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

Abstract. 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 pos...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Bharti, Himender, Radchenko, Alexander, Sasi, Sishal
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Pensoft Publishers 2016
Materias:
Research Article
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4978074/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27551216
http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.605.9087
Descripción
Sumario:Abstract. 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 Myrmica ereptrix Bolton 1988 is transferred to the smythiesii species-group. It is supposed that Myrmica nefaria Bharti 2012 is a temporary social parasite, but Myrmica ereptrix and Myrmica latra sp. n. are permanent social parasites, and a key for their identification is provided.

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