Genus Ozoliarus Löcker
Ozoliarus laertes (Kirkaldy)
Genus
Ozoliarus
Löcker 2006a: 47
Type species: Oliarus laertes Kirkaldy
1906.
Australian species: Löcker et al. (2006a) recognised 28 species in Australia with O. laertes recorded from Fiji (by Fennah 1950a) and Rennell Island (by Fennah 1970).
Distribution: Australia (Australian Capital
Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory,
Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western
Australia), Fiji, Rennell Island.
Notes: This is the most species-rich genus of Australian Pentastirini. The typical hind tarsomere spination is 7 spines on the apices of the first and second segments but some slight variation occurs in some individuals of some species. A well-developed median carina of the anteclypeus is found in all but two species.
Löcker et al. (2006a) notes that the genus Prosops Buckton, containing the single species Prosops pedisequus Buckton, may be a synonym of Ozoliarus and would take priority. The type series of P. pedisequus held in BMNH comprises two slides, one of which (see images) has three adult females mounted together and the other of which has some parts of wings. Sufficient detail is visible on the adult specimens to show that they have 3 tibial spines and seven apical spines on the first and second hind tarsomeres without platellae. Using the key here, these specimens key to the final couplet separating Miclucha and Ozoliarus. The shape of the vertex is not clearly visible in the type specimens. If it were long and narrow, Prosops would be a senior synonym of Miclucha but if it is shorter and wider, it would be a senior synonym of Ozoliarus because of the presence of six apical tibial spines, rather than five. Indications are that the latter is correct but the specimens may need to be removed from their slide mount to confirm this.