Polyrhachis mucronata japensis

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Papua New Guinea.

Nomenclature

 *  japensis. Polyrhachis (Myrmhopla) mucronata subsp. japensis Donisthorpe, 1941h: 63 (w.m.) NEW GUINEA. Donisthorpe, 1943d: 467 (q.).

Worker
Differs from the typical form in having shorter pronotal spines, slightly longer epinotal and petiole spines, the latter more divergent, and the small teeth between the petiole spines shorter and more produced; otherwise like the type. Long. 5-6 mm.

Male
Blackish-brown, antennae, legs and articulation of the wings lighter, yellowish brown; mandibles pale yellow; whole surface finely coriaceous. Head small, longer than broad without eyes, posterior border and temples from eyes rounded; cheeks parallel; mandible feeble, unarmed, crossing when closed; clypeus large, transverse, anterior margin rounded, sinuate before sides; eyes very large, situated on each side of the head a little behind centre; antennae situated about the centre of upper surface of head; ocelli moderate, situated on top of head at base. Thorax narrow, longer than broad, broader anteriorly than posteriorly; pronotum very transverse and narrow; mesonotum large, flat on disc, mayrian furrows wanting, parap.sidal furrows distinct, continued from suture between prescutellum and mesonotum; scutellum very convex and prominent; epinotum longer than broad, gradually rounded from discoidal surface to declivity; node of petiole small, upper surface bluntly rounded, with two small projecting tubercles on the sides before base; gaster moderate, long oval, genitalia small. Wings pale yellowish-brown, pterostigma and veins pale brown. Long. 6 mm.

Type Locality Information
Described from a male and 12 workers, JAPEN ISLAND: Mt. Baduri, 1000 ft., viii.1938 in a " papier-mache" nest on underside of palm leaf, col. Miss L. E .. Cheesman.