Myrmica williamsi

Nests of Myrmica williamsi were found under stones in open meadows of mountain slopes. Temperature and humidity of the collection site ranged from 19-23°C and 63-75%. Altitudinal range of this species varies from 2000m to 3500m above mean sea level (Bharti et al., 2016).

Identification
M. williamsi was described from a single holotype worker because this specimen so well differs from any other Myrmica species that have antennal scapes weakly curved at their base and frontal carinae that curve outwards to merge with the rugae which surround antennal sockets. The main distinguishing features are the very short, dentiform but sharp propodeal spines and unusual sculpture of the alitrunk: the promesonotal dorsum is coarsely reticulate and very finely punctated, sides of the pronotum are sinuously rugulose; while the remaining parts of the alitrunk, petiole and postpetiole have no rugae but are densely punctated. (Radchenko and Elmes 2010)

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in the Kashmir State in India.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  williamsi. Myrmica williamsi Radchenko & Elmes, 1999a: 34, fig. 2 (5-8) (w.) INDIA. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 325.

Etymology
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - named for the collector, Dr. Paul H. Williams of the Natural History Museum, London.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Radchenko A. G., and G. W. Elmes. 2010. Myrmica ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Old World. Fauna Mundi 3. Warsaw: Natura Optima Dux Foundation, 790 pp.
 * Radchenko, A. G., and G. W. Elmes. "A taxonomic revision of the ant genus Myrmica Latreille, 1804 from the Himalaya (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)." Entomologica Basiliensia 23 (2001): 237-276.