Polyrhachis (Aulacomyrma) parva, 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 : 204-205

Polyrhachis (Aulacomyrma) parva , new species

Figures 20, 23, 26

TYPE MATERIAL

HOLOTYPE: PAPUA NEW GUINEA, Central Prov., nr Eilogo , 21. xii. 1980, J. W. Ismai (worker). PARATYPES: data as for holotype (4 workers). Type distribution: holotype in BMNH; 1 paratype each in, ANIC, CASC, MCZC and QMBA .

WORKER

Dimensions: TL c. 4.18 - 4.69 (4.59); HL 1.09 - 1.25 (1.18); HW 0.92 - 1.12 (1.04); CI 84 - 90 (88); SL 1.12 - 1.28 (1.28); SI 114 - 125 (123); PW 0.87 - 1.03 (0.94); MTL 1.18, 1.06 - 1.22 (1.18) (6 measured).

Anterior clypeal margin with shallow notch medially; clypeus in profile straight anteriorly, with a weakly impressed basal margin. Frontal carinae sinuate, with laminate lobes. Sides of head in front of eyes gently converging towards bases of mandibles. Eyes convex, distinctly breaking lateral cephalic outline. Mesosomal dorsum marginate along entire length, margins distinctly converging posteriorly. Pronotal humeri armed with broad-based, forward projecting, triangular teeth. Promesonotal suture distinct; metanotal groove lacking. Propodeal dorsum terminating posteriorly in minute blunt angles, their posterior margins continuous and meeting medially, forming transverse, somewhat medially weakened ridge separating propodeal dorsum from declivity. Dorsal margin of petiole acute, entire, terminating laterally in acute, outwards and backwards curved spines. First gastral segment concave anteriorly; anterodorsal margin of concavity acute, produced dorso-medially and weakly raised above dorsal face of segment.

Mandibles finely longitudinally striate, becoming finely rugose-punctate towards masticatory borders. Head, including clypeus, regularly, longitudinally striate. Mesosomal dorsum longitudinally striate, interspaces wider than those on head; striae mostly oblique on lateral mesosoma. Petiole with anterior and posterior faces shagreened, wrinkled on sides. First gastral segment finely, longitudinally, striate-rugose laterally, shagreened dorsally.

Entire body with relatively short, erect or curved, silvery hairs. Appressed, mostly silvery pubescence abundant everywhere, notably on dorsum of mesosoma, where it fills interspaces between striae; dense on dorsum of gaster, partly obscuring underlying sculpture.

Black. Antennal scapes, joints of femora, tibiae and basal tarsal segments very dark brown, almost black. Mandibular masticatory border reddish brown. Funiculi reddish-brown at bases, each subsequent segment progressively lighter.

Sexuals and immature stages unknown.

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL EXAMINED

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Gulf Prov., Ivimka camp , Lakekamu Basin , 7.7 ° S 146.8 ° E, 120 m, lowland wet forest, 23. xi. 1996 (R. R. Snelling # 96 - 357 ) (w) ; Central Prov., Karema , Brown R. , lowland rf., 8 - 11. iii. 1955 (E. O. Wilson # 534, 564 ) (w) .

ETYMOLOGY

Derived from the Latin word parvus, meaning little, in reference to its small size.

REMARKS

Superficially similar to exarata , with the differences listed under the remarks section of that species.