Polyrhachis rufipes

Identification
A member of the Polyrhachis furcata species group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines. Oriental Region: Laos, Myanmar. Palaearctic Region: China.

Biology
Workers of P. rufipes use the trails of Gnamptogenys menadensis to gain access to sugar sources. When they encounter Gnamptogenys foragers, ''P. rufipes workers show a typical aggressive antennal boxing, to which Gnamptogenys'' reacts submissively (Gobin, Peeters, and Billen 1998). This is the only known instance of commensalism between a ponerine and a formicine ant.

Nomenclature

 *  rufipes. Polyrhachis rufipes Smith, F. 1858b: 66, pl. 4, fig. 28 (w.) BORNEO. Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Emery, 1925b: 196. Senior synonym of exasperatus, oblisa, phipsoni: Bolton, 1974b: 178.
 * exasperatus. Polyrhachis exasperatus Smith, F. 1861b: 41, pl. 1, fig. 16 (w.) INDONESIA (Sulawesi). Viehmeyer, 1916b: 288 (q.). Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Emery, 1925b: 193. Junior synonym of rufipes: Bolton, 1974b: 178.
 * phipsoni. Polyrhachis phipsoni Forel, 1894c: 399 (w.) MYANMAR. Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Emery, 1925b: 193. Subspecies of rufipes: Forel, 1911e: 297; Emery, 1925b: 193. Junior synonym of rufipes: Bolton, 1974b: 178.
 * oblisa. Polyrhachis exasperata var. oblisa Forel, 1911d: 395 (w.) WEST MALAYSIA. Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Emery, 1925b: 193. Junior synonym of rufipes: Bolton, 1974b: 178.

Type Material
Kohout (2008) - Holotype worker. BORNEO, SARAWAK, (examined).

Polyrhachis exasperatus

One worker syntype in ; one worker syntype in. Labelled “Tond.” (= Tondano, Sulawesi), and with the figure “2” written in pencil, bottom right on the stage card. syntype with a Donisthorpe type-label.