Key to Myrmecina of China

This key to workers of Myrmecina from China is based on Zhou et al. (2008) and the key to Southeast Asian species by Okido et al. (2020) as modified by Liu et al. (2022).

1

 * Antennae with 11 segments. China (Hunan) Myrmecina pauca


 * Antennae with 12 segments

2

 * Lateral portions of clypeus raised into a sharp ridge or shield wall in front of the antennal insertions (Figure 1A, B)
 * Lateral portions of clypeus not raised into a sharp ridge or shield wall in front of the antennal insertions (Figure 1C, D)

3

 * Postpetiole expanded laterally, more than 2 times broader than petiole Myrmecina eowilsoni
 * Postpetiole not expanded laterally, slightly broader than petiole Myrmecina guangxiensis

4

 * Propodeal spines not straight in dorsal view (Figure 2B, C)
 * Propodeal spines straight, not curved outwards at the apex in dorsal view (Figure 2A)

5

 * Propodeal spines distinctly curved outwards at the apex in dorsal view (Figure 2B) Myrmecina curvispina


 * Propodeal spines with small hooks at their apex (Figure 2C) Myrmecina hamula

6

 * First gastral tergum with dense punctation Myrmecina raviwonghei
 * First gastral tergum smooth and shiny

7

 * Ventrolateral portion of head with punctures, without longitudinal rugae
 * Ventrolateral portion of head with only longitudinal rugae, or smooth and shiny

8

 * Head in full-face view with dense punctation, and clearly visible longitudinal rugae medially. Anterior margin of clypeus weakly concave to almost straight Myrmecina gaoligongensis
 * Head in full-face view with dense punctation, without longitudinal rugae medially, but with weak irregular rugae laterally. Anterior margin of clypeus strongly concave with three distinct processes Myrmecina asthena

9

 * Anterior clypeal margin without median process
 * Anterior clypeal margin with median process

10

 * Eye small, comprising less than 10 ommatidia (7-8); body yellowish orange or yellow Myrmecina taiwana


 * Eye moderately large, with more than 10 ommatidia, body dark brown or black

11

 * Ventrolateral portion of head sculptured with longitudinally rugose Myrmecina sinensis


 * Ventrolateral portion of head smooth and shiny Myrmecina sauteri

12

 * Eye large and oval, comprising more than 20 ommatidia Myrmecina striata


 * Eye small and circle, comprising 10 ommatidia or less

13

 * Head in full-face view sculptured with longitudinal rugae posteriorly curving towards occipital corners, ventrolateral portion of head smooth and shiny Myrmecina pierceae
 * Head in full-face view with straight to weakly oblique longitudinal rugae not curving towards the occipital corners, ventrolateral portion of head with longitudinal rugae Myrmecina asiatica