Polyrhachis tubifera

"A member of the tubifera species-group in the Polyrhachis subgenus Hagiomyrma. Kohout (2013): With its short and broad mesosoma, P. tubifera resembles Polyrhachis diversa, with most distinguishing characters listed in remarks of the latter species". (AntWiki)

Records in the Atlas of Living Australia show Polyrhachis tubifera is relatively common around coastal SE Queensland and as far north as the Cairns region. Records for Polyrhachis diversa are from the tip of Cape York and it is possible both species exist in that area.

Notes to distinguish the two species are available in AntWiki under Polyrhachis diversa: "Polyrhachis diversa is very similar to Polyrhachis tubifera and they share a relatively short and wide, evenly arched mesosoma, distinctly elongated propodeal spiracles and very short petiolar spines that are separated by the transversely wide dorsum of the petiole. However, P. diversa features rich, closely appressed, golden pubescence that is absent in P. tubifera. In contrast, P. diversa has virtually no pubescence on the dorsum of the gaster, while in P. tubifera the gastral dorsum is covered with rich golden pubescence that completely hides the underlying sculpturation."