Polyrhachis inusitata

Identification
Polyrhachis inusitata is closely related to Polyrhachis sericeopubescens with which it was erroneously synonymised by Kohout (1998). However, P. inusitata differs from P. sericeopubescens by its smaller size and the form of the sculpturation on the sides of the mesosoma which is reticulate‑rugose in the former and distinctly longitudinally striate in P. sericeopubescens. The lateral petiolar teeth in P. inusitata are reduced to more-or-less distinct denticles, while they are produced into distinct short teeth in P. sericeopubescens. The gastral pilosity in P. inusitata is shorter and more abundant, while it is markedly longer but more sparse in P. sericeopubescens. Polyrhachis inusitata is also similar to Polyrhachis continua Emery, 1887, however it differs from that species by its distinctly slender body, reticulate-rugose sculpturation and the abundant short hairs distributed over most of the body. In contrast, the body in P. continua is wider and relatively robust, the sculpturation on head and mesosoma more-or-less regularly longitudinally striate and the hairs distinctly longer and much diluted.

Distribution
This taxon was described from Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  inusitata. Polyrhachis inusitata Kohout, 1989: 513, figs. 4, 5, 9 (w.) AUSTRALIA. Junior synonym of sericeopubescens: Kohout, 1998: 520. Revived from synonymy: Kohout, 2012: 39.

Holotype and paratype workers from West Claudie R., Iron Range area, Cape York Peninsula, 12°44’S, 143°14’E, Queensland, Australia, 3-10.xii.1985, G.B. Monteith & D. Cook (examined by Kohout, 2012).

Additional References

 * Kohout, R.J. 2012. A review of the Australian Polyrhachis ants of the subgenera Myrma Billberg, Myrmatopa Forel, Myrmothrinax Forel and Polyrhachis Fr. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature 56(1): 25-59.