Forms Meat ant

in 1970s, scientists discovered several different forms of meats ants, forming iridomyrmex purpureus species group; 3 forms identified (the regular i. purpureus , other 2 forms i. sanguineus , i. viridiaeneus), differing in colour , nest structure. however, there no clear morphological differences among these variations, taxonomic status , evolutionary relationship of these ants remained uncertain. colouration varies ants red head , thorax , blue metallic sheen, yellowish body , bluish-purple gaster. others may darker, appearing metallic-bluish purplish-black. owing different geographical ranges, behaviour , ecology of these forms differentiated, based on examinations multiple forms sympatric. each form had own geographical limit, although regular i. purpureus form common, inhabiting @ least one-third of australian continent. forms may dominant in habitats; example, 1 form may widespread throughout moist environments in dry areas, , others in cool , dry areas.

in 1974, i. sanguineus , i. viridiaeneus classified 2 subspecies of meat ant p.j. greenslade. recognised form, undescribed blue form first studied several years earlier. greenslade did not propose taxonomic recognition of newly discovered taxon, instead referred form . in 1975, study examined distinctiveness of 3 forms comparing amylase enzyme allele frequencies. blue form found genetically isolated , allele frequencies differed forms purpureus , viridiaeneus, same study concluded these latter 2 forms similar. during time, greenslade continue study these forms include dark yellow, yellow, orange , small purple form. in addition, 2 new forms recognised in later studies, these 2 forms not given formal species description. instead, recognised colour , genitalia of males. although these forms represented undescribed, yet distinct species, i. purpureus species group contained single valid species, 3 subspecies , 7 different forms. in 1993, known forms , subspecies either revived or classified @ species level in article revising group, concluding separation of forms each other.