Polyrhachis aenescens

Identification
A member of the Polyrhachis revoili species-group. Bolton (1973) - This species is unique in the revoili-group as known at present as it has no erect hairs on the dorsal surfaces of the body, nor on the antennal scapes. In all other species of the group hairs are numerous, if not abundant. The species lies closest to Polyrhachis transiens within the group, sharing a similar body form and an almost similar loss of alitrunkal margination. The lobe of the clypeus is notably broader in aenescens, the sutures of the alitrunk are fainter, and the lateral petiolar spines less distinct.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Cameroun.

Nomenclature

 *  aenescens. Polyrhachis aenescens Stitz, 1910: 151 (w.) CAMEROUN. Combination in P. (Myrma): Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 993. See also: Bolton, 1973b: 332.

Worker
Bolton (1973) - TL 6.2, HL 1.60, HW 1.26, CI 79, SL 1.92, SI 152, PW 0.96, MTL 2.01. (Measurement of HL is approximate as head of holotype is partially crushed.)

Median portion of anterior clypeal margin projecting as a broad, truncated lobe. The median longitudinal carina of the clypeus is strongest anteriorly and projects slightly. For this reason the clypeal margin may appear broadly V-shaped in full-face view. Eyes convex; sides of head in front of eyes shallowly convex, behind the eyes the sides round into the convex occipital margin. Pronotum very weakly and obtusely margined for about half its length, the margination best seen in lateral view. Mesonotum similarly but even more faintly margined throughout its length; propodeum not marginate. Dorsal surfaces of alitrunk convex; in side view the pronotum virtually flat, the mesonotum and propodeum sloping strongly to the declivity. Pronotum armed with a pair of small, triangular spines; propodeum with a pair of minute but broad teeth. Promesonotal suture represented only by a very faint line breaking the sculpturation. Metanotal groove even more poorly developed, visible only in certain illuminations and views. Petiole with a pair of long dorsal spines and a pair of minute lateral teeth.

Erect hairs absent from dorsal surfaces of body and from antennal scapes. Pubescence fairly dense, with a pale yellowish reflection on the pronotum, silvery grey on the gaster.

Sculpturation everywhere of a fine, dense reticulation. Colour black, the legs brown or orange-brown, with the tibiae lighter in colour than the femora.

Type Material
Bolton (1973) - Holotype worker, CAMEROUN (Knobloch) (, Berlin) [examined].