Polyrhachis conops

The syntypes of P. conops are the only specimens known of this species (Kohout, 2013).

Identification
This species stands between Polyrhachis continua and Polyrhachis manusensis, featuring the slender and elegant stature of the former and the petiolar armament of the latter. Several specimens of the type series show a mild tendency of the eyes changing their shape from posteriorly protracted to almost normal. The eyes are usually distinctly protracted posteriorly; however, in several specimens examined this character appears to be less prominent, with the eyes almost normal. This character is not uncommon in the subgenus Myrma, with several taxa described solely on the presence or lack of the posteriorly protracted eyes, such as in Polyrhachis nigropilosa conophthalma or Polyrhachis striatorugosa exophthalma.

Distribution
This taxon was described from New Guinea (Bismarck Archipelago).

Nomenclature

 *  conops. Polyrhachis conops Forel, 1901b: 28 (w.q.m.) NEW GUINEA (Bismarck Archipelago). Combination in P. (Myrma): Emery, 1925b: 200.

Additional References

 * Kohout, R.J. 2013. A review of the Polyrhachis continua species-group of the subgenus Myrma Billberg (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae) with keys and descriptions of new species. Australian Entomologist 40(1), 13-46.