Key to New Caledonian Vollenhovia Species

This key to the Vollenhovia species of New Caledonia is a working draft and is currently unpublished.

1

 * Head essentially square, the sides weakly convex; central region of head with longitudinal carinae running from clypeus to posterior margin; clypeus with a pair of distinct carinae (bicarinate) => V. oblonga pedestris


 * Head distinctly elongate (longer than broad), the sides nearly straight; central region of head smooth or nearly so, lacking longitudinal carinae; clypeus projecting slightly medially but lacking distinct carinae => 2

2

 * Head with numerous longitudinal wavy rugae enclosing indistinct circular pits... => Vollenhovia species


 * Head without longintudinal rugae, numerous distinct circular pits => 3

3

 * Head longer; sculpturing on side of propodeum not extending to the level of the propodeal spiracle, the area immediately below spiracle smooth; dorsal face of propodeum similar in length to posterior face => V. denticulata pale form


 * Head shorter; sculpturing on side of propodeum extending to the level of the propodeal spiracle, the area immediately below spiracle punctate; dorsal face of propodeum longer than the posterior face => V. denticulata dark form

Note: Emery's original concept of V. denticulata included both colour forms as variants of a single species. It now appears that more than one species is involved. To secure the name denticulata to one of these forms a lectotype will need to be designated, leaving the other form free to be named as a new species.