The Australian harvester temites of the genus Drepanotermes (Isoptera : Termitinae)

Abstract

The endemic Australian genus Drepanotermes is revised . Seventeen new species are described: D. Acicularis, D. Barrett, D. Basidens, D. Bellator, D. Brevis, D. Calabyi, D. columellaris, D. corax, D. crassidens, D. dibolia, D. diversicolor, D. gayi, D. harnulus, D. hilli, D. invasor, D. paradoxus and D. phoenix, D. clarki (Hill), D. daliensis Hill, D. perniger (Froggatt), D. rubriceps (Froggatt), D. seprentrionalis Hill and D. tamminensis (Hill) are redescribed, from all castes if known. D. magnificus (Mjöberg) is regarded as a nomen dubium and D. rubriceps opacus (Hill) as a nomen nudum; lectotype soldiers are designated for D. daliensis, D. perniger, D. silvestrii Hill. regarded as a synonym of D. rubriceps, D. septentrionalis and D. tamminensis. The general biology of Drepanotermes is summarized, and data are provided on the distribution, habitat, nest structure, food, flight, inquilines, affinities and sympatric associations of the individual species.