813 



18. Iridomyrmex gracilis, Lowne, supsp. spurcus, n. subsp. 



Worker. — Length, 2-4-2-6 mm. 



Differing from the typical gracilis in its much smaller size, 

 in lacking all metallic reflections, and in having the petiole 

 much more compressed anteroposteriorly, and therefore more 

 acute at the apex. The pilosity and pubescence are somewhat 

 less abundant, and the surface of the body is therefore more 

 shining. 



Three specimens, taken at Moorilyanna. These are not 

 well preserved. More satisfactory material may show that 

 this form is really a distinct species. 



Subfamily CAMPONOTIDES. 



19. Melophorus laticeps, n. sp. 

 PI. Ixvi., fig. 2. 



9 • Length, 8 mm. 



Head, excluding the mandibles, nearly twice as broad as 

 long, subrectangular, with rounded posterior corners and 

 nearly straight posterior border. Eyes small, convex, just 

 behind the median transverse diameter of the head. Ocelli 

 very small and close together. Mandibles large, with oblique, 

 coarsely 4-toothed blades, which are curioiisly prismatic, with 

 tvv'O flattened planes on their upper-surfaces, meeting at an 

 angle formed by a coarse ridge from the base to the third tooth 

 from the apex. Clypeus very short and broad, feebly convex, 

 with straight, entire anterior and curved posterior border. 

 Frontal carinae very small ; frontal area large but indistinct ; 

 frontal groove distinct, especially just in front of the ocelli. 

 Antennae slender, scapes not reaching to the posterior border 

 of the head ; first funicular joint as long as the three succeed- 

 ing joints together; joints 2-5 nearly twice as long as broad, 

 remaining joints shorter, except the last, which is twice as long 

 as the penultimate. Thorax very short and thickset, less than 

 one and a half times as long as broad, and but little longer 

 than high. Mesonotum evenly convex, nearly one and two- 

 third times as broad as long. Epinotum very short, steep in 

 profile, without distinct base and declivity, rounded and 

 slightly convex above, more flattened below. Petiole small, 

 thickened below, rapidly attenuated and narrowed above 

 where the compressed border terminates in two flat teeth. 

 Gaster large, broadly elliptical, somewhat flattened above. 

 Wings as long as the body (8 mm.). 



Very smooth and shining ; mandibles coarsely and regu^ 

 larly longitudinally rugose; gaster finelv shagreened. Gula 

 and clypeus with very long, curved, yellow hairs, forming a. 

 distinct psammophore. Hairs shorter and very sparse on the 



