8 
Psyche 
[March 
Methocha. Metanotum a deeply impressed transverse groove between 
scutellum and rounded propodeum. Metapleural gland bulla and 
meatus present and well-developed (though it is difficult to be ab- 
solutely certain of this in amber specimens). Petiole with a distinct, 
raised node with strongly rounded summit, strongly separated from 
propodeum and first segment of gaster by deep constrictions. Gaster 
without a constriction behind first segment; strong exsertile sting 
present. Legs long and slender, the last two pairs having 2 spurs 
at the apex of each tibia. Tarsal claws each with a median tooth. 
Type and only known genus is the following: 
Sphecomyrma Wilson and Brown, new genus 
Worker: With the characters of the subfamily. Head capsule un- 
exceptional, more or less like that of a primitive formicine, such as 
Prolasius j NotoncuSj or even Prenolepis. Clypeus broad, simply 
formed, convex, with broadly rounded free margin. Antennae in- 
serted moderately far apart and well forward on the head capsule, 
their sockets close to the posterior margin of the clypeus. Compound 
eyes oblate circular in outline, large and convex, each with more 
than 100 ommatidia. Ocelli well-developed. Antennal segmentation 
and proportions unique, as shown in Figure 2A. 
Alitrunk with rounded humeri. Propodeal spiracle high up, its 
opening elongate. Petiolar segment with a distinct node in the form 
of a narrowly-rounded dome, briefly pedunculate in front and behind, 
much narrower than the succeeding (gastric) segment, and separated 
from it by a broad and deep constriction. First gastric segment with 
an anteroventral process like that found in Myrmecia as well as 
many ponerine genera. Sting exserted, strong and acute. 
Integument appearing relatively thin, not boldly sculptured any- 
where; sculpture fine and superficial, body surface opaque to sub- 
opaque. 
Queen and male unknown. 
Type and only known species: Sphecomyrma freyi , described below. 
Sphecomyrma freyi Wilson and Brown, new species 
Plates 1-4; Figures 1, 2 
Holotype and paratype workers: the characters cited in the sub- 
family diagnosis, and particularly the form of the mandibles, an- 
tennae and mesonotum, readily distinguish this species from all other 
known ant species, living or fossil. 
