Ponera indica

The three collections of this species were obtained from a winkler sample, a soil core sample and a hand sample.

Identification
Ponera indica somewhat resembles to the Phillipine Ponera oreas but can be easily distinguished from the latter. In Ponera indica 3 apical mandibular teeth occupy 3/5th of masticatory border and no posterior denticles are delimitated; head blackish; fenestra oval; posteroventral teeth emerge at closing end of subpetiolar process and are directed backward whereas in P. oreas 3 apical mandibular teeth occupy 1/2 of masticatory border followed by an irregular series of 7–8 denticles; colour medium dark brown all over; fenestra round; postero-ventral teeth emerge in the middle of subpetiolar process and are directed downward. This new species differs also morphometrically from P. oreas being relatively small with dimensions: HL 430–460; HW 410–430; PW: 210–240; PH: 270–300; SL: 280–330 while the dimensions of P. oreas are: HL 500–540; HW 470–510; PW: 290–330; PH: 350–370; SL: 380–410. (Bharti & Wachkoo 2012)

Bharti and Rilta (2015) - P. indica material collected from Sikkim (north-eastern Himalaya) possibly represents a divergent population, as the species was originally described from north-western part of Himalaya. At present, the morphological differences outlined do not substantiate its status as a distinct species. The intraspecific variation includes: head rectangular in shape, occipital margin concave; mandibles each with three well-developed teeth followed by small denticles; fenestra in subpetiolar process circular; standing pilosity sparse; eyes composed of 1-2 indistinct facets; apex of scape does not reach the midpoint of posterior cephalic margin, CI 86.67–90.69; LPI 59.25–75; DPI 104.76–160. However, in the population representing type material of P. indica, the head is more oval in shape, the occipital margin straight; and the mandibles each with three well-developed teeth and without small denticles; the subpetiolar fenestra is oval in shape, and pilosity is abundant, eyes composed of 3-4 indistinct facets; apex of scape reaches the posterior cephalic margin, CI 91.3–97.8; LPI 34.5–40; DPI 200–266.7.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India.

Nomenclature

 *  indica. Ponera indica Bharti & Wachkoo, 2012: 218, figs. 1-6 (w.q.) INDIA.

Worker
Morphometric data of the holotype: HL 440; HW 410; HS 425; SL 330; PrW 290; WL 590; PL 100; PW 230; PH 290. Indices: CI 0.932; SI 0.805; PNI 0.793; LPI 0.345; DPI 2.300.

Head: Head slightly longer than broad, sides convex, frontovertextal margin concave. Mandible with 3 developed teeth occupying approximately apical 3/5th of masticatory margin, remainder without any fairly discernible denticle. One of the paratypes possesses only a single blunt tooth at the middle of the masticatory margin. Eyes small, composed of 3–4 indistinct facets. Median portion of anterior clypeal margin shallowly convex. Apex of scape, when laid straight back from its insertion in full-face view just touches the midpoint of the posterior margin; funiculus incrassate towards apex; antennal club not differentiated.

Mesosoma and petiole: In lateral view mesosoma with dorsal margin gently convex; in dorsal view pro-mesonotal suture distinct with concentric horizontal striations; meso-metanotal suture feeble. Propodeal dorsum, diverging basally; in lateral view sloping gently behind, passes into an oblique declivity. Seen from above petiole twice broad as long; its anterior margin convex while posterior margin is concave. Subpetiolar process cuneiform; fenestra oval; posteroventral teeth of subpetiolar process acute and divergent.

Gaster: base of cinctus of second gastral tergite with cross ribs; sting exerted.

Sculpture: Cephalic dorsum opaque and sharply reticulate punctate, mesosoma and most of gaster with same, but slighter sculpture. Petiole dorsum superficially sculptured; propodeal declivity, posterior face of petiole and apical gastral tergites smooth and shining. Mandible shining with scattered punctures.

Pilosity: Moderate; reclinate, suberect.

Colour: Head blackish; rest of the body medium reddish brown. Mandible, antenna, legs and apical gastral tergites yellow.

Queen
Morphometric data: HL 440; HW 400; HS 420; PrW 310; WL 590; PL 130; PW 240; PH 300; SL 300. Indices: CI 0.909; SI 0.75; PNI 0.774; LPI 0.433; DPI 1.846; OI 0.23 (n = 1).

As in worker, with modifications expected for caste and the following differences: overall sculpture and colour lighter; frontovertextal margin shallowly concave and antenna more slender than in workers. Mandible with 6 teeth. Posteroventral teeth of subpetiolar process reduced and parallel.

Distribution and habitat – This species seems to be widespread in Shivalik range of Northwest Himalaya although infrequent in collections. In non-forested habitats the species was found under small stones and soil core samples; although in forested habitat this species was found in leaf litter samples.

Type Material
Holotype worker. – India, Himachal Pradesh, Terrace, 31.9234°N 75.9294°E, 430 m, 12 October, 2008, Winkler. Paratypes: 5 workers, same data; 1 worker and 1 gyne, India, Himachal Pradesh, Andretta, 32.0744°N 76.5856°E, 940 m, 11 June, 2010, hand picking; 5 workers, India, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 31.7080°N 76.9318°E?, 800 m, 27 June, 2010, soil core (coll. Aijaz A. Wachkoo).

Holotype and paratypes of both the species have been deposited in PUPAC, Punjabi University Patiala Ant Collection, Patiala. One paratype of both species will be deposited in BMNH, Natural History Museum, London, U.K. and California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, United States of America.

Etymology
The species epithet is Latin for India.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bharti B., and A. A. Wachkoo. 2012. First verified record of genus Ponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, with description of two new species. Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 58 (3): 217-224.
 * Dad J. M., S. A. Akbar, H. Bharti, and A. A. Wachkoo. 2019. Community structure and ant species diversity across select sites ofWestern Ghats, India. Acta Ecologica Sinica 39: 219–228.