Iridomyrmex

Collingwood, C. A., 1979, The Formicidae (Hymenoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark., Fauna Entomologica Scandinavica 8, pp. 1-174 : 33

Genus Iridomyrmex Mayr, 1862

Iridomyrmex Mayr, 1862:702.

Type-species: Formica detecta Smith , 1858.

Workers monomorphic; antennae 12 segmented, maxillary palps 6-, labial palps 4- segmented. Mesopropodeal impression deep and distinct. Petiole a low forward inclined scale. Queens considerably larger than workers; fore-wings with a closed radial cell, 2 closed cubital cells and one discoidal. Male not larger than worker, antennae filiform, 13 segmented with scape shorter than second funiculus segment; mesonotum relatively massive overhanging pronotum and part of head; wings with one closed cubital cell. Gaster considerably smaller than alitrunk; genital armature not conspicuously enlarged.

This genus has the largest number of species in Australasia with a few in South America of which one cosmopolitan species has become well established in South Europe.