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Thanks, dragonsieu!  I find that if you take several factors into consideration, it is often possible to reliably ID many Pogos to species level in the field, or failing that, from good hi-res images. You can often immediately rule out many similar species (to the one you are trying to ID) by using range maps, looking at nest structure, worker behavior, size, and (least reliable, though sometimes helpful) color. The lack, or presence of propodeal spines (visible with the naked eye) can be useful as well, though this can be quite variable in some species. Sometimes, the quality of the surface sculpture (e.g. coarse and rough, or fine and 'silky') especially on the ants' heads can give important clues as to what species you are looking at. As you get to know these ants, certain aspects of their behavior, like the way they move, and postures they assume while moving about as they perform various tasks, make certain species very recognizable.  [My site has explanations of things like propodeal spines, if you are not familiar with them - just click on the highlighted words in the image captions]

Of course, as you know, if you are publishing/posting your observations, or just want to be absolutely sure, there is no substitute for keying an ant under a microscope.

Stephen Taber's book 'The World of the Harvester Ants'  has some very useful information for identifying Pogos in the field, with the naked eye, or with a hand lens.