Polyrhachis gagates

Identification
A member of the Polyrhachis militaris species-group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Angola, Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Biology
A ground-nesting species that inhabits savannah. One nest was completely excavated during Ant Course 2016 in Gorongosa NP, Mozambique. This yielded one dealate queen and at least 5448 workers. This nest was located at the base of a big shrub and a large number of foragers used its many branches to get access to surrounding vegetation. Replete workers have a swollen abdomen full of fat.

Nomenclature

 *  gagates. Polyrhachis gagates Smith, F. 1858b: 71, pl. 4, fig. 14 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA. Forel, 1886f: 194 (q.); Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1953e: 207 (l.). Combination in P. (Myrma): Santschi, 1914b: 139. Subspecies of schistacea: Arnold, 1924: 745. Revived status as species: Emery, 1925b: 199; Bolton, 1973b: 305. Senior synonym of clariseta, congolensis (and its junior synonym indefinita), nigriseta, obsidiana and material of the unavailable name acheron referred here: Bolton, 1973b: 305.
 * clariseta. Polyrhachis nigriseta var. clariseta Santschi, 1910c: 400 (w.) CONGO. Combination in P. (Myrma): Santschi, 1914b: 140. Junior synonym of gagates: Bolton, 1973b: 305.
 * congolensis. Polyrhachis gagates var. congolensis Santschi, 1910c: 399 (w.) CONGO. Combination in P. (Myrma): Santschi, 1914b: 139. Subspecies of schistacea: Forel, 1913h: 357; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 1001. Senior synonym of indefinita: Santschi, 1924b: 224. Junior synonym of gagates: Bolton, 1973b: 305.
 * nigriseta. Polyrhachis nigriseta Santschi, 1910c: 399 (w.) CONGO. Combination in P. (Myrma): Santschi, 1914b: 140. Subspecies of gagates: Forel, 1913b: 349; of schistacea: Forel, 1913h: 357; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 1002. Revived status as species: Santschi, 1914b: 140; Emery, 1925b: 199. Junior synonym of gagates: Bolton, 1973b: 305.
 * indefinita. Polyrhachis gagates r. indefinita Forel, 1913b: 349 (w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. Combination in P. (Myrma): Santschi, 1914b: 139. Junior synonym of congolensis: Santschi, 1924b: 224.
 * obsidiana. Polyrhachis (Myrma) gagates subsp. obsidiana Emery, 1921e: 21 (w.) GABON. Junior synonym of gagates: Bolton, 1973b: 305.