Mayriella sharpi Shattuck & Barnett, 2007

Shattuck, S. O. & Barnett, N. J., 2007, Revision of the ant genus Mayriella., Advances in ant systematics (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Homage to E. O. Wilson - 50 years of contributions. (Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 80), pp. 437-458 : 447

Mayriella sharpi Shattuck & Barnett , sp. nov.

Figures 17 - 19

TYPE MATERIAL

Holotype worker from Bisianumu, nr. Sogeri (approx. 9 º 24 ’ S, 147 º 24 ’ E), Central Province, Papua New Guinea, 15 - 20 March, 1955, E. O. Wilson, rainforest ( ANIC).

DIAGNOSIS

M. sharpi is immediately recognizable by the sharply pointed anteroventral extensions of the compound eyes. It is also the only species currently known from Papua New Guinea.

WORKER DESCRIPTION

Sculpturing in posterior section of antennal scrobe well developed and distinct; compound eye forming a sharp point ventrally; sculpturing on dorsal mesosoma consisting of small, widely spaced pits; propodeal spines relatively short and thick; dorsal surface of petiole in lateral profile uniformly convex, without distinct dorsal and posterior faces and forming a blunt angle with the anterior face; in dorsal view, postpetiole with the anterior and posterior regions approximately the same width (the region connecting them either flat or weakly convex); postpetiole and gaster lacking erect hairs dorsally.

Measurements. Holotype - CI 1.01; HL 0.45; HTL 0.25; HW 0.46; ML 0.48; PW 0.32; SI 0.63; SL 0.29.

COMMENTS

The only known collection of this species consists of a single worker found in rainforest. The specimen is pale yellow and appears to be callow. The specimen is unusual in having the sting placed forward along the ventral surface of the gaster and directed downward. Given the possibly callow nature of the specimen it is difficult to assess whether this is its normal position or if the gaster has been deformed during preservation in alcohol before being point mounted. Additional specimens will be required to ascertain the true nature of the sting placement.