Myrmica wheelerorum

This attractive ant was collected at an altitude of 1680 m (5600 feet) in Nevada. There are no data for the Florissant, Colorado specimens. It is probably associated mainly with the upper Sonoran zone. (Francoeur, 2007)

Identification
This is a sister species of Myrmica crassirugis, differing by its striking yellowish color, exceptional for the genus, a more sturdy head and frontal lamellae, but with more delicate and reticulated sculpture, a more developed lamina on scape bend, and diverging spines. Its ecological distribution is probably more southern.

The Wheelers in The ants of Nevada (1986) mentioned in their key to Myrmica species a concolorous yellowish red form as sp. nov., after my evaluation of their material. It was this new species, but their series was labelled M. tahoensis Wheeler. (Francoeur, 2007)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States.

Nomenclature

 *  wheelerorum. Myrmica wheelerorum Francoeur, 2007: 166, figs. 32  35 (w.q.) U.S.A.