Notes on the aberrant venom gland morphology of some Australian Dolichoderine and Myrmicine (Hymenoptera, formicidae).

Two Australian species of Dolichoderus Lund, and one of Leptomyrmex Mayr (both subfamily Dolichoderinae), have venom glands with two long, slender secretory filaments. In this regard they resemble previously analysed ants of the subfamily Myrmicinae, rather than other dolichoderines. Alternatively, four Meranoplus Smith species (subfamily Myrmicinae) have short, knob-like filaments, like those of previously reported dolichoderines, and unlike other myrmicines. Features of venom gland morphology are thus less constant or diagnostically reliable for these subfamilies than was previously supposed.