Key to Australian Polyrhachis (Hirtomyrma) species

The following key to Polyrhachis (Hirtomyrma) species is based on Kohout (2010).

1

• Base of first gastral tergite finely shagreened, rather polished; mandibles with 4 teeth => 2

• Base of first gastral tergite closely, transversely striate, opaque; mandibles with 5 teeth, but with basal tooth often vestigal => Polyrhachis bamaga

2

• Larger species (head length > 1.85mm); median ocellus well developed, distinct => 3

• Smaller species (head length < 1.80mm); median ocellus rather small, indistinct => Polyrhachis rustica

3

• Body bicoloured, medium reddish-brown with most of head, pronotal collar and anteromedian patch on mesosomal dorsum light yellowish-brown; antennal scapes shorter (scape index < 144) => Polyrhachis eremita

• Body more-or-less unicoloured, dark reddish-brown, with only mandibles, spines and subpetiolar process lighter; antennal scapes longer (scape index > 146) => Polyrhachis loweryi