Polyrhachis vestita species-group

The species in this group are members of the subgenus Myrma.

Species

• Polyrhachis cognata
• Polyrhachis gobini
• Polyrhachis masaokai
• Polyrhachis ogatai
• Polyrhachis vanachterbergi
• Polyrhachis vestita

Identification

Key to Polyrhachis vestita-group species

Notes

Sulawesi has several endemic Myrma species that constitute the vestita species-group characterised by a scale-like petiole that lacks spines and has a dorsal margin with only blunt teeth or a shallow median emargination. This petiolar configuration resembles that of Polyrhachis abrupta from Halmahera, but this species differs from those of the vestita-group in having strongly truncate eyes and a distinct carina running from the eyes towards the occipital corners. A petiole lacking dorsal spines is also characteristic of the inermis-group, but its constituent species differ from those of the vestita-group in having their dorsal petiolar margin smooth and entire. In addition, members of the vestita-group are some of the largest species of Myrma, while the inermis-group includes some of the smallest.

Related Pages

• Polyrhachis
• subgenus Myrma

References

• Kohout, R.J. 2008a. A review of the Polyrhachis ants of Sulawesi with keys and descriptions of new species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 52:255-317.
• Kohout, R.J. 2008b. A new Polyrhachis (Myrma) vestita-group species from Sulawesi. Zoologische Mededeelingen, Leiden. 82: 297-302.