Socially-parasitic Myrmica species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Himalaya, with the description of a new species

Authors: Bharti, Himender Country: India DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.605.9087 Published: Jan. 1, 2016 Source: ZooKeys OpenAlex: View in OpenAlex

Collection: Pensoft Publishers

Keywords: Ants · Topics: Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior, Plant and animal studies, Insect and Pesticide Research

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A new socially-parasitic species, Myrmica latra sp. n. is described based on a queen and male from Indian Himalaya. Its queen differs from other species by the distinctly narrower petiole and postpetiole, blunt and non-divergent propodeal spines, and a darker body colour. The taxonomic position of the three known Himalayan socially-parasitic Myrmica species is discussed, and M. ereptrix Bolton 1988 is transferred to the smythiesii species-group. It is supposed that M. nefaria Bharti 2012 is a temporary social parasite, but M. ereptrix and M. latra sp. n. are permanent social parasites, and a key for their identification is provided.

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