Ponera xenagos

Relatively large for a Ponera, xenagos is only known from New Guinea.

Identification
Taylor (1967) - the largest known Ponera apart from Ponera alpha. Recognized by the combination of large size (head width 0.65-0.73 mm) with relatively broad head (cephalic index 84-90), vestigial medium clypeal tooth and relatively long scapes, which surpass the median occipital border by about 1/2 their maximum thickness. The eyes are small (4-5 indistinct facets), and no antennal club is differentiated. Posterolateral propodeal angles not markedly raised, and node with more rounded contours than in alpha or selenophora, although it still maintains the same basic form with arched anterolateral and posterodorsal faces.

Distribution
This taxon was described, and is only known, from New Guinea.

Biology
Wilson collected specimens from partial clearings beside trails in dense midmountain rain forest. He found one nest at each site, under loose bark on a rotting stump at Tumnang, and on the upper surface of a large rotting log at Ebaabang. My Aiyura samples were taken in disturbed midmountain forest, nesting in rotting logs.

Nomenclature

 *  xenagos. Ponera xenagos Wilson, 1957b: 385 (w.) NEW GUINEA. See also: Taylor, 1967a: 43.

Immature Forms
Taylor (1967) - Larvae from Aiyura have 3 pairs of dorsal abdominal glutinous tubercles, as usual in Indo-Australian Ponera; the worker pupae are enclosed in cocoons (other castes not available).

Type Material
Taylor (1967) - Tumnang, NE New Guinea (Holotype and paratypes examined - ).