The nomenclature and distribution of some Australian and New Caledonian ants of the genus Meranoplus Fr. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae).

Abstract

Twenty six named, valid, worker-based Australian 'Meranoplus' species are recognised, and one from New Caledonia. The queen-based 'M. dichrous' Forel, 'M. doddi' Santschi and 'M. hospes' Forel are designated 'species inquirendae'. New synonymies include: 'M. puryi' Forel = 'M. puryi curvispina' Forel and 'M. armatus' Fr. Smith = 'M. rugifrons' Emery. The subspecies 'M. aureolus doddi' Santschi, 'M. aureolus linae' Santschi, 'M. diversus duyfkeni' Forel, 'M. diversus oxleyi' Forel, 'M. diversus unicolor' Forel, 'M. hirsutus minor' Forel, 'M. hirsutus rugosus' Crawley, and 'M. mars ajax' Forel are raised to species. The Melanesian 'M. armatus' Fr. Smith is recorded for the first time from Australia.