Polyrhachis sericeopubescens

Identification
A member of the Polyrhachis continua species group in the subgenus Myrma

key to Polyrhachis continua workers

Polyrhachis sericeopubescens is also very similar to Polyrhachis spinifera and differs from that species mainly by its smaller size (HL 2.63 in sericeopubescens versus 2.81-2.96 in spinifera) and in having the pronotal dorsum distinctly narrower (only 1.13x wider than long in sericeopubescens versus 1.5x wider than long in spinifera). Polyrhachis sericeopubescens has also been considered a senior synonym of Polyrhachis inusitata (Kohout 1998); however, recent direct comparison of the types of both species and examination of several more recently collected specimens has confirmed they represent separate taxa (Kohout 2012, 2013).

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

Nomenclature

 *  sericeopubescens. Polyrhachis (Myrma) sericeopubescens Donisthorpe, 1941h: 61 (w.q.) NEW GUINEA. Senior synonym of cuspidata: Kohout, 2013: 39.
 * cuspidata. Polyrhachis conops var. cuspidata Stitz, 1911a: 376, fig. 22 (w.) NEW GUINEA. [Unresolved junior primary homonym of Polyrhachis cuspidatus Smith, F. 1857a: 63, above (Bolton, 1995b: 346).] Combination in P. (Myrma): Emery, 1925b: 200. Junior synonym of sericeopubescens: Kohout, 2013: 39.

Worker
Kohout (2013) - Dimensions of sericeopubescens syntypes (queen cited last): TL c. 10.73, 13.36; HL 2.62, 3.03; HW 2.00, 2.15; CI 76, 71; SL 3.68, 4.13; SI 184, 192; PW 1.75, 2.81; MTL 3.68, 4.28 (1+1 measured).

Type Material


Kohout (2013) - Polyrhachis conops var. cuspidata Syntype workers. Type locality: New Guinea (Schultze), (examined). Junior primary homonym of Polyrhachis cuspidatus Fr. Smith, 1857: 63.