Polyrhachis esarata

Identification
Rigato (2016) - A medium sized militaris-group species very similar to Polyrhachis decellei and separated by the latter mostly because of its comparatively larger and elliptical eyes in profile, and shorter scape (SI < 170 vs. SI > 170).

Polyrhachis esarata was described from a single worker. I consider as conspecific with it one worker and one gyne from Dem. Rep. of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea, respectively. The worker is a little larger than the holotype and lacks the distinctive couple of hairs on the head dorsum, but the corresponding hair pits are present. Also, the eyes are only moderately convex and not strongly protruding as in the type.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana.

Nomenclature

 *  esarata. Polyrhachis esarata Bolton, 1973b: 303, figs. 45, 55 (w.) GHANA.

Worker
Rigato (2016) - Worker. HL 1.65, HW 1.30, CI 79, SL 2.13, SI 164, FW 0.38, FI 29, PW 1.08, WL 2.27, HTL 2.19.

Queen
Rigato (2016) - Gyne. HL 1.72, HW 1.40, CI 81, SL 2.08, SI 149, FW 0.42, FI 30, ScW 1.57, MnL 1.97, WL 2.87, HTL 2.34.