Polyrhachis continua

Specimens have been collected from an ephiphyte root mass in lowland rainforest.

Identification
A member of the Polyrhachis continua species group in the subgenus Myrma

Kohout (2008) - Like other members of the species-group, P. continua has an evenly curved mesosomal dorsum that lacks a distinct border between the propodeal dorsum and declivity, and has postocular and lateral ridges on the head (Kohout, 1989; 1998).

Distribution
Polyrhachis continua is known from the Moluccas (Ternate I.), New Guinea (Paumomu R.) and Sulawesi. (Kohout 2008)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Indonesia, New Guinea, Sulawesi.

Nomenclature

 *  continua. Polyrhachis continua Emery, 1887a: 235, pl. 4, fig. 21 (w.) INDONESIA (Ternate I.). Combination in P. (Myrma): Emery, 1925b: 200. Senior synonym of revocata: Kohout, 1998: 519.
 * revocata. Polyrhachis continua var. revocata Viehmeyer, 1913: 151 (w.) INDONESIA (Sulawesi) (in copal). Combination in P. (Myrma): Emery, 1925b: 200. Junior synonym of continua: Kohout, 1998: 519.

Worker
Kohout (2013) - Dimensions (holotype cited first): TL c. 10.18, 9.42-10.68; HL 2.50, 2.31-2.59; HW 1.81, 1.65-1.87; CI 72, 70-74; SL 3.48, 3.12-3.48; SI 192, 181-192; PW 1.53, 1.53-1.87; MTL 3.68, 3.22-3.68 (1+10 measured).

Queen
Kohout (2013) - Dimensions: TL c. 11.04-11.29; HL 2.62-2.68; HW 2.09-2.12; CI 79-80; SL 3.38-3.43; SI 162; PW 2.37-2.40; MTL 3.33-3.48 (2 measured).

Queen larger than worker with usual characters identifying full sexuality, including three ocelli, complete thoracic structure and wings. Pronotal spines distinctly shorter, only about 2x as long as basal width. Mesoscutum wider than long; lateral margins converging anteriorly into narrowly rounded anterior margin; median line distinct; parapsides virtually flat anteriorly, weakly raised posteriorly; mesoscutum in profile with relatively low anterior face rounding onto weakly convex dorsum. Mesoscutellum only weakly convex, not elevated above dorsal plane of mesosoma. Propodeum with lateral margins terminating in medially directed, short ridges; propodeal dorsum descending into steeply descending declivity in medially uninterrupted line. Petiole with dorsal spines distinctly shorter, inner margins forming ‘U’-shaped dorsum of segment. Sculpturation, pilosity, pubescence and colour scheme very similar to worker.

Type Material
Kohout (2013):

Holotype worker. Indonesia, Ternate I., Aqui Conora (O. Beccari), (examined).

Polyrhachis continua var. revocata Viehmeyer, 1913: 151. Syntype workers. Indonesia, Sulawesi (in copal), (examined).