812 



but this and its var. exilior, Forel, are even paler in colour 

 than the typical discors. The new variety is very close to var. 

 obscurior, Forel, from Victoria, in pubescence, but this form 

 is brownish-yellow, with the head and gaster brown, the latter 

 with feeble metallic-green reflections. 



A single worker from Flat Rock Hole in the Musgrave 

 Ranges. 



16. Iridomykmex cyaneus, n. sp. 



Worker. — Length, 1*5-1 "7 mm. 



Head a little longer than broad, as broad behind as in 

 front, broadest in the middle through the convex sides. Pos- 

 terior border nearly straight. Eyes rather large, feebly con- 

 vex, in the median transverse diameter of the head. Mandibles 

 small, retracted under the clypeus, which is very convex, with 

 feebly and sinuately excised anterior border. Frontal area 

 distinct, triangular ; frontal carinae short ; frontal groove 

 absent. Antennal scapes extending to the posterior border 

 of the head, funicular joints 2-10 slightly broader than long,, 

 first joint three times as long as broad. Thorax much nar- 

 rower than the head, rather short; pronotum convex, evenly 

 rounded, as broad as long ; mesonotum a little broader than 

 long, sloping, straight in profile ; mesoepinotal constriction 

 short and deep; epinotum with a ver}^ convex, almost conical 

 base, rising rather abruptly from the mesoepinotal suture and 

 falling behind into the rather steep and straight declivity. 

 Petiole inclined forward, elliptical from behind, with rounded, 

 entire apical border, narrower than the epinotum and about 

 half as high. Gaster of the usual shape. Legs rather slender. 



Surface of body shining, very finely but distinctly 

 shagreened. Hairs whitish, absent except on the clypeus; 

 pubescence extremely fine and appressed, visible only on the 

 appendages. Body deep metallic-blue, antennae and legs 

 piceous-black. 



Two workers, one from Black Rock Hole in the Musgrave 

 Ranges and one from Moorilyanna. 



This species resembles I. innocenff, Forel, in the shape of 

 the thorax and petiole, but the head is of a very different 

 shape, the antennal scapes and mesonotum are much shorter 

 and the body is pilose and metallic. 



17. Iridomyrmex rufoniger, Lowne, var. 



A single worker from Mooril3''anna is very close to the var. 

 domesticiis, Forel, but is smaller (2"5 mm.). It may represent 

 a distinct variety, but the material is insufficient to justify the 

 introduction of a new name. 



