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Microcerotermes serratus

Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, western New South Wales, and Southern Australia

Distribution

East coast of Australia from Townsville in northern Queensland to mid-coast the of New South Wales

Identification

Alates. Alates measure 7.50–8.50mm in length with wings; they measure 3.75–5.75mm without wings. They are similar to M. turneri alates in general appearance but are always distinctly smaller and paler in colour.

1. Head and thorax dark brown in colour
2. Postclypeus much paler than head
3. Labrum yellow
4. Legs and underparts may have dark brown colours spread out, but often uniform yellowish brown.

Soldiers. Soldiers are 3.25–5.75mm in length, significantly smaller than M. turneri.

M. serratus is a more variable species than M. turneri in size, colour, and form.

1. Head is usually orange to reddish-brown but often light to very dark mahogany

Compared to M. turneri:

2. Head is smaller, relatively longer, narrower, and straighter on the sides 
3. Mandibles are more curved but noticeably less concave externally at the base
4. Mandibles are variable in size, length, and width in proportion to the head
5. Labrum is shorter and narrower

Treatment Polls