Key to Polyergus species in the Southeastern United States (from Creighton, 1950; Smith, 1947)
1   Antennal scapes not reaching the occipital border, often not surpassing the lateral ocelli; the pubescence on the gaster dense and giving the surface a distinct grayish sheen
  Antennal scapes reaching or surpassing the occipital border; pubescence on gaster dilute with the hairs widely spaced and inconspicuous
...2
2(1)  Gaster infuscated apically; erect hairs usually present on occcipital lobes
...3
  Gaster lacking or with reduced infuscation; occipital lobes usually lacking erect hairs, with at most 1 or 2 on each side of head
3(2) Body subopaque (except gaster, which may be shining); scape longer, between 1.45 and 1.55 times the length of the interocular distance; (associated with Formica dolosa)
  Body, except meso- and metapleura, shining; scape usually less than 1.4 times the length of the interocular distance

 

Literature Cited

Creighton, W.S. 1950.  The Ants of North America. Bulletin: Museum of Comparative Zoology 104:  1-585. 

Smith, M. R. 1947. A Study of Polyergus in the United States, based on the workers (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The American Midland Naturalist 38: 150-161.