Polistes (Aphanilopterus) ridleyi Kirby

Paramere (Fig. 18A): (1) about three times longer than wide at the middle; (2) lateral groove deep and narrow; (3) parameral spine very long (about 1/5 the total length of paramere), pointed apically with long and sparse bristles; (4) paramere lobe developed and pointed; (5) inferior portion of paramere narrow, about half the width at the middle portion. Aedeagus (Fig. 18B, C): slender; (1) apical portion with fine and serrated denticulation, extended on the apical portion to the end of the median expansion, lateral margin straight; (2) penis valve weakly dilated and with a slight central entrance (about 1/3 of the total length of apical portion); (3) median expansion weakly developed, rounded apex; (4) lateral apodeme directed forward with a weak central projection and shorter than the ventral process, (5) ventral process rounded; (6) inferior portion of aedeagus curved, in lateral view. Digitus (Fig. 18D): slender; (1) apical process developed, about twice longer than the digitus base, slightly dilated in apex, (2) apex rounded; (3) anteroventral lobe short and rounded apically; (4) punctation weak and forming a central band around the base of the digitus; (5) evanescent bristles. Cuspis (Fig. 18E): slender; (1) apex pointed and tapering abruptly to the end; (2) short and sparse bristles; (3) punctation reduced and restricted on the lateral lobe; (4) lower part developed and more membranous.

Remarks. Richards (1978: 516) did not describe the male genitalia of this species, although he characterized it as “scarcely different from P. versicolor ”; his Fig. 145 shows the digitus.