Polyrhachis thusnelda

This is a relatively widespread species with a patchy distribution from Cape York Peninsula south to about Mackay, Queensland. However, it becomes rather uncommon towards the northern limits of its range. It inhabits open eucalypt forests, but has also been collected from the canopy of lowland tropical rainforest. For information on the lithocolous nesting habit of P. thusnelda, see Robson & Kohout (2005: 164-169).

Identification
Polyrhachis thusnelda is easily recognised by a combination of a flat-topped petiolar dorsum, most of the body covered with long hairs and a black body strongly contrasting with rich golden pubescence on the gastral dorsum.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  thusnelda. Polyrhachis thusnelda Forel, 1902h: 509 (w.q.m.) AUSTRALIA. Combination in P. (Hagiomyrma): Emery, 1925b: 185.

Additional References

 * Kohout, R.J. 2013. Revision of Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) Wheeler, 1911 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, Nature 56, 487-577.