Polyrhachis saevissima

This species has been found in a variety of forest habitats (mangrove, natural, agro) and up to 1200 m in elevation.

Identification
A member of the Polyrhachis armata species group.

Kohout (2008) - In view of its widespread distribution and variability, P. saevissima is either a single species with numerous variable, local populations, or it may be a complex of a number of closely related species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sulawesi. Oriental Region: India.

Nomenclature

 * acantha. Polyrhachis acantha Smith, F. 1860b: 98, pl. 1, fig. 16 (w.) INDONESIA (Batjan I.). Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Wheeler, W.M. 1919e: 132. Junior synonym of dives: Mayr, 1879: 649; Wheeler, W.M. 1919e: 132. Revived from synonymy: Emery, 1925b: 194; Karavaiev, 1927e: 33. Junior synonym of saevissima: Bolton, 1974b: 178.
 * acasta. Polyrhachis acasta Smith, F. 1860b: 100, pl. 1, fig. 23 (w.) INDONESIA (Batjan I.). Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Emery, 1925b: 194. Subspecies of acantha: Emery, 1900d: 717. Revived status as species: Forel, 1901b: 33. Junior synonym of tibialis: Bingham, 1903: 397. Revived from synonymy as subspecies of acantha: Emery, 1925b: 194. Junior synonym of saevissima: Bolton, 1974b: 178.
 *  saevissima. Polyrhachis saevissimus Smith, F. 1860a: 71 (w.) INDONESIA (Sulawesi). Combination in P. (Myrmhopla): Emery, 1925b: 197. Senior synonym of acantha, acasta: Bolton, 1974b: 178. Current subspecies: nominal plus argentea, chrysophanes, kerri, timorensis.

Type Material
Kohout (2008) - Holotype worker. INDONESIA, SULAWESI, Makassar (A. R. Wallace), (examined).