Polyrhachis injinooi

All known specimens of P. injinooi were collected foraging on the ground in open forest and savannah woodland, together with specimens of Polyrhachis schenkii. Both species have similar nesting habits, building nests in the ground with the entrances hidden under pieces of wood or stones. However, the distribution of P. injinooi is much more restricted than that of P. schenkii, with the species known only from Cape York Peninsula as far south as Cooktown.

Identification
Polyrhachis injinooi is very similar to Polyrhachis schenkii and in addition to their virtually identical colour patterns, they both have a strongly posteriorly narrowed pro-mesonotal dorsum (PMI 190-209 in P. injinooi and 210-250 in P. schenkii). However, Polyrhachis injinooi is generally larger (HL 1.53-1.75 versus 1.31-1.56 in P. schenkii) and has somewhat flattened antennal scapes, distinctly longer body hairs and very sparse, closely appressed pubescence on the dorsum of gaster. In contrast, P. schenkii has antennal scapes that are virtually circular in cross section, distinctly shorter, bristlelike hairs and silvery or golden, appressed pubescence on the gastral dorsum. The eyes are also distinctly smaller in P. inginooi than in P. schenkii.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  injinooi. Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) injinooi Kohout, 2013: 556, figs. 11E-F (w.) AUSTRALIA.