Polyrhachis selecta

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

key to Polyrhachis aculeata workers

The syntypes of P. selecta are the only available specimens of this species. Their direct comparison with syntypes of Polyrhachis murina Emery has shown these taxa differ in numerous characters and I consider they are distinct species. Polyrhachis selecta features well developed pronotal spines, more than twice as long as their basal width, a distinctly longitudinally striate mesosomal dorsum and long and slender dorsal petiolar spines. In contrast, in P. murina the pronotal spines are very short, barely as long as their basal width, the mesosomal dorsum is finely reticulate-punctate, with the sculpturation partly hidden by closely appressed silvery or pale golden pubescence, and the dorsal petiolar spines are shorter, less than twice as long as their basal width. (Kohout 2013)

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

Castes
Queen and immature stages unknown. Male in collection.

Nomenclature

 *  selecta. Polyrhachis murina subsp. selecta Forel, 1911b: 215 (w.m.) INDONESIA (Java). Combination in P. (Myrma): Emery, 1925b: 205. Raised to species: Kohout, 2013: 164.

Worker
Kohout (2013) - Dimensions (syntype): TL c. 6.65; HL 1.78; HW 1.37; CI 77; SL 2.18; SI 159; PW 1.37; MTL 2.25 (1 measured).

Additional References

 * Kohout, R.J. 2013. A review of the Polyrhachis aculeata species-group of the subgenus Myrma Billberg (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae), with keys and descriptions of new species. Australian Entomologist, 40, 137-171.