Polyrhachis (Aulacomyrma) wamuki, Kohout, R. J., 2007

Kohout, R. J., 2007, Revision of the subgenus Aulacomyrma Emery of the genus Polyrhachis F. Smith, with descriptions of new species., Advances in ant systematics (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Homage to E. O. Wilson - 50 years of contributions. (Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 80), pp. 186-253 : 238-239

Polyrhachis (Aulacomyrma) wamuki , new species

Figures 102, 105, 108

TYPE MATERIAL

HOLOTYPE: PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Morobe Prov., Huon Penins ., Mongi Watershed , Wamuki (= Wamuri ), 06 º 32 ’ S, 147 º 30 ’ E, 800 m, 19 - 20. iv. 1955, E. O. Wilson # 847 (worker) .

PARATYPE: data as for holotype (1 worker). Type distribution: holotype in MCZC; paratype in QMBA.

WORKER

Dimensions (holotype cited first): TL c. 4.38, 4.23; HL 1.15, 1.12; HW 1.04, 1.00; CI 90, 89; SL 1.22, 1.15; SI 117, 115; PW 0.84, 0.81; MTL 1.09, 1.06 (2 measured).

Anterior clypeal margin arcuate, shallowly emarginate medially; in profile clypeus virtually straight anteriorly, with very weakly impressed basal margin. Frontal carinae sinuate, with laminate lobes. Sides of head in front of eyes almost straight, anteriorly converging. Eyes moderately convex, breaking cephalic outline in full face view. Mesosomal dorsum virtually parallel-sided. Pronotal dorsum immarginate; humeri armed with acute, broad-based teeth with weakly raised margins. Promesonotal suture distinct; metanotal groove lacking. Mesosomal-propodeal dorsum with ill-defined lateral margins formed by outer-most dorsal striae. Propodeum terminating in distinct, rounded prominences, their posterior margins continued inwards for some distance, forming short, medially unconnected ridges, partly separating dorsum from shallowly concave declivity. Dorsal petiolar margin sinuate in dorsal view, somewhat jagged medially and towards sides, with relatively long, acute lateral spines, directed laterally and weakly curved backwards. First gastral segment with anterior face concave; anterodorsal margin of concavity rather sharp and moderately elevated above dorsal face of segment.

Mandibles finely longitudinally striate; striae overlaid by shallow punctures towards masticatory margin. Head, including clypeus, distinctly, mostly regularly, longitudinally striate; striae on sides of head and vertex weakly curved and converging between frontal carinae. Mesosomal dorsum with regular striae; inversely V-shaped on pronotal dorsum, converging anteriorly and medially and continued obliquely onto sides; mesonotal-propodeal dorsum with striae curving posteriorly and inwards towards declivity, where they terminate and form an ill-defined blunt margin. Petiole shagreened. First gastral segment very distinctly longitudinally striate laterally; striae much less distinct dorsally, median area behind anterodorsal margin shagreened.

Mostly golden, rather short hairs dispersed over most body surfaces. Appressed, silvery pubescence rather sparse on head and mesosoma; more abundant, mostly golden pubescence on gastral dorsum.

Black, with antennal scapes and legs at their joints, dark reddish-brown. Mandibular masticatory border, funiculi and most of legs yellow or relatively light, yellowish-brown with reddish tint.

Sexuals and immature stages unknown.

ETYMOLOGY

Named after the type locality, Wamuki village on Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea.

REMARKS

P. wamuki is characterised by its small size, virtually parallel-sided mesosomal dorsum and its wide, strongly transverse, petiolar node.