Polyrhachis diana

Identification
Kohout (2013): When describing P. diana, Wheeler (1909) noted it was closely related to Polyrhachis latona, described from Taiwan in the same paper. He listed the more abundant and silvery pubescence, shorter thorax and the different shape of the petiole and its associated spines as characters distinguishing P. diana from P. latona. In addition to these characters, P. diana also differs from P. latona by its more distinct sculpturation of the head and mesosoma, more convex eyes, notably when viewed from behind, and transversely broader petiolar node, which lacks the intercalary tooth that is rather prominent in P. latona. Polyrhachis diana is also similar to Polyrhachis murina Emery, a species originally described from Borneo and the Philippines. Polyrhachis murina differs by its distinctly shorter pronotal spines, much finer sculpturation of the mesosomal dorsum and by having the lateral petiolar teeth extended into short spines.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Philippines.

Castes
Males and immature stages unknown.

Nomenclature

 *  diana. Polyrhachis diana Wheeler, W.M. 1909d: 343 (w.) PHILIPPINES. Combination in P. (Myrma): Emery, 1925b: 201.

Worker
Kohout (2013) - Dimensions (syntypes cited first): TL c. 6.35-7.16, 6.35-7.16; HL 1.65-1.72, 1.65-1.72; HW 1.25-1.31, 1.25-1.34; CI 76-77, 76-80; SL 2.06-2.18, 2.06-2.18; SI 161-167, 160-167; PW 1.28-1.31, 1.28-1.31; MTL 2.03-2.12, 2.03-2.12 (5+2 measured).

Queen
Two queen specimens in MCZ collection.

Additional References

 * Kohout, R.J. 2013. A review of the Polyrhachis aculeata species-group of the subgenus Myrma Billberg (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae), with keys and descriptions of new species. Australian Entomologist, 40, 137-171.