oodnadatta (Feehan, J. E.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Hookina Creek, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore, 2 km NE homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Lake Meramangye, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mt Gunson, SE Woomera (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.). Western Australia: 100 km EbyN Cosmo Newberry (Feehan, J. E.), 11 km N Leonora (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 13 mi SSE Roy Hill Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 14 km E Roebuck Plains RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 188]), 150 km SW Giles Meteorological Station (Heatwole, H.), 16 km S Mt Magnet (Heterick, B. E. [M 290]), 16 km SbyW Onslow (Feehan, J. E.), 18.5 km E Southern Cross (Heterick, B. E. [M 136]), 19 km N Hines Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 16]), 26 mi NWbyW Norseman (Taylor, R. W.), 28 mi SE Roebourne (McInnes & Dowse), 3 km E Fitzroy Crossing (Heterick, B. E. [M 196]), 30 km S of ' The Overlander' (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001541]), 31 mi WNW Mt Davies, Tomkinson Range (McInnes & Dowse), 33 mi SE Giles (McInnes & Dowse), 37 mi SW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse [ANIC 32 - 900050]), 38 mi NE Giles (McInnes & Dowse), 40 mi NNE Giles (McInnes & Dowse), 43 mi WNW Wiluna (McInnes & Dowse), 47 km E Fitzroy Crossing (Heterick, B. E. [M 236]), 5 km N Cunyu Station (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 60 km N Ajana (Upton, M. S.), Barrow Isle [Barrow I.] (Heatwole, H. [JDM 32 - 001548]), Bungalbin Hill, E Goldfields (Humphries, W. F. [JDM 32 - 001551]), Coomallo Downs (Heterick, B. E. [M 41]), County Downs Hsd (south boundary) (Heterick, B. E. [M 249]), Ellendale Stn turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 193 / M 194 / M 195]), G. J. Rd, 90 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 312]), Gantheaume Point (Broome) (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001540]), Hines Hill (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001543]), Int. Holland Tr. / Norseman Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001542]), Kanka water hole, near Warburton (Heatwole, H. & Greenslade, P. J. M.), Meekatharra (Mercovich, C.), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029630]), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029631]), Nita Downs turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 261]), Northam (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001545]), nr 300 km peg N Sandfire (Heterick, B. E. [M 263]), Pardoo Stn turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 267]), Paynes Find (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001539]), Pollock Hills [' Pollack hills'], 32 mi WNW Mt Webb (McInnes & Dowse), Rabbit Proof Fence Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 004756]), Willare Bridge (Heterick, B. E. [M 189]), Yamarna Homestead (Richardson, S. [ANIC 32 - 032251]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
FF5B9E71A02C3B4F49683D13FA4EE28C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus sulla can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, and the long, even spindly legs. Most major workers of M. sulla have an unmodified mandible but a few majors from WA have a crushing mandible such as is seen in M. wheeleri species-complex major workers. (see below). Melophorus sulla (sensu stricto) usually has glabrous workers in all subcastes, although one or two flexuous, erect setae may be seen on the mesosoma. The appressed setae on the gaster of all workers are very small and inconspicuous when the gaster is moderately distended, such setae being separated from one another by at least their own length. These appressed setae are also inconspicuous on the mesosoma and never long and silvery. The node of the minor worker is often squamiform, and most commonly the cuticle is shining or even glossy with vestigial or weak shagreenation. The species is distinguished from similar species like M. turneri or M. longipes by its light yellow or ochre colour, some populations having a darker, brownish gaster along with the pale foreparts. One variant morph has a major worker with a modified, crushing mandible but the taxonomic significance of this modification is not known, especially since the minor workers of this morph are indistinguishable from other M. sulla minors. The " pillipes' ' condition has not been seen in this species.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
FF5B9E71A02C3B4F49683D13FA4EE28C.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform, or elongate. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved, or narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour pale yellow-orange (in full-face view, lower frons often visibly depigmented).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
FF5B9E71A02C3B4F49683D13FA4EE28C.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly concave; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker always 4; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with sharp vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour yellow-orange (in full-face view, lower frons often visibly depigmented).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
FF5B9E71A02C3B4F49683D13FA4EE28C.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 87 - 116; EI 17 - 33; EL 0.14 - 0.28; HL 0.50 - 1.46; HW 0.43 - 1.69; ML 0.69 - 1.79; MTL 0.49 - 1.24; PpH 0.06 - 0.17; PpL 0.30 - 0.72; SI 71 - 151; SL 0.65 - 1.20.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
909B30ED68308F2DB126B667C9A4146A.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Australian Capital Territory: Black Mountain (Greaves, T.), Black Mountain (Greaves, T.), Black Mountain (general) (Billen, J. [ANIC 32 - 013528]), Black Mountain, near CSIRO (Berg, R. Y.), Black Mountain, near Haydon Drive (Berg, R. Y.), Mt Ainslie (Berg, R. Y.), Mt Ainslie (Brooks, C. G.), Mt. Ainslie (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 023694]), Mt. Pleasant (Lowery, B. B.). New South Wales: 10 km W Temora (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 039535]), 3 mi WNW Volo Homestead, Lake Poopalloo (Greaves, T.), 9.5 km S Bungendore (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 047378]), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mudgee (Lowery, B. B.), Mudgee, aerodrome (Lowery, B. B.), Mudgee, near aerodrome (Lowery, B. B.), Mungindi (Lowery, B. B.), near Queanbeyan, 1 mi W junction Captains Flat & Bungendore Roads (Berg, R. Y.), Newholme Road, near Armidale (Sakurai, Y.), Olive Downs Station, 55 km NW Tibooburra (Morton, S. R.), Rockley (Hamilton, J. T.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tomago (Jackson, G. P. [ANIC 32 - 015276]), Whiporie, 55 km S Casino (York, A.), Willandra National Park (Shattuck, S. O.). Northern Territory: 102 km N Yuendumu (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 105 km N Yuendumu (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 11 km N Tennant Creek (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 12 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 20 km SE Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 23 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 23 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 25 km W Tennant Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 27 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 27 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 2 km W Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 30 km SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km W Wave Hill (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 5 km S Jabiru, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.), about 56 km N Kulgera (Feehan, J. E.), about 5 km N Henbury Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), Jabiru (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Jabiru, Alligator Rivers area (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Manbulloo, SW Katherine (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), ' Paingo' turnoff (Monteath & Cook), 13 km E by S Weipa (Zborowski, P. & Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 043343]), 13 km from S-bend on Plum Pudding Track (Lemann, C. [ANIC 32 - 035480]), 13 mi WNW Capella (Dowse, J. E.), 16 mi ESE Gilbert River crossing, E Croydon (Dowse, J.), 16 mi NNW Miles (Dowse, J. E.), 2 mi N Greenvale Homestead, W Ingham (Dowse, J. E.), 3.2 km NW homestead on Plum Pudding Track, Cravens Peak Station (Lemann, C. [ANIC 32 - 036868]), 30 km SSE Heathlands (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 039870]), 35 mi SSW Nebo (Dowse, J. E.), 38 mi N Goondiwindi (Dowse, J. E.), 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 45 km E Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 4 km NE Batavia Downs (Zborowski, P. & Calder, A. [ANIC 32 - 042927]), 50 km E Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 65 km E Birdsville (Forrest, J.), 6 mi W Blackwater (Dowse, J. E.), 75 km E Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 9.5 km E Mareeba (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 030606]), Archer River, Cape York (Wild, A. L. [ANIC 32 - 030284]), Blackwood NP (Monteath & Cook), Cunnamulla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Doolandella, Cloverdale St. (Burwell C. J., Wright, S. G.), Eneby, 1.6 km ESE (Monteith, Cook), Gregory Dev. Rd, Sardine Ck (Monteath & Cook), Hann River (Zborowski, P. & Horak, M. [ANIC 32 - 031063]), Horn Island, Torres Strait (Heatwole, H. & Cameron, E.), Illaweena St. Drewvale (QM Party), Koondooloo, Hannaford Rd North, via Tara (House & Brown), Lolworth NP (Wright, S.), Lords Table, W base (Burwell, C. J.), Mt Isa (Weatherill, J.), Musselbrook Camp (Naumann, I. D. [ANIC 32 - 006731]), Mutyi, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mutyi, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), N. Stradbroke Is. Enterprise (QM Party), Red Falls, 7 km WSW (Monteath, G. B.), Redlands Hilliards Ck, nr South St (RHC 1) (Stanisic, J.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.), Sunnybank (Wheeler, W. M.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.). South Australia: 13 km S Quorn, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km NE Mt Bryan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km WSW Blinman, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 16 mi SE Woolcalla (Greaves, T.), 1 km E Curdimurka (Feehan, J. E.), 1 km NW Elatina Hut, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 1 km W Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km S Coober Pedy (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 53 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km W Auburn (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 9 mi NW Port Kenny (Greaves, T.), about 18 km SbyE Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.), Adelaide (Womersley, H. W.), Alligator Gorge, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bindyi, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Blyth, 4 mi W Clare (Lowery, B. B.), Blyth, 4 mi W Clare (Lowery, B. B.), Blyth, N Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), Blyth, N Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), Calca (Lowery, B. B.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Carrickalinga, Normanville (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Carrieton (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Elatina Hut, Oriparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Elatina Hut, Oriparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Eyre Hwy, 9.7 km NE Cootra (Heterick, B. E. [M 325 / M 326]), Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Glen Osmond (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Moockra Tower (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Napperby, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Napperby, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Napperby, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Napperby, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900123]), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.), Port Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), Port Adelaide (Lowery, B. B.), Port Augusta (Lowery, B. B.), Sandy Creek, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Scrubby Gully, Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900124]), Spalding Cove, Port Lincoln (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B.), Streaky Bay (McAreavey, J.), Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B.), Wudinna townsite (Heterick, B. E. [M 330]). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), Bendigo (McAreavey, J.), Eltham (Lowery, B. B.), Hopetoun (Andersen, A. N.), Lerderderg Gorge (Lowery, B. B.), Mount Feathertop Alps (Lowery, B. B.), Mt Ben Cairn (Greaves, T.), Rotamah Island, Gippsland Lakes (Andersen, A. N.), Wangarratta (Bruce, W. A.), Wyperfeld National Park (Taylor, R. W.). Western Australia: ' The Granites' Mt Magnet (Heterick, B. E. [M 172]), 1 km S Capricorn RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 278 / M 279 / M 280]), 1.5 km S Koolyanobbing (Heterick, B. E. [M 24 / M 50]), 47 km E Fitzroy Crossing (Heterick, B. E. [M 237]), 8 km N Bullfinch (Heterick, B. E. [M 125 / M 126 / M 127 / M 128 / M 129]), Coomallo Downs (Heterick, B. E. [M 06 / M 29 / M 30]), Edagee Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 75 / M 118]), Eyre Hwy, 20 km N Norseman (Heterick, B. E. [M 336]), G. J. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 306]), Mardathuna Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 55]), Mettler Lake Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 164]), Pardoo Stn turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 268]), Rabbit Proof Fence Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 58 / M 59]), Sandstone Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 293]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
909B30ED68308F2DB126B667C9A4146A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus turneri can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, long, even spindly legs and an unmodified mandible in the major worker. Melophorus turneri has a very variable morphology, the populations overall resemble those of up to a dozen other species, and this taxon is almost impossible to define in a simple species diagnosis. However, in all populations the appressed setae on the gaster of all subcastes are very small and inconspicuous when the gaster is moderately distended, such setae being separated from one another by at least their own length (unlike M. inconspicuus, M. hirsutipes, etc.). For differences between M. turneri and M. eumorphus and M. vitreus, which share this type of pilosity, see the Diagnosis under those species. These appressed setae are also inconspicuous on the mesosoma and never long and silvery (as in M. lanuginosus). The node of the minor worker is often squamiform, and most commonly the cuticle is shining or even glossy with vestigial or weak shagreenation. Melophorus longipes is very similar to ' typical' M. turneri but the metafemur of the minor worker of M. turneri is shorter and stouter (0.75 x length of mesosoma ≤). In profile, the minor worker propodeum generally has a weak to strong angle between the dorsal and declivitous surfaces, also differentiating this ant from M. longipes. The major worker is more difficult to distinguish from that of M. longipes, but the turneri mesonotum is generally moderately convex in profile and the metafemur uniformly pale brown ochre to yellowish, the tibia being of the same colour as the femur. Melophorus perthensis can also be confused with M. turneri: see the Diagnosis under that species for the distinguishing characters between the two ants. The " pillipes " condition occurs within this species (Melophorus pillipes Santschi being reduced to a junior synonym of M. turneri in this work). Melophorus turneri with the " pillipes " condition can be distinguished from M. ankylochaetes, M. incisus and M. hirsutipes by having true appressed setae on the gaster, and from two other ants with the " pillipes " condition (M. vitreus and M. lanuginosus) by the characters mentioned under the Diagnosis for those two species. Finally, M. turneri (" pillipes ") has a smooth mesopleuron, whereas those individuals of M. hirsutipes (" pillipes ") which have appressed setae on the gaster have a sculptured mesopleuron.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
909B30ED68308F2DB126B667C9A4146A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex, or broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and microreticulate, microreticulation reduced on humeri; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified, or short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts usually shades of red or orange with brown gaster, occasionally uniformly brown or dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
909B30ED68308F2DB126B667C9A4146A.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits, or shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and 4; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen), or present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts variably orange, tan or brown, gaster brown to blackish.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
909B30ED68308F2DB126B667C9A4146A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 91 - 118; EI 22 - 39; EL 0.23 - 0.34; HL 0.63 - 1.31; HW 0.58 - 1.54; ML 0.90 - 1.57; MTL 0.61 - 0.98; PpH 0.11 - 0.19; PpL 0.37 - 0.65; SI 73 - 141; SL 0.81 - 1.13.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
75E6B42409E9B9E01F5B56BCA6D22CCC.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.). Western Australia: 1 km W Canna (Heterick, B. E. [M 322]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
75E6B42409E9B9E01F5B56BCA6D22CCC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus vitreus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. In profile, the minor worker of M. vitreus is gracile, with a short, thick petiolar node terminating in a smoothly rounded vertex, the clypeus is rounded and somewhat protuberant the eye very large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule) and the cuticle is extremely glossy with the mesopleuron completely smooth or with only a very superficial microreticulate pattern. The combination of the very large eye, the protuberant clypeus, the smooth mesopleuron and the general glossiness will serve to identify the ant. Most specimens exhibit the " pillipes ' condition. The major worker is unknown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
75E6B42409E9B9E01F5B56BCA6D22CCC.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan to reddish brown, gaster brown to blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
75E6B42409E9B9E01F5B56BCA6D22CCC.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 99 - 106; EI 36 - 41; EL 0.23 - 0.25; HL 0.56 - 0.66; HW 0.56 - 0.70; ML 0.81 - 0.96; MTL 0.45 - 0.52; PpH 0.08 - 0.107; PpL 0.30 - 0.36; SI 96 - 105; SL 0.59 - 0.67.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
75E6B42409E9B9E01F5B56BCA6D22CCC.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin vitreus (' of glass' or ' resembling glass'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1379C1377F189598F64B50228402888C.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: Curdimurka (Lowery, B. B.), Lake Harris (Hudson, P. [M 340]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1379C1377F189598F64B50228402888C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus oblongiceps can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of the characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. However, it occupies a separate, monotypic species-complex. Melophorus oblongiceps can be determined by the following characters: major and minor workers with a combination of long mandibles (i. e., the apical tooth of the retracted mandible reaches to at least the tentorial pit on the opposite side of the head capsule), similar appearance of the head capsule in major and minor workers and short maxillary palps (segments four to six combined barely longer than segment three), in profile, the entire palp reaching only to the middle of the venter of the head capsule in the minor worker when the head is moderately inclined. The head of the major worker is without a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad. All workers possess five mandibular teeth; the median sector of clypeus is uniformly convex and moderately protuberant with a small, blunt angle at the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1379C1377F189598F64B50228402888C.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of short, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae and well-spaced, short, appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour russet.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1379C1377F189598F64B50228402888C.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of well-spaced, distinctly longer erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with shorter decumbent setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex, or tapered with sharp vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi- erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour russet.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1379C1377F189598F64B50228402888C.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 104 - 114; EI 18 - 26; EL 0.23 - 0.35; HL 0.86 - 1.74; HW 0.89 - 1.98; ML 1.26 - 2.22; MTL 1.01 - 1.48; PpH 0.13 - 0.21; PpL 0.49 - 0.86; SI 71 - 121; SL 1.08 - 1.42.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1379C1377F189598F64B50228402888C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin oblongus (' longer than broad') plus - ceps (' - headed' [from caput]); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96C814E94158A329F34DBC54C08D8958.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore, Milang Conservation Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96C814E94158A329F34DBC54C08D8958.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus brevipalpus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apo morphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). The reduced palps in M. brevipalpus (PF of 4,3; 3,3 and possibly 2,3 [undissected major worker]) only parallel the reduced palps in the unrelated and morphologically very different M. potteri species-group. These palps are extremely short and when they are directed posteriad do not reach the hypostomal border. This feature alone is sufficient to identify the species within the M. wheeleri complex.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96C814E94158A329F34DBC54C08D8958.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula variably reduced (4,3 or 3,3). Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and microreticulate, microreticulation reduced on humeri; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan to brown, gaster blackish-brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96C814E94158A329F34DBC54C08D8958.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion, or curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly emarginate; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula variably reduced (4,3 or 3,3 or even 2,3). Five or six mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex, or tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan (head of deeper hue), gaster dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96C814E94158A329F34DBC54C08D8958.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 112 - 118; EI 20 - 29; EL 0.20 - 0.26; HL 0.61 - 1.12; HW 0.68 - 1.31; ML 0.85 - 1.29; MTL 0.53 - 0.83; PpH 0.11 - 0.13; PpL 0.35 - 0.51; SI 68 - 92; SL 0.63 - 0.90.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
96C814E94158A329F34DBC54C08D8958.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin brevis (' short') plus palpus (' stroking' / ' caress'; applied to the palps of an arthropod); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
157A035CA03EB7C050FFA188CE59D277.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Acacia Vale, near Broken Hill (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900052]). Northern Territory: Emily Gap (Zakharov), Queensland: Ernest Henry Mine (Sanders, M.). South Australia: 80 km W Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 8 mi E Wilgena (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 900051]), Mt Davies turnoff, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Western Australia: Pannawonica Hill (Bokhari, F. [M 152]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
157A035CA03EB7C050FFA188CE59D277.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus caeruleoviolaceus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). Within its complex, M. caeruleoviolaceus is characterised as a strongly bicoloured, relatively smooth species with black, brown or variegated brown head, orange mesosoma and black gaster, the gaster and often the head (in darker morphs) with distinct bluish to violet iridescence. This colour pattern is found in all subcastes but the colour pattern and bluish or violet iridescence is not shared by any other member of the M. wheeleri species-complex.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
157A035CA03EB7C050FFA188CE59D277.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metano tal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node, squamiform or subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of a mixture of curved, erect and semi-erect setae and decumbent and appressed setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour of most of head, and coxae blackish-brown, mesosoma orange tan, gaster black; gaster (and often, head) with violet iridescence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
157A035CA03EB7C050FFA188CE59D277.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of many short, erect, bristly setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Four distinct mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex blunt; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae interspersed with minute, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of head, mesosoma and coxae variegated blackish-brown and orange tan, gaster black; gaster (and, often, head) with violet iridescence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
157A035CA03EB7C050FFA188CE59D277.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 108 - 125; EI 21 - 31; EL 0.22 - 0.30; HL 0.68 - 1.15; HW 0.73 - 1.44; ML 0.97 - 1.54; MTL 0.59 - 0.86; PpH 0.11 - 0.18; PpL 0.40 - 0.63; SI 66 - 97; SL 0.71 - 0.95.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
157A035CA03EB7C050FFA188CE59D277.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin caeruleus (' sky-blue') plus violaceus (' violet'); referring to the attractively bicoloured appearance of this species; adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
3B23F98B1A58AFCB8F99BB3600DF7162.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Bogan River (Armstrong, J.), Callubri Station (Armstrong, J.). South Australia: Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Murray Bridge (Lea), Scorpion Springs CP, at northern entrance (Gross, G. F. [M 85]), Waikerie (Greenslade, P. J. M.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
3B23F98B1A58AFCB8F99BB3600DF7162.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus cerasinoniger can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). All workers of M. cerasinoger have a narrowly convex mesonotum, the pronotum being steeply (i. e., 60 °>) inclined and flattened dorsally. Minor workers have a maximum of five mandibular teeth and in the major worker all teeth are on the same plane. This combination of characters, and in particular the conformation of the pronotum and mesonotum serves to distinguish the species.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
3B23F98B1A58AFCB8F99BB3600DF7162.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head weakly concave; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. Frontal carinae straight or weakly convex in full-face view, or straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove deep, ' V' - shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts bright brownish-orange, gaster black or blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
3B23F98B1A58AFCB8F99BB3600DF7162.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eyes small, (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight, or broadly convex with anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker always 4; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove deep, v-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae short and closely aligned in sparse patches; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts bright brownish-orange, gaster black or blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
3B23F98B1A58AFCB8F99BB3600DF7162.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 116 - 124; EI 13 - 18; EL 0.23 - 0.32; HL 1.09 - 1.95; HW 1.26 - 2.42; ML 1.37 - 2.00; MTL 0.91 - 1.29; PpH 0.15 - 0.21; PpL 0.54 - 0.74; SI 55 - 82; SL 1.03 - 1.33.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
3B23F98B1A58AFCB8F99BB3600DF7162.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin cerasin (' of cherry' [here, colour]) plus niger (' black'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8493793ADC7407C3DF46B0495386AE73.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Northern Territory: New Crown Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Bors Creek, E Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Eulo (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.). South Australia: 10 mi W Childara Rock (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 12 km W Emu, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 14 km SbyW Beltana (Feehan, J. E.), 20 km NE Macumba Station (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 2 km NE Kalamurina Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), 30 km S Granite Downs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 km S Coober Pedy (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 53 km E Vokes Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km S Anna Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km S Kallakoopah, 135 km ENE Macumba Homestead, Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 85 km W Mabel Creek (Greenslade, P. J. M.), about 6.5 km N Leigh Creek (Feehan, J. E.), Birdsville Track, 12 km SW Etadunna (Forrest, J.), Brookfield Conservation Park (Shattuck, S. O.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Lake Meramangye, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mt Davies turnoff, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mt Gunson, SE Woomera (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Nillinghoo, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Olympic Dam Site (Mathews, E. G., Watts, C.). Western Australia: 14 mi W Mt Webb (McInnes & Dowse), 2 mi W Koonalda Station (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 900068]), Binningup turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 77 / M 122]), Bungulla (Greaves, T.), East Fremantle (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001879]), G [ascoyne]. J [unction]. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 308]), Geraldton (Weatherill, L.), Hollywood (Greaves, T.), Kings Park (Lowery, B. B.), Mardathuna Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 26 / M 45]), Melville (Heterick, B. E. [M 341]), Melville (Heterick, B. E.), Yoothapina (Hides, D. [JDM 32 - 004851]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8493793ADC7407C3DF46B0495386AE73.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus chauliodon can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). Melophorus chauliodon major and media workers are readily identifiable by virtue of their having a variably offset tusk-like basal mandibular tooth. This feature is not found in any other Melophorus. The minor worker is less distinctive, but is glabrous, its eye is an elongated ellipse (length of eye ≥ 0.3 x length of side of head) and in full-face view it has a square head shape, and this combination of features sufficiently characterise it when compared with other members of the species-complex.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8493793ADC7407C3DF46B0495386AE73.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform, or elongate. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight and retrousse anteromedially or weakly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to seven mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour variable, ranging from foreparts orange or orange tan with dark brown gaster to concolorous brownish-black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8493793ADC7407C3DF46B0495386AE73.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons striolate anteriad, smooth and shining posteriad; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule, or set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly emarginate, or weakly crenulate at midpoint; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector uniformly carinate and forming a bifurcate, horizontal ledge that terminates in the basal and pre-basal teeth; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with sharp vertex, or tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of short, bristly, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts brownish-orange to orange-brown, gaster dark brown to blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8493793ADC7407C3DF46B0495386AE73.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 114 - 125; EI 14 - 32; EL 0.21 - 0.38; HL 0.57 - 2.22; HW 0.64 - 2.77; ML 0.85 - 2.34; MTL 0.58 - 1.49; PpH 0.10 - 0.26; PpL 0.34 - 0.90; SI 54 - 101; SL 0.65 - 1.51.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8493793ADC7407C3DF46B0495386AE73.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek chaulios (' outstanding' / ' impressive') plus odon (' tooth'); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
50F53F444D32AB0696A03F0C41A6A318.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Callubri Station (Greaves, T.), Conservation Park, Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900061]), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Fowlers Gap Station, 110 km N Broken Hill (Morton, S.), Fowlers Gap Station, 110 km N Broken Hill (Morton, S.), Fowlers Gap Station, 110 km N Broken Hill (Morton, S.), Olive Downs Station, 55 km NW Tibooburra (Morton, S. R.), Olive Downs Station, 55 km NW Tibooburra (Morton, S. R.), Olive Downs Station, 55 km NW Tibooburra (Morton, S. R.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), Sandringham (Morton, S.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.), Thilla, 1: 25000 Barrolka (Forrest, J.). South Australia: 2.8 km NNW Four Hills Trig. Peake Stn (Stony Desert Survey UB 02 [M 98 / M 99]), Innamincka, 3.8 km NNW Patchawarra (Stony Desert Surv. PC 002 [M 112]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
50F53F444D32AB0696A03F0C41A6A318.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus diversus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the follow ing apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). Melophorus diversus shares only with M. wheeleri the following combination of apomorphies: the anterior sector of the clypeus of minor worker is strongly folded back towards the mandible, and the clypeal psammophore is placed on a distinct ledge that may be carinate, the minor worker mandible has 5 - 9 teeth and denticles, the head, mesosoma and gaster of all workers have short, inconspicuous appressed setae that are usually separated by more than their own length (if more elongate, as in some small minor workers, then the ant is glossy and weakly sculptured) and the media and major workers are quite large Melophorus (HW of the large major worker ≥ 2.60 mm). Most workers of Melophorus diversus can be distinguished from M. wheeleri workers in having the head of the minor worker smooth with just vestigial sculpture (the head often glossy), erect non-marginal setae always present on first gastral tergite with one or two small erect setae also present on the pronotum of some individuals, the eye of the minor worker large (0.30 x length of side of head capsule) and the major worker usually with many fine, erect setae on the mesosoma (though these may be more sparse and bristly in a few individuals). (In Melophorus wheeleri the head of minor worker always has some sculpture and is matt to moderately shining in appearance, erect setae are almost always lacking on the pronotum and the first gastral tergite, and the eye of the minor worker is usually less than 0.30 x length of side of head capsule. The major worker is similar to the major worker of M. diversus but either has a glabrous mesosoma or possesses short, bristly setae on the mesosoma and is commonly matt in appearance [WA, NT] but may be glossy [eastern states]). However, the distinctions between these two species are not always observed and a few individuals, possibly hybrids, may be unable to be placed in either taxon with confidence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
50F53F444D32AB0696A03F0C41A6A318.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square, or quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule, or set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform, or elongate. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to nine mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae, or consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour light to dark brown, legs may be paler distally.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
50F53F444D32AB0696A03F0C41A6A318.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eyes small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. Frontal carinae concave in full-face view, or straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly emarginate; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker always 4; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth absent; masticatory margin of mandibles medially indented. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen), or present and sparse to moderate (1 - 12); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. Colour. Colour of head brownish-crimson to cherry red; trunk russet, legs light brown to ochre, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
50F53F444D32AB0696A03F0C41A6A318.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 99 - 124; EI 14 - 38; EL 0.21 - 0.42; HL 0.56 - 2.48; HW 0.55 - 3.08; ML 0.74 - 2.31; MTL 0.45 - 1.39; PpH 0.09 - 0.26; PpL 0.31 - 0.93; S 45 - 103 I; SL 0.57 - 1.37.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
50F53F444D32AB0696A03F0C41A6A318.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin diversus (' different'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F8F973A5E994402210A98F4B2F85EFE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus hexidens can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). Melophorus hexidens resembles common members of the M. fieldi species-complex in that it has an evenly protuberant clypeus and a psammophore that is set at the midpoint of the clypeus. However, it differs from such species in having six mandibular teeth and short maxillary palps that barely reach the neck sclerite. These features serve to distinguish M. hexidens from all other Melophorus of similar appearance. The major worker is unknown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F8F973A5E994402210A98F4B2F85EFE9.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker six; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange tan, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F8F973A5E994402210A98F4B2F85EFE9.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 106 - 108; EI 23 - 26; EL 0.24 - 0.25; HL 0.88 - 0.98; HW 0.93 - 1.06; ML 1.21 - 1.29; MTL 0.75 - 0.81; PpH 0.13 - 0.16; PpL 0.50 - 0.54; SI 90 - 96; SL 0.89 - 0.96	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
F8F973A5E994402210A98F4B2F85EFE9.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of ancient Greek hex (' six') and Latin dens (' tooth'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B04EE69650C2A0AC89720FAC35AEA119.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 3 mi W Pindara Homestead (Greaves, T.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km W Broken Hill (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 40 km W Hillston (Morton, S.), 5 km W Broken Hill (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 mi WSW Topar Hotel, E Broken Hill (Greaves, T.), 6 mi W Tickalara Homestead (Greaves, T.), 7 mi SW Packsaddle Tank (Greaves, T.), about 37 km S Broken Hill (Kohout, R. J.), Acacia Vale, near Broken Hill (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Broken Hill (Lowery, B. B.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Duffy Lane, Broken Hill (Smith, T.), Finley (White, W. B.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Ellis, M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Fowlers Gap Station, 110 km N Broken Hill (Morton, S.), Fowlers Gap, near Sandstone Tank (Ward, P. S. [ANIC 32 - 010588]), Hay, Kavs Station, Broken Hill (Lowery, B. B.), Menindee (Lowery, B. B.), Mundi Mundi, near Broken Hill (Valentine, J.), Netallie Hill, 10 mi W Wilcannia (Greaves, T.), Sturt National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tibooburra (L. C.), Tibooburra Aerodrome (Greaves, T.), Tilpa (Lowery, B. B.). Northern Territory: 20 km SE Alice Springs (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 5 mi N Alice Springs (McInnes & Dowse), 5 mi N Alice Springs (McInnes & Dowse), Alice Springs (Harrington, S. A. [ANIC 32 - 000711]), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Simpson Gap (Feehan, J. E.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), 75 km W Sandringham Homestead (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 8 mi NNE Nockatunga (Greaves, T.), Mareeba (Hill, H. E.), Mareeba (Lowery, B. B.), Marino (Wetherly, A.), Miles (Lowery, B. B.), Millungera Station (Greaves, T.), Nockatunga Station (Greaves, T.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.), Sandringham Station, 55 km NW Bedourie (Morton, S. R.). South Australia: 10 km NW Kimba (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 10 km SW Morgan (Halliday, R. B.), 11 mi NE Elliston (Greaves, T.), 12 mi E Penong (Greaves, T.), 20 km S Welbourne Hill (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 30 km E Poeppel Corner, Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900187]), 35 mi SSE Emu (Forde, N.), 38 mi W Nullarbor Station (Greaves, T.), 39 mi SSE Ooldea (McInnes & Dowse), 50 km E Purni Bore, 150 km NE Macumba Homestead, Simpson Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 km SE Oodnadatta (Davidson, D. & Morton, S. [ANIC 32 - 900065]), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), about 25 km W Marree (Feehan, J. E.), about 6.5 km N Leigh Creek (Feehan, J. E.), Birdsville Track, 12 km SW Etadunna (Forrest, J.), Birthday Hill, N Tarcoola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Ceduna (Lowery, B. B.), Chowilla (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Chowilla (Wood, T. G.), Davenport Ra (Gee, P. & I. [M 86 / M 101]), head of Bight Cliff, 54 km WbyS Nullarbor (Taylor, R. W.), Moorowie Plain (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mt Gason, about 41 km SSW Clifton Hills Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), near Macumba Rail Station (Bunic, I.), Nillinghoo, Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900188]), Poochera (Taylor, R. W. & Bartell, R. J.), Poochera (Billen, J. [ANIC 32 - 013311]), Streaky Bay (Lowery, B. B.), Streaky Bay (McAreavey, J.), Yudnamutana, NE Flinders Range (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900066]). Victoria: Pink Lake (Graham, N.). Western Australia: 1 km S Capricorn RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 282]), 5 km N Cunyu Station (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 5 km N Cunyu Station (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 9 mi E Cardawan Homestead, SSW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 004806]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B04EE69650C2A0AC89720FAC35AEA119.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus laticeps can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). In full-face view, the broad head capsule of the minor worker of M. laticeps is expanded towards the mandibular insertions, giving it a slight to strongly accentuated trapezoidal shape, and the basal margin of the major worker mandible is a carinate ledge set at 90 ° to the rest of the mandible throughout its length, with the (slightly) offset basal tooth horizontal and the sub-basal tooth with a horizontal and a vertical plane. A mandibular carina is present to varying degrees in media and minor workers. All workers have a glabrous mesosoma. These characters will distinguish M. laticeps from all other Melophorus except for its close relation, M. pelorocephalus. The heads of minor and media workers of M. pelorocephalus, however, are even more exaggeratedly trapezoidal and the upper head of this species is distinctly darker in colour than the lower head and the mesosoma (all are uniformly coloured in M. laticeps).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B04EE69650C2A0AC89720FAC35AEA119.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square or rectangular, tending to trapezoid; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length <than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts tan or reddish (legs may be darker) gaster dark brown to black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B04EE69650C2A0AC89720FAC35AEA119.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker always 4; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector uniformly carinate and forming a bifurcate, horizontal ledge that terminates in the basal and pre-basal teeth; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae, or consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts reddish (legs light reddish-brown to brown), gaster black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
B04EE69650C2A0AC89720FAC35AEA119.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 128 - 134; EI 11 - 19; EL 0.22 - 0.37; HL 0.89 - 2.56; HW 1.14 - 3.43; ML 1.49 - 2.64; MTL 1.13 - 1.95; PpH 0.16 - 0.27; PpL 0.57 - 1.08; SI 49 - 99; SL 1.13 - 1.69.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DECB4D3CBA12700F0FABA83E580FEB82.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 2 km SW Marda Pool (CALM Pilbara Survey [JDM 32 - 004557]), 3.9 km N Kumarina (Heterick, B. E. [M 173 / M 174]), 5 km N Kumarina (Heterick, B. E. [M 283]), Yoothepina [Yoothapina] (Hides, D. [JDM 32 - 001822]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DECB4D3CBA12700F0FABA83E580FEB82.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus parvimolaris can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). The clypeus of M. parvimolaris is distinctly folded back towards the mandible and the clypeal psammophore is placed on a ledge in the minor worker, the head, mesosoma and gaster have relatively long, whitish, appressed setae that overlap and form a weak pubescence on the gaster and the ant has a distinct microreticulate or shagreenate sculpture and is matt or has a weak sheen. The minor worker has five mandibular teeth and the HW of the major worker is quite small (HW ≈ 1.45 mm). These characters serve to differentiate M. parvimolaris from all other Melophorus except M. xouthos. However, M. parvimolaris is uniformly brown, whereas M. xouthos is tawny orange-and-black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DECB4D3CBA12700F0FABA83E580FEB82.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square or rectangular, tending to trapezoid; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate, or matt and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, long, whitish, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour concolorous chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DECB4D3CBA12700F0FABA83E580FEB82.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, indistinctly shagreenate; frons consisting mainly of appressed and stout erect setae, the latter bristly in appearance and distinctly modified (flattened) distally. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly emarginate; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Four mandibular teeth in major worker- 5; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae long and closely aligned, creating pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node matt, shagreenate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, often distally flattened, erect setae over well-spaced, short, appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DECB4D3CBA12700F0FABA83E580FEB82.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 109 - 123; EI 17 - 30; EL 0.20 - 0.27; HL 0.61 - 1.23; HW 0.67 - 1.52; ML 0.87 - 1.38; MTL 0.55 - 0.91; PpH 0.09 - 0.16; PpL 0.32 - 0.57; SI 59 - 101; SL 0.68 - 0.89.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DECB4D3CBA12700F0FABA83E580FEB82.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin parvus (' small') plus molaris (' adapted for grinding', ' molar tooth'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DC5646AB8B6A5A840686834BD44379BF.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: Three Forges Waterhole (Gee, P. & L. (122) [M 81 / M 104]). Western Australia: Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie, N. A. [ANIC 32 - 900214]), Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie, N. A. [ANIC 32 - 900215]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DC5646AB8B6A5A840686834BD44379BF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus pelorocephalus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). In full-face view, the broad head capsule of the minor worker of M. pelorocephalus is strongly expanded towards the mandibular insertions, giving it a strongly accentuated trapezoidal shape, and the basal margin of the major worker mandible is a carinate ledge set at 90 ° to the rest of the mandible throughout its length, with the (slightly) offset basal tooth horizontal and the sub-basal tooth with a horizontal and a vertical plane. A mandibular carina is present to varying degrees in media and minor workers. All workers have a glabrous mesosoma. These characters will distinguish M. pelorocephalus from all other Melophorus except for its close relation, M. laticeps. The heads of minor, media and small major workers of M. pelorocephalus, however, are even more exaggeratedly trapezoidal than are the heads of M. laticeps workers and the upper head of this species is distinctly darker in colour than the lower head and the mesosoma (all are uniformly coloured in M. laticeps). Melophorus pelorocephalus is believed to have a large major worker, but only minor, media and small major workers have been seen in the collections examined.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DC5646AB8B6A5A840686834BD44379BF.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square or rectangular, tending to trapezoid; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with weak sheen and finely striolate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length <than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour of foreparts tan, head darker, legs and gaster dark chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DC5646AB8B6A5A840686834BD44379BF.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly convex; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation and microreticulation only; consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only; Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker 4; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector uniformly carinate and forming a bifurcate, horizontal ledge that terminates in the basal and pre-basal teeth; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak furrow; integument of propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum with indistinct angle; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its length from the declivitous face of the propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex sharply defined; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and smooth throughout; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae absent. General characters. Colour reddish-brown, gaster black.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DC5646AB8B6A5A840686834BD44379BF.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 121 - 133; EI 19 - 26; EL 0.24 - 0.28; HL 0.76 - 1.13; HW 0.92 - 1.49; ML 1.16 - 1.76; MTL 0.90 - 1.38; PpH 0.12 - 0.18; PpL 0.44 - 0.64; SI 88 - 101; SL 0.93 - 1.32.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DC5646AB8B6A5A840686834BD44379BF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek peloros (' monstrous') plus Latinized Greek kephalos (' head'); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2972EE192248F2DDF61ECFCBE347CBDD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus prominens can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). The broadly angulate projection of the clypeus in major and media workers automatically identifies them as belonging to this species. The minor worker is less distinctive, but is large (HW nearly 1 mm), has a convex, protrusive clypeus with a stout psammophore near the anterior margin, a minutely striate mandible and six or more teeth on the masticatory margin. These features separate it from numerous, smaller minor workers in the same species-complex. The M. prominens minor worker is most easily confused with the minor worker of M. wheeleri but is quite hairy and has erect setae on the mesosoma, including more than a dozen on the propodeum.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2972EE192248F2DDF61ECFCBE347CBDD.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head weakly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex and protrusive; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 3,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker six to nine; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth may be separated from tooth no. 3 and tooth no. 4 by one or more intercalary teeth, size appears to vary; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae long and separated by at least own length; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex; node shining and distinctly microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2972EE192248F2DDF61ECFCBE347CBDD.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin convex, acuminate anteromedially, with anteromedial projection protruding at angle of 90 ° to clypeus; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker effectively 3, basal tooth reduced to angle only; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth larger than tooth no. 2 (basal tooth represented by an angle or small denticle); masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with very superficial microreticulation, entire lower mesopleuron distinctly shagreenate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with median indentation; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour concolorous dark chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2972EE192248F2DDF61ECFCBE347CBDD.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 108 - 125; EI 13 - 25; EL 0.24 - 0.47; HL 0.91 - 2.81; HW 0.98 - 3.52; ML 1.22 - 2.70; MTL 0.90 - 2.04; PpH 0.13 - 0.38; PpL 0.46 - 1.11; SI 50 - 91; SL 0.89 - 1.76.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
2972EE192248F2DDF61ECFCBE347CBDD.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin prominens (' projection'); participle in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
26D54ACF050F60B73903F1679E3B2E9F.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Mettler Lake Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 163]), Sappers Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 156 / M 157 / M 158 / M 159 / M 161 / M 162]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
26D54ACF050F60B73903F1679E3B2E9F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus purpureus can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). The combination of an evenly convex head capsule (when seen in full-face view), a clypeus that is not folded back, the absence of short, inconspicuous setae on the gaster and an evenly convex pronotum plus mesonotum when seen in profile serve to separate M. purpureus from most other members of the M. wheeleri complex. The minor worker bears a passing resemblance to that of M. chauliodon but has a spheroidal, not elongate, eye and the minor and media workers often possess two or more bristly setae on the mesosoma (mainly on the pronotum), whereas the Melophorus chauliodon minor and media workers are invariably glabrous. The major and media workers of M. purpureus are readily separable from their counterparts in M. chauliodon in not having an offset tusk-like tooth on the mandible. Melophorus purpureus also resembles M. hexidens, but that species seems to be endemic to NSW, and the clypeus is dfferent.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
26D54ACF050F60B73903F1679E3B2E9F.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly emarginate with projecting anteromedial dimple; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and microreticulate, microreticulation reduced on humeri; anterior mesosoma in profile convex anteriad, mesonotum often slightly overlapping pronotum, mesosoma planar or slightly sinuate posteriad; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and spinous; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with blunt vertex, or tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General characters. Colour brownish-black, legs brown, tending yellowish distally.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
26D54ACF050F60B73903F1679E3B2E9F.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head horizontally rectangular, broader than wide; posterior margin of head weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule, or set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical, or roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex, or straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly concave, or broadly emarginate; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile gently sinuous after initial steep pronotal incline; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with blunt vertex, or tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour body brownish-black, sometimes with dark reddish tints, legs variably brown and yellowish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
26D54ACF050F60B73903F1679E3B2E9F.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 113 - 126; EI 14 - 22; EL 0.21 - 0.38; HL 0.84 - 2.10; HW 0.95 - 2.65; ML 1.15 - 2.12; MTL 0.85 - 1.39; PpH 0.11 - 0.23; PpL 0.45 - 0.86; SI 51 - 100; SL 0.95 - 1.34.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
26D54ACF050F60B73903F1679E3B2E9F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin purpureus (' purple'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8858111630F9CB0FE6A9FC9B5AFF7B9C.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Northern Territory: 102 km N Yuendumu (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 11 km N Tennant Creek (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 11 mi SE Papunya Native Settlement (McInnes & Dowse), 16 mi N Mt Wedge Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 17 km S Rabbit Flat (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 17 km S Rabbit Flat (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 20 km S Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 25 km N Alice Springs (Shattuck, S. O.), 35 mi E Sandy Blight Junction (McInnes & Dowse), 36 mi NW Tanami (McInnes & Dowse), 39 km NE Andado Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), 40 km W Wave Hill (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 44 km W Cloncurry (Shattuck, S. O.), 48 mi W Papunya Native Settlement (McInnes & Dowse), 50 km N Old Andado Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), 50 km WNW Hermansburg (Shattuck, S. O.), 5 km NE Barrow Creek (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), 6 km W Bunda Stn turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 228]), about 56 km N Kulgera (Feehan, J. E.), about 9 km E Finke (Feehan, J. E. [ANIC 32 - 900185]), Atartinga, NW Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Johnstons Lagoon (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 900063]), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900064]), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kunoth Paddock, near Alice Springs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mulga (Greaves, T.), Simpson Gap (Feehan, J. E.), Tanami Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tanami Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Tennant Creek (Forel), Tennant Creek (Field, J. F.), Tennant Creek (Froggett, W. W. [ANIC 32 - 053443]). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), 11 mi E Cloncurry (Dowse, J. E.), 40 km E Cameron Corner (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 50 mi N Goondiwindi (Dowse, J. E.), 5 mi W Lotus Vale Homestead, N Normanton (Dowse, J. E.), Blair Athol Mine (Houston, W. [ANIC 32 - 040323]), Camooweal Caves, 14 km SSE Camooweal (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 039871]), Mareeba (Hill, H. E.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.). South Australia: 1: 2500 Gason Ya 636549 (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km ENE Beltana (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 15 km NE Bryan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 22 km NW Kimba (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 30 km S Granite Downs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 5 mi ENE Watson (McInnes & Dowse), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 7 km NW Morgan (Greenslade, P. J. M.), 8 mi ENE Ernabella Mission (McInnes & Dowse), 30 mi WSW Ernabella Mission (McInnes & Dowse), 90 km N Granite Downs (Greenslade, P. J. M.), about 25 km W Marree (Feehan, J. E.), about 33 km SE Oodnadatta (Feehan, J. E.), Buckleboo Homestead, N Eyre Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cooper Creek, 13 km NEbyN Etadunna Homestead (Feehan, J. E.), Emu Camp, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Erly Wanyawanya Roadhouse, Musgrove Range (McInnes & Dowse), Innamincka (Forrest, J.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mundoora National Park (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Oraparinna, Flinders Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Woomera (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: 0.9 km along Tanami Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 204 / M 205]), 10 km E Nicholson Rd turnoff (Heterick, B. E. [M 229]), 11 mi E Mt. Aloysius (McInnes & Dowse), 15 mi NW Mt Squires, Barrow Range (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 16 mi NNE Hawks Nest (McInnes & Dowse), 18 mi NW Mt Davies, Tomkinson Range (McInnes, R. & Dowse, J.), 18 mi WSW Roy Hill Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 2.4 km along Tanami Rd (Heterick, B. E. [M 209]), 20 mi NE Wongawol Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 20 mi NW Leonora (McInnes & Dowse), 21 mi NW Wittenoon (McInnes & Dowse), 22 mi W Carnegie Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 26 mi E Giles (McInnes & Dowse), 34 km NNW of Cowra LC (CALM Pilbara Survey [JDM 32 - 001887]), 27 mi WNW Coolawanyah Homestead, NW Wittenoom (McInnes & Dowse), 28 km ESE Warburton (Feehan, J. E.), 28 km WbyS Docker River (Northern Territory) (Feehan, J. E.), 37 mi SW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse), 41 mi NNE Giles (McInnes & Dowse), 43 mi ENE Meekatharra (McInnes & Dowse), 43 mi ENE Peak Hill (McInnes & Dowse), 43 mi SSE Wittenoon (McInnes & Dowse), 43 mi WNW Wiluna (McInnes & Dowse), 4 mi E Blackstone Camp, Blackstone Range (McInnes & Dowse), 52 mi W Roy Hill Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 60 km W Halls Creek (Heterick, B. E. [M 234]), 6 mi SW Roy Hill Homestead (McInnes & Dowse), 7 km S Cue (Heterick, B. E. [M 286]), 74 km E Halls Creek (Heterick, B. E. [M 230]), 8 km N Auski RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 272 / M 273]), 8 km N Auski RH (Heterick, B. E. [M 271]), 9 mi E Cardawan Homestead, SSW Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse), Argyle Diamonds via Kununurra (Postle, A. T. [JDM 32 - 001872]), Beegull Waterhole, 132 km EbyN Cosmo Newberry (Feehan, J. E.), Broome (Baesjou, A. E.), Elvire Stn, Halls Creek (Gosnell, W. C.), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 001870]), G [ascoyne]. J [unction]. Rd, 108 km E Carnarvon (Heterick, B. E. [M 307 / M 309]), Hines Hill (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001871]), Jigalong Stn. (Graham, R. [JDM 32 - 001869]), Meekatharra (Lowery, B. B.), Port Hedland (Heterick, B. E. [M 269]), South Hedland (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001867]), Tardun (Mercovich, C.), Tunnel Creek National Park (Ward, P. S.), Warburton (Philpott, C.), Without Locality (Humphreys, W. F., et. al. [JDM 32 - 001873]), Yoothepina [Yoothapina] (Hides, D. [JDM 32 - 001874]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8858111630F9CB0FE6A9FC9B5AFF7B9C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus wheeleri can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). Melophorus wheeleri shares only with M. diversus the following combination of apomorphies: the anterior sector of the clypeus of minor worker is strongly folded back towards the mandible, and the clypeal psammophore is placed on a distinct ledge that may be carinate, the minor worker mandible has 5 - 9 teeth and denticles, the head, mesosoma and gaster of all workers have short, inconspicuous appressed setae that are usually separated by more than their own length (if more elongate, as in some small minor workers, then the ant is glossy and weakly sculptured) and the media and major workers are quite large Melophorus (HW of the large major worker ≥ 2.60 mm). Most workers of Melophorus wheeleri can be distinguished from M. diversus workers in having the head of minor worker always with some sculpture, the head being matt to moderately shining in appearance, erect setae are almost always lacking on the pronotum and the first gastral tergite, and the eye of the minor worker is usually less than 0.30 x length of side of head capsule. The major worker is similar to the major worker of M. diversus but either has a glabrous mesosoma or possesses short, bristly setae on the mesosoma and is commonly matt in appearance (WA, NT) but may be glossy (eastern states). (In M. diversus the head of the minor worker is smooth with just vestigial sculpture [the head often glossy], erect non-marginal setae are always present on the first gastral tergite with one or two small erect setae also present on the pronotum of some individuals, the eye of the minor worker is large [0.30 x length of side of head capsule] and the major worker usually has many fine, erect setae on the mesosoma [though these may be more sparse and bristly in a few individuals]). However, the distinctions between these two species are not always observed and a few individuals, possibly hybrids, may be unable to be placed in either taxon with confidence.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8858111630F9CB0FE6A9FC9B5AFF7B9C.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform, or elongate. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight, or broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus, or set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker to nine; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth may be separated from tooth no. 3 and tooth no. 4 by one or more intercalary teeth, size appears to vary; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1, or not applicable, propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture, or shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of sclerite. General characters. Colour reddish-brown with black gaster to concolorous blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8858111630F9CB0FE6A9FC9B5AFF7B9C.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head strongly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits, or shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only, or matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly emarginate; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Four mandibular teeth in major worker- 5; mandibles strongly incurved, apical sector weakly carinate or incompletely carinate; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles medially indented. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae short and unmodified, or weakly expanded distally; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining, with multiple hair like striolae; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or generally rounded with median indentation, or tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts variably dark crimson or blackish-red (western form) to orange tan or vermillion (eastern form); gaster always dark brown to blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
8858111630F9CB0FE6A9FC9B5AFF7B9C.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 106 - 125; EI 11 - 31; EL 0.28 - 0.40; HL 0.69 - 2.85; HW 0.74 - 3.57; ML 0.87 - 2.54; MTL 0.55 - 1.49; PpH 0.09 - 0.30; PpL 0.35 - 1.11; SI 42 - 83; SL 0.61 - 1.51	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D1A3531E625597C4556377E5F41D74DF.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 26 km SSE Illintjitja (collector ?? [SAMA database 32 - 005279]). Western Australia: 142.1 km SSE Newman (van Leeuwen, S. & Bromilow, R. N. [ANIC 32 - 0900217]), Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie, N. A. [ANIC 32 - 900211]), Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie, N. A. [ANIC 32 - 900216]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D1A3531E625597C4556377E5F41D74DF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus xouthos can be placed in the M. biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the M. wheeleri species-complex because it agrees with the following apomorphies possessed by the complex: the minor worker often has more than five teeth, the largest major worker has a short, massive, elbowed mandible directed posteriad; in profile, the maxillary palps are short in the major and generally short in minor workers (in the minor worker, usually only attaining the neck sclerite at their maximum extent when the head is moderately inclined) and, in full-face view, the anterior margin of the clypeus in the large major worker is usually planar or weakly concave (variable in other subcastes but planar or narrowly protuberant anterior clypeal margins predominate). The clypeus of M. xouthos is distinctly folded back towards the mandible and the clypeal psammophore is placed on a ledge in the minor worker, the head, mesosoma and gaster have relatively long, whitish, appressed setae that overlap and form a weak pubescence on the gaster and the ant has a distinct microreticulate or shagreenate sculpture and is matt or has a weak sheen. The minor worker has five mandibular teeth. These characters serve to differentiate M. xouthos from all other Melophorus except M. parvimolaris. However, M. xouthos is tawny orange-and-black whereas M. parvimolaris is uniformly brown. The major worker is unknown. Odd, wingless, worker-like Melophorus males are tentatively placed in this species.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D1A3531E625597C4556377E5F41D74DF.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square tending to trapezoid; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved towards antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; narrow, strap-like, internal and external margins parallel or nearly so; third mandibular tooth only slightly smaller than tooth no. 4 but much smaller than tooth no. 2 in two specimens seen; masticatory margin of mandibles strongly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with a weak sheen and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity not applicable, propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae long, each reaching setae behind and in front, but not forming pubescence; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly rectangular, vertex blunt, directed posteriad; in full-face view, node tapered with blunt vertex; node matt with indistinct microsculpture. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, long, whitish, appressed setae with occasional erect non-marginal setae present in at least some workers, as well as a few marginal setae on the first gastral sclerite. General characters. Colour a dingy orange with some brownish infuscation on head and anterior mesosoma, legs black with bluish iridescence, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D1A3531E625597C4556377E5F41D74DF.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n =): CI; EI; EL; HL; HW; ML; MTL; PpH; PpL; SI; SL.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D1A3531E625597C4556377E5F41D74DF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Greek xouthos (' yellowish-brown'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EE8B19BD6659EBE67147A6707CB18F1C.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. South Australia: 14 km Keilira Stn (Hirst, D. [M 110]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EE8B19BD6659EBE67147A6707CB18F1C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus barbellulatus is one of only two members of the M. fulvihirtus species-group, both identified by having the head and mesosoma extensively covered with short, stout, peg-like bristles and, in outline, the pronotum and mesonotum flattened. The metatibial apical spur is stout but very short. This species is distinguished from its sister species by having the short peg-like setae much reduced on the antennal scape and absent from the legs, and the cuticle is finely shagreenate and weakly shining (matt and coriaceous in M. fulvihirtus). The posterior posterior margin of head of major and minor workers is planar, and the mandible of the minor worker is coarsely striate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EE8B19BD6659EBE67147A6707CB18F1C.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting of very short, erect, spinous setae with closely aligned, very minute, appressed setae that create a faint silvery sheen. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and indistinctly shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae minute and closely aligned, creating a silvery sheen; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node matt with indistinct microsculpture. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour tan with areas of brown infuscation.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EE8B19BD6659EBE67147A6707CB18F1C.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting of very short, erect, spinous setae with closely aligned, very minute, appressed setae creating a faint silvery sheen. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin convex, acuminate anteromedially, margin entire; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or weakly shining and coriaceous; anterior mesosoma in profile steeply rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum distinctly angulate, propodeal angle sharp; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae minute and closely aligned, creating a silvery sheen; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node matt, and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae interspersed with minute, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EE8B19BD6659EBE67147A6707CB18F1C.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 3): CI 99 - 114; EI 20 - 28; EL 0.18 - 0.27; HL 0.62 - 1.31; HW 0.62 - 1.31; ML 0.79 - 1.48; MTL 0.45 - 0.76; PpH 0.10 - 0.13; PpL 0.36 - 0.69; SI 71 - 109; SL 0.68 - 0.93.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EE8B19BD6659EBE67147A6707CB18F1C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin dim. of barbella (' short, stiff hair') plus - atus (' of the nature of') referring to the tiny, short, stiff setae on the body; noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6378652E42088C00FC8E76DFC646EF90.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: Campbelltown (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900076]), Gabondery Mountains, 12 mi NW Trundle (Lowery, B. B.), Marayong, Sydney (Lowery, B. B.). South Australia: Teatree Gully (Halliday, R. B. [ANIC 32 - 900178]). Victoria: Patho (Potter, H. A. [ANIC 32 - 053435]), Patho (Potter, H. A.), Patho (Potter, H. A.), Patho (Potter, H. A.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6378652E42088C00FC8E76DFC646EF90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus fulvihirtus is one of only two members of the M. fulvihirtus species-group identified by having the head and mesosoma extensively covered with short, stout, peg-like bristles and, in outline, pronotum and mesonotum flattened. The metatibial apical spur is stout but very short. In M. fulvihirtus the posterior margin of the head of both major and minor workers is broadly concave, the appearance of the cuticle is matt and coriaceous, and the mandible of the minor worker is very finely striate, the individual striae being invisible under low power magnification	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6378652E42088C00FC8E76DFC646EF90.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head quadrate (i. e., heart-shaped); posterior margin of head weakly concave; frons coriaceous; frons consisting of very short, erect, spinous setae with closely aligned, very minute, appressed setae that create a faint silvery sheen. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt and coriaceous; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short and spinous; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum distinctly angulate, propodeal angle sharp; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae minute and closely aligned, creating a silvery sheen; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node matt and coriaceous, the peg-like setae with cuticular bases that protrude, creating a crenulate outline. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining and microreticulate; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of short, spinous, erect setae interspersed with massed, extremely minute, appressed setae that are visible only in certain lights. General characters. Colour tan with areas of brown infuscation.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6378652E42088C00FC8E76DFC646EF90.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting of very short, erect, spinous setae with closely aligned, very minute, appressed setae creating a faint silvery sheen. Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or weakly shining and coriaceous; anterior mesosoma in profile steeply rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on a higher plane than propodeum; erect pronotal setae short and often expanded distally, at times clavate; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate, or matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity greater than 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or square with rounded angles; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate, or matt, and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, short, thick, erect setae interspersed with minute, appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
6378652E42088C00FC8E76DFC646EF90.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 116 - 130; EI 17 - 23; EL 0.24 - 0.40; HL 0.90 - 1.85; HW 1.05 - 2.40; ML 1.45 - 2.31; MTL 0.80 - 1.18; PpH 0.16 - 0.20; PpL 0.66 - 1.07; SI 57 - 126; SL 1.33 - 1.37.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD891DF8A145F109270601FC96A7E217.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Australian Capital Territory: ANU (CFS) (Narendra, A. [M 167]), Black Mountain (Taylor, R. W. [ANIC 32 - 900043]), Black Mountain Reserve (Devonshire, J. [ANIC 32 - 045115]), Black Mt., Site 1 (Barnett, N. J. [ANIC 32 - 029779]), Mt. Ainslie (Shattuck, S. O. [ANIC 32 - 047357]). New South Wales: 10 mi N Berowra (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900035]), 4 km NE Mt. Wog Wog, 17 km SE Bombala (Margules, C. R. [ANIC 32 - 900045]), 8 mi W Somerton (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 900038]), Armidale (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900046]), Belanglo State Forest (Gush, T. [ANIC 32 - 900034]), Bilpin, Blue Mountains (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900032]), Burns Bay on Lane Cove River, Sydney (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900044]), Eulah Creek, Narrabri (Room, P. M. [ANIC 32 - 900040]), Katoomba (Wheeler, W. M. [ANIC 32 - 900033]), Ourimbah State Forest (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900039]), Uralla (Wheeler, W. M. [ANIC 32 - 900049]), Whiporie, 55 km S Casino (York, A. [ANIC 32 - 900041]). Queensland: Buhot Ck, Burbank (QM Party), Cairns (general) (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 045325]), Camp Mountain, Brisbane (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900037]), Camp Mountain, Brisbane (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900048]), Kirrama (Crowley, G. [ANIC 32 - 900047]), Lords Table, SE base (Burwell), Peawaddy Gorge Lkt, 1 km S (Eddie, C. et al.), Tindaree, Hannaford Rd South via Tara (House, A. / Brown, S.). Victoria: Ferntree Gully (Greaves, T. [ANIC 32 - 900031]), Greensborough (McAreavey, J. [ANIC 32 - 900036]), Lerderderg Gorge (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900042]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD891DF8A145F109270601FC96A7E217.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus hirsutus is distinguished from all other Melophorus by having the pronotum surrounded by a translucent lamina, the metanotal groove obsolete in the minor worker and just a weak furrow in major worke, the torulus pedunculate around the antennal insertions, and the cuticle of mesosoma with dense striolate-microreticulate sculpture. The ant is monotypic for its species-complex, but is tentatively placed in the M. ludius species-group on the basis of molecular evidence. The species is restricted to the eastern Australian seaboard.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD891DF8A145F109270601FC96A7E217.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits and a few striolae around antennal insertions and frontal carinae; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae absent or weakly produced in front of antennal insertions; frontal lobes pedunculate. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and striolate-micropunctate, with some shallow, oval depressions; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove vestigial but indicated by metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum planar dorsally with abrupt declivity; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (greater than 12); appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length <0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae. General Characters. Colour dark reddish brown, appendages tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD891DF8A145F109270601FC96A7E217.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; pilosity of frons a mixture of a few well-spaced, erect setae interspersed with appressed setae only. Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae absent or weakly produced posteriad of antennal insertions; frontal lobes pedunculate. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and striolate-micropunctate, with some shallow, oval depressions; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum planar dorsally with abrupt declivity; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae present and abundant (at least a dozen); appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation, node shining and smooth throughout. Gaster. Gaster smooth and glossy; pilosity of first gastral tergite consist ing of a mixture of curved, erect and semi- erect setae and decumbent setae that form a variable pubescence. General characters. Colour of head crimson, mesosoma dark reddish-brown, gaster brown, appendages dark tan.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
DD891DF8A145F109270601FC96A7E217.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 106 - 119; EI 12 - 17; EL 0.15 - 0.19; HL 0.82 - 1.26; HW 0.87 - 1.51; ML 1.18 - 1.75; MTL 0.75 - 1.07; PpH 0.13 - 0.18; PpL 0.62 - 0.73; SI 91 - 124; SL 1.37 - 1.08.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A463243525C0A6013B243A180545CFE3.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Australian Capital Territory: Capital Hill, Canberra (Lowery, B. B.). New South Wales: 40 km NNW Louth, Lake Mere (Greenslade, P. J. M.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), CSIRO Lake Mere Field Station, near Louth (Bryannah, M.), Eastwood State Forest, near Armidale (Sakurai, Y.), Putty, 50 mi N Windsor (Lowery, B. B.), St. Ives (Lowery, B. B.), Tomago (Jackson, G. P. [ANIC 32 - 015294]), Whiporie, 55 km S Casino (York, A.). Queensland: 14 km WbyN Hope Vale Mission (Cardale, J. C.), 8 km W Warwick (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Clermont, 4 km N (Burwell), Crows Nest NP, Perseverance Section (Burwell, C.), Karawatha forest site (QM Party), Kirrama (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 900107]), Mutyi, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), N. Stradbroke Is. Enterprise (QM Party), Noosa River, Cooloola (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Proserpine, Thompson Creek (Burwell, C.), Ransome Reserve (QM Party), State Forest 958 Bauple (House, A. P. N. & Vanderwoude, C.), Toomba (Monteath, G., Cook, D.). South Australia: 6 km W Wanilla, Eyre Peninsula (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Belair (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Calca (Lowery, B. B.), Fairview Conservation Park, N Lucindale (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Kia-Ora, NE Burra (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Koonamore (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Para Wirra (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Salt Creek, Coorong (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sandy Creek, Kangaroo Island (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Spring Gully, Sevenhill (Lowery, B. B.), Wilpena Pound (Lowery, B. B.), Wudinna townsite (Heterick, B. E. [M 332]). Victoria: 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), 15 km WNW Yaapeet (Andersen, A. N.), Wyperfeld National Park (Andersen, A. N.). Western Australia: 1.5 km S Koolyanobbing (Heterick, B. E. [M 04 / M 27 / M 28]), 30 km E Kununurra (Lowery, B. B. [ANIC 32 - 050220]), 30 km S of ' The Overlander' (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001890]), 40 km S Dongara (Lowery, B. B.), 42 mi N Mundiwindi (McInnes & Dowse), 64 km E of Southern Cross (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001891]), 80 km, West Talbot Road, Beverley (Douglas, A. M. & M. J.), Alcoa (Wallace, J. [JDM 32 - 001912]), Bentley (Majer, J. D.), Bentley (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001919]), Bunbury (Lowery, B. B.), Coalmine Beach, Nornalup National Park, Walpole (Lawrence, J. & N.), Coolbellup (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001888]), Dwellingup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001893]), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 001946]), Eyre Hwy, 20 km N Norseman (Heterick, B. E. [M 337]), Gold Holes, Stirling Range (Taylor, R. W. [ANIC 32 - 900106]), Hope Valley (Heterick, B.), Int. Holland Tr. / Norseman Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001967]), Junana Rock, 9 km NW Mt. Ragged (Taylor, R. W.), Karragullen (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001920]), Kings Park, Perth (Lowery, B. B.), Kings Park, Perth (Lowery, B. B.), Kojonup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001904]), Manjimup (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001901]), Milyeannup (Parkinson, W. [M 62 / M 63]), Mulga, NE Goldfields (Pringle, H. J. R. [ANIC 32 - 029572]), nr. Stirling Dam (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001889]), Perry Lakes (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001911]), Reabold H. (Majer, J. D. [JDM 32 - 001908]), Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park (Shattuck, S. O.), Without Locality (collector unknown [JDM 32 - 001921]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A463243525C0A6013B243A180545CFE3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus ludius is placed in the M. ludius species-group on the basis of molecular data. However, in morphological appearance this taxon shares major diagnostic characters with the M. biroi complex (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; legs compact, and small body size [HW of smallest minor <0.40 mm, HW of largest major <1.10 mm]). Like the other three members of its species-group, M. ludius is characterised by being weakly sculptured overall, with the cuticle of the mesosoma visibly thin, the mesonotum being translucent to varying degrees and the mesopleuron either smooth or with vestigial sculpture only. Melophorus ludius is distinguished from M. pusillus by the smaller eye (EI in M. ludius 19 - 30 compared with 31 - 40 in M. pusillus and from M. translucens by the shorter propodeum and propodeal spiracle (both rather elongate in M. translucens), and, as regards the major worker, the less bulbous and rather more opaque mesonotum.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A463243525C0A6013B243A180545CFE3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head weakly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent in western populations but one or two erect setae may be present in eastern populations; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and smooth or with superficial and almost invisible microsculpture; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only in western populations, erect setae always absent; minor workers in eastern populations may possess one or two erect gastral setae on first gastral tergite. General characters. Colour light brown or yellow tan, concolorous or bicoloured (gaster always darker in bicoloured workers).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A463243525C0A6013B243A180545CFE3.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in profile, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in full-face view, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set below midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae variable in number, may be absent; appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded, or tapered with sharp vertex; node shining and faintly striolate and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts shades of yellow, orange or light tan, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
A463243525C0A6013B243A180545CFE3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 8): CI 90 - 116; EI 19 - 30; EL 0.12 - 0.20; HL 0.44 - 0.91; HW 0.39 - 1.05; ML 0.55 - 1.18; MTL 0.30 - 0.66; PpH 0.05 - 0.11; PpL 0.24 - 0.50; SI 83 - 120; SL 0.47 - 0.88.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86B879550B55B135655FE3B5F7154A1A.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), Bendidee Nat. Pk (Haines, J.). South Australia: 10 km E Mt Ive Homestead, Gawler Ranges (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Cambrai (Greenslade, P. J. M.), Observatory Hill, Victoria Desert (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Western Australia: Black Swan Mine (Langlands, P. / Osborne, J. [JDM 32 - 004897]), Little Sandy Desert (Guthrie, N. A. [M 145]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86B879550B55B135655FE3B5F7154A1A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus pusillus is placed in the M. ludius species-group on the basis of molecular data. However, in morphological appearance this taxon shares major diagnostic characters with the M. biroi complex (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; legs compact, and small body size [HW of smallest minor <0.40 mm, HW of largest major <1.10 mm]). Like the other three members of its species-group, M. pusillus is characterised by being weakly sculptured overall, with the cuticle of the mesosoma visibly thin, the mesonotum being translucent to varying degrees and the mesopleuron either smooth or with vestigial sculpture only. Melophorus pusillus is distinguished from M. ludius by the larger eye (EI in 31 - 40 in M. pusillus compared with EI of 19 - 30 in M. ludius) and from M. translucens by the less elongate propodeum and shorter propodeal spiracle.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86B879550B55B135655FE3B5F7154A1A.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye large (eye length ≥ 0.50 x length of side of head capsule); in profile, eye set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae distinctly concave; frontal lobes curved toward antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile weakly elevated anteriad, thereafter gently sinuate, pronotum and mesonotum on same plane; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 1: 1; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour pale yellow-orange to bright brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86B879550B55B135655FE3B5F7154A1A.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical, or roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or above midpoint of clypeus; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron moderately shining and shagreenate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and finely striolate and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with sharp vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae, or consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae, erect setae (present in at least some workers) confined to margin of the sclerite. General characters. Colour yellow ochre with brownish-yellow gaster to pale brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86B879550B55B135655FE3B5F7154A1A.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 90 - 106; EI 31 - 40; EL 0.15 - 0.21; HL 0.41 - 0.64; HW 0.36 - 0.68; ML 0.52 - 0.86; MTL 0.30 - 0.52; PpH 0.05 - 0.08; PpL 0.22 - 0.37; SI 99 - 127; SL 0.46 - 0.67.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
86B879550B55B135655FE3B5F7154A1A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin pusillus (' puny'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1603A3FDE319C239D31A05F976E34ED1.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Christmas Tree Well (Heterick, B. E. [M 17 / M 53 / M 54]), Guilderton (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001970]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1603A3FDE319C239D31A05F976E34ED1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus translucens is placed in the M. ludius species-group on the basis of molecular data. However, in morphological appearance this taxon shares major diagnostic characters with the M. biroi complex (viz, metatibia of major worker with only one preapical spur; clypeal psammophore placed anteriorly at or just above anterior margin of clypeus in the minor worker and often in the major worker; legs compact, and small body size [HW of smallest minor <0.40 mm, HW of largest major <1.10 mm]). Like the other three members of its species-group, M. translucens is characterised by being weakly sculptured overall, with the cuticle of the mesosoma visibly thin, the mesonotum being translucent to varying degrees and the mesopleuron either smooth or with vestigial sculpture only. In Melophorus ltranslucens the mesonotum is conspicuously translucent and its pale appearance often contrasts with the much more intense colour of the rest of the mesosoma (although some minor workers can be generally pale). Melophorus translucens is distinguished from both M. ludius and M. pusillus by its more elongate propodeum and propodeal spiracle.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1603A3FDE319C239D31A05F976E34ED1.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule, or set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining and mainly smooth, vestigial shagreenation most noticeable on humeri and mesopleuron; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex, or smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; appearance of erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., longest erect setae shorter than length of eye) and unmodified, or erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum shining and shagreenate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and smooth with vestigial sculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly placed appressed setae, or consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of head, pronotum, propodeum orange or orange tan to brown, mesonotum translucent cream-yellow to yellow, gaster dark brown, appendages variably yellowish to brownish.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1603A3FDE319C239D31A05F976E34ED1.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae concave; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron shining with indistinct microsculpture that is most pronounced on lower surfaces; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae sparse or absent, if present then not regularly spaced; propodeal spiracle situated on or beside declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with squared-off vertex; node shining and smooth with vestigial microreticulation anteriad. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of thick, appressed setae that form pubescence, interspersed with numerous short, bristly, erect setae. General characters. Colour of foreparts (excluding mesonotum) orange to orange tan, mesonotum yellow, gaster brown to dark brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1603A3FDE319C239D31A05F976E34ED1.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 69 - 111; EI 20 - 36; EL 0.12 - 0.15; HL 0.46 - 0.69; HW 0.32 - 0.77; ML 0.59 - 0.90; MTL 0.34 - 0.48; PpH 0.05 - 0.07; PpL 0.27 - 0.43; SI 74 - 149; SL 0.47 - 0.57.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
1603A3FDE319C239D31A05F976E34ED1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin trans (' across', ' through') plus lucens (' shining'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EF7078EB87D93F986B86FBB1E94A8C91.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Western Australia: Eneabba-Leeman Rd. (Dunn, R. [JDM 32 - 001553]), Mettler Lake Rd. (15 km SW of Wellstead) (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001552]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EF7078EB87D93F986B86FBB1E94A8C91.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The armed propodeum in all worker sub-castes, the flattened and laterally carinate pronotum and mesonotum in the minor worker, the raised antennal lobes, and the absence of a metatibial apical spur distinguish Melophorus majeri from all other Melophorus and cause it to be placed in its own, unique species-group.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EF7078EB87D93F986B86FBB1E94A8C91.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head elongate, truncate posteriad; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set around midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight, elevated. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly convex and protruding, clypeal margin entire or very weakly indented; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five to six mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile gently undulate, dorsal and lateral surfaces separated by carinae; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove a weak or vestigial furrow; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum distinctly angulate, propodeal angles produced as short, erect denticles; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 3: 2; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated at least twice its width from the declivitous face of propodeum, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node trapezoidal with sharply defined flange posteriad; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node tapered with squared-off vertex; node matt and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster matt with distinct microreticulate pattern; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour blackish-brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EF7078EB87D93F986B86FBB1E94A8C91.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight, elevated. Anterior clypeal margin convex, acuminate anteromedially, margin entire; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in major worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth and teeth numbers two and four; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile gently sinuous after initial steep pronotal incline; erect pronotal setae short, (i. e., shorter than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove a narrow but deep slit; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum distinctly angulate, propodeal angles produced as short denticles; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node generally rounded with median indentation; node matt, and microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster matt with a distinct microreticulate pattern; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced, erect and semi-erect setae interspersed with regularly spaced appressed setae. General characters. Colour generally dark brown, head brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
EF7078EB87D93F986B86FBB1E94A8C91.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 2): CI 70 - 102; EI 21 - 30; EL 0.14 - 0.19; HL 0.65 - 0.89; HW 0.46 - 0.91; ML 0.92 - 0.24; MTL 0.44 - 0.64; PpH 0.09 - 0.14; PpL 0.32 - 0.47; SI 96 - 223; SL 0.88 - 1.01	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
872DDED1C5818A3B82E0B68B838B6CC3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus macroschismus is one of three members of the M. potteri species-group. Like the other two species, M. macrochismus has a large, oblique propodeal spiracle situated well before the declivitous face of propodeum, the spiracle bisecting much of the propodeum. This species is distinguished from the remaining members of the group by a combination of its palp formula (PF 6,4), its matt general appearance, its oval head capsule, the broadly convex but not protrusive anterior clypeal margin, and the conventional appearance of the mandible (five distinct teeth) as opposed to the aberrant dentition of the other two species in the group.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
872DDED1C5818A3B82E0B68B838B6CC3.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head approximately oval with straight sides; posterior margin of head planar or weakly convex; frons matt or with weak sheen, microreticulate or microreticulate-shagreenate; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical or slightly reniform, or roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight or weakly convex; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin broadly and evenly convex; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 6,4. Five mandibular teeth in minor worker; mandibles triangular, weakly incurved; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron matt or with weak sheen and microreticulate throughout; anterior mesosoma in profile smoothly rounded anteriad, thereafter pronotum and whole of mesonotum flattened and on same plane as propodeum; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster weakly shining with indistinct shagreenation; pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts light tan or orange-brown, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
872DDED1C5818A3B82E0B68B838B6CC3.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 92 - 95; EI 28 - 30; EL 0.21 - 0.22; HL 0.75 - 0.83; HW 0.68 - 0.79; ML 1.06 - 1.18; MTL 0.57 - 0.63; PpH 0.12 - 0.14; PpL 0.45 - 0.49; SI 91 - 95; SL 0.65 - 0.72.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
872DDED1C5818A3B82E0B68B838B6CC3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latinized Greek macros (Greek makros ' long') plus schismus (Greek schism ' cleft'); adjective in the nominative singular.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E8384B27B96F8D583A3F99BEB4F3B736.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.). South Australia: Mt Victor (Greenslade, P. J. M. [ANIC 32 - 900029]).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E8384B27B96F8D583A3F99BEB4F3B736.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus pelecygnathus is one of three members of the M. potteri species-group. These three species have a large, oblique propodeal spiracle situated well before declivitous face of propodeum, the spiracle bisecting much of the propodeum. This species is distinguished from the remaining members of the group by the combination of its reduced palp formula (PF 3,4) and its large, securiform mandible whose masticatory margin is virtually edentate with only minute (often worn), evenly sized teeth except for the long apical tooth.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E8384B27B96F8D583A3F99BEB4F3B736.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining with superficial shagreenation or microreticulation only; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eye roughly ovoid, narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 3,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker absent, mandible edentate or with small crenulations only; mandibles securiform; third mandibular tooth absent; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V or U-shaped; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum smoothly rounded or with indistinct angle, or angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity about 4: 3; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node narrowly conical, vertex blunt, directed posteriad, or subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node uniformly rounded; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate, or matt with indistinct microsculpture. Gaster. Gaster shining with superficial microreticulation, or shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour bicoloured with reddish to chocolate head, orange- or reddish-brown mesosoma and dark brown gaster.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E8384B27B96F8D583A3F99BEB4F3B736.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye small (eye length less than 0.2 x length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eye roughly ovoid, narrowed posteriad. Frontal carinae straight, convergent posteriad; frontal lobes curved inward in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin straight; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 3,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker absent, mandible edentate or with small crenulations only; mandibles securiform; third mandibular tooth absent; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile pronotum smoothly rounded anteriad and flattened posteriad, mesonotum narrowly convex, or gently sinuous after initial steep pronotal incline; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, broadly V- or U-shaped; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum always smoothly rounded; propodeal dorsum and declivity confluent; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum), or situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and shorter (length less than 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node subcuboidal, vertex bluntly rounded; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node square with rounded angles; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. Colour of foreparts orange to crimson, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E8384B27B96F8D583A3F99BEB4F3B736.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 4): CI 103 - 104; EI 22 - 24; EL 0.22 - 0.31; HL 0.89 - 1.35; HW 0.92 - 1.40; ML 1.18 - 1.75; MTL 0.66 - 0.97; PpH 0.18 - 0.28; PpL 0.53 - 0.81; SI 73 - 74; SL 0.68 - 1.03.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
E8384B27B96F8D583A3F99BEB4F3B736.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Compound of Latinized Greek pelecys (Greek pelekys ' hatchet') plus Neo-Latin gnathus (' jaw'); noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D8D7F6321EFF7B3CA85A092D61063200.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. New South Wales: 40 mi N Warren (Lowery, B. B.). Northern Territory: 15 km SE Alice Springs (Davidson, D. & Morton, S.), Lasseter Cave (Heatwole), Tanami (Greenslade, P. J. M.). Queensland: ' Gumbardo' (Beutel, T.), ' Merigol' (Beutel, T.), Sandringham (Greenslade, P. J. M.), St. George (Lowery, B. B.), Thallon (Lowery, B. B.). Victoria: Patho (Potter, H. A. [ANIC 32 - 053439]), Patho (Potter, H.), Patho (Potter, H. A.), Patho (Potter, H.). Western Australia: 26 mi SSE Karonie (Taylor, R. W.), Pindar (Mercovich, C.). Western Australia: 12 km W of West Arthur (Jacobs, M. [JDM 32 - 001571]), 18.5 km E Southern Cross (Heterick, B. E. [M 135]), 19 km N Hines Hill (Heterick, B. E. [M 07 / M 37 / M 38]), 74 km EbyN Cosmo Newberry (Feehan, J. E.), Eneabba (Bisevac, L. & Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 001572]), Ethel Creek (Varris, P. A. [JDM 32 - 001573]), Rabbit Proof Fence Rd. (Heterick, B. E. [JDM 32 - 004664]), Ravensthorpe (Lowery, B. B.).	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D8D7F6321EFF7B3CA85A092D61063200.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Melophorus potteri is one of three members of the M. potteri species-group. Like the other two species, M. potteri has a large, oblique propodeal spiracle situated well before the declivitous face of propodeum, the spiracle bisecting much of the propodeum. This species is distinguished from the remaining members of the group by a combination of its glossy general appearance, its reduced palp formula (PF 3,4), its square or rectangular head capsule, the square protrusion of the anterior clypeal margin and the distally expanded basal margin of the mandible.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D8D7F6321EFF7B3CA85A092D61063200.taxon	description	Minor worker description. Head. Head rectangular; posterior margin of head planar to strongly convex; frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of side of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set at about midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; roughly ovoid, eye narrowed posteriad. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anteromedial clypeal margin narrowly protrusive anteromedially, the protrusion with a square border; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 3,4. Mandibular teeth in minor worker consisting of five teeth on the masticatory margin, with additional small denticles on the basal margin; mandibles securiform; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately vertical or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; appearance of erect pronotal setae long (i. e., longest erect setae longer than length of eye) and unmodified; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle; propodeum matt or with a weak sheen and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; erect propodeal setae always absent; appressed propodeal setulae short, separated by more than own length and inconspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node rectangular and variably concave medially; node shining and distinctly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange to dark tan, legs yellowish, gaster chocolate.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D8D7F6321EFF7B3CA85A092D61063200.taxon	description	Major worker description. Head. Head square; posterior margin of head planar or weakly concave; cuticle of frons shining and smooth except for piliferous pits; frons consisting exclusively or almost exclusively of well-spaced, appressed setae only (small, erect setae, if present, usually confined to ocular triangle or posterior margin of head). Eye moderate (eye length 0.20 - 0.49 length of head capsule); in full-face view, eyes set above midpoint of head capsule; in profile, eye set anteriad of midline of head capsule; eyes elliptical. In full-face view, frontal carinae straight, divergent posteriad; frontal lobes straight in front of antennal insertion. Anterior clypeal margin narrowly protrusive anteromedially, the protrusion with a square border; clypeal psammophore set at or just above anterior clypeal margin; palp formula 3,4. Mandibular teeth in major worker consisting of five teeth on the masticatory margin with additional small denticles on the basal margin; mandibles securiform; third mandibular tooth distinctly shorter than apical tooth, but equivalent in length to remaining teeth; masticatory margin of mandibles approximately aligned vertically or weakly oblique. Mesosoma. Integument of pronotum, mesonotum and mesopleuron with weak to moderate sheen, shagreenate on pronotum and dorsum of mesonotum, otherwise microreticulate; anterior mesosoma in profile broadly convex; erect pronotal setae absent; in profile, metanotal groove shallow, indicated mainly by an angle and metathoracic spiracles; propodeum shining and microreticulate; propodeum angulate, propodeal angle blunt; length ratio of propodeal dorsum to its declivity between 1: 1 and 1: 2; erect propodeal setae absent; appressed propodeal setae short, separated by more than own length and in conspicuous; propodeal spiracle situated nearer to midpoint of propodeum than to its declivitous face, and longer (length ≥ 0.50 x height of propodeum). Petiole. In profile, petiolar node squamiform; in full-face view, shape of petiolar node rectangular and variably concave medially; node shining and faintly shagreenate-microreticulate. Gaster. Gaster shining, shagreenate (' LP record' appearance); pilosity of first gastral tergite consisting of well-spaced short, inconspicuous, appressed setae only, erect setae always absent. General characters. Colour of foreparts orange to dark tan, legs yellowish, gaster brown.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
D8D7F6321EFF7B3CA85A092D61063200.taxon	description	Measurements. Worker (n = 6): CI 83 - 100; EI 19 - 25; EL 0.22 - 0.25; HL 1.05 - 1.29; HW 0.87 - 1.30; ML 1.26 - 1.59; MTL 0.64 - 0.89; PpH 0.18 - 0.20; PpL 0.59 - 0.64; SI 80 - 82; SL 0.72 - 1.04.	en	Heterick, Brian E., Castalanelli, Mark, Shattuck, Steve O. (2017): Revision of the ant genus Melophorus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). ZooKeys 700: 1-420, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.700.11784
