Polyrhachis anderseni

Polyrhachis anderseni is one of only a few lithocolous Polyrhachis species (the others are Polyrhachis thusneldaand Polyrhachis turneri) that build their nests inside rock crevices or on the sides of rock walls (Robson & Kohout 2005).

Identification
Polyrhachis andersoni is an easily recognisable species, featuring very closely approximated, upturned, petiolar spines. It somewhat resembles Polyrhachis archeri, however, in that species the anterior clypeal margin is produced into a median denticulate flange, while it is simply medially truncate in P. anderseni. The bases of the petiolar spines in P. archeri are more distant and the propodeal spines in lateral view are directed downwards, forming a continuous line with the arching profile of the mesosomal dorsum (Fig. 6C-D). In contrast, the bases of petiolar spines in P. anderseni are closer and the propodeal spines are more horizontal.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  anderseni. Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) anderseni Kohout, 2013: 528, figs. 6A-B (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Type Material


Type deposition: Holotype and 2 paratypes in ; most paratypes in, 2 paratypes each in , , , , and.