Temnothorax pisarskii

In Myohyang Mts this species was found at two sites: shrubby young forest on the dry mountain slope, and shady places with rich grass layer, nesting under stones in dry forest on the rocky slope. In Taesong this ant inhabits Pinus–Quercus forests, with trees 5–7 m tall and Juniperus shrubs, at 150 m a.s.l., nesting under stones. (Radchenko 2004)

Identification
Radchenko (2004) - T. pisarskii most resembles Temnothorax mongolicus by the shape of the petiole, yet well differs by this feature from all other East Palaearctic bicoloured Temnothorax species with short propodeal spines. It differs from T. mongolicus by longer antennal scape (SI1 = 0.73–0.78, mean = 0.75, vs. 0.71–0.75, mean = 0.72, SI2 = 0.88–0.94, mean = 0.92 vs. 0.82–0.88, mean = 0.85); longer propodeal spines (ESLI = 0.18–0.25, mean 0.22 vs. 0.09–0.22, mean = 0.15); a somewhat different colour. In T. pisarskii head, alitrunk and waist are from ochreous-yellow to brownish-yellow; the gaster is brown, with basal 1/4 of the first tergite yellow. In T. mongolicus the head dorsum is brownish, distinctly darker than the ochreous-yellow or brownish-yellow alitrunk, and the gaster is entirely brown.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Nomenclature

 *  pisarskii. Temnothorax pisarskii Radchenko, 2004: 115, figs. 7-15 (w.q.m.) NORTH KOREA.

Worker
Head subrectangular (CI = 1.17–1.25), with subparallel sides, weakly convex occipital margin and narrowly rounded occipital corners. Anterior clypeal margin broadly rounded. Antennae 12-segmented, antennal scape relatively long, reaching occipital margin (SI1 = 0.73–0.78, SI2 = 0.88–0.94).

Alitrunk with slightly flattened dorsum, without metanotal groove. Propodeum in profile with short, basally wide, sharp spines (ESLI = 0.18–0.25). Humeri in dorsal view broadly rounded. Petiole only slightly longer than high (PI = 1.10–1.21), with a very short anterior peduncle; petiolar node in profile subtriangular, with an almost straight anterior face and very narrowly rounded dorsum. Postpetiole as high as the petiole or very slightly lower, subglobular.

Head dorsum densely punctate, appears dull, fine striations present near the eyes only. Alitrunk and waist densely punctate, appears dull, only dorsolateral parts of the alitrunk additionally with fine longitudinal striation.

Occipital margin and dorsum of the alitrunk with moderately long, slightly curved standing hairs. Head dorsum, alitrunk and waist ochreous-yellow to brownish-yellow, gaster brown, with basal 1/4 of its first tergite yellow.

Queen
Head about as in the workers, but wider (CI = 1.09); antennal scape relatively shorter (SI1 = 0.71, SI2 = 0.78). Alitrunk relatively long and low (AI = 1.84, SCI = 1.33), propodeal spines relatively short (ESLI = 0.16). Petiole about as in the workers.

Frons densely longitudinally rugulose, head dorsum laterally reticulate–punctate and sinuously rugulose. Pronotum finely longitudinally ruguloso-striated, mesopleura with fine striations, propodeum striato-rugulose and punctate; scutum finely longitudinally rugulose, scutellum smooth, only laterally striate; petiole and postpetiole punctate and dorsally finely striate. The body surface appears shiny.

Alitrunk and waist yellow, appendages somewhat lighter, head dorsum reddish-yellow, gaster as in the workers.

Male
Head a little longer than broad (CI = 1.03–1.07), broadly rounded behind the eyes, without distinct occipital corners. Anterior clypeal margin widely rounded. Antennae 13-segmented, antennal scape short (SI1 = 0.31–0.34, SI2 = 0.32–0.37).

Alitrunk relatively short, scutum convex (AI = 1.58–1.64), scutellum in profile not projecting above the scutum. Propodeum with very short blunt denticles. Petiole low, distinctly lower than long (PI = 1.36–1.45), with a rounded node, its anterior and posterior faces almost straight, moderately sloping. Postpetiole as long as the petiole, subglobular.

Head dorsum finely rugulose and striate, its sides also punctate; clypeus anteriorly transversally striate. Sides of propodeum, lower part of mesopleura and sides of petiole and postpetiole finely punctate, remaining parts of alitrunk and dorsum of petiolar and postpetiolar nodes smooth and shiny.

Head margins and dorsum of the alitrunk with scattered standing hairs.

Alitrunk ochreous-yellow, head dorsum and gaster brownish-yellow, appendages light yellow.

Type Material
Worker (holotype), North Korea, Myohyang Mts, 6.viii.1959, No. 2291, leg. B. Pisarski & J. Proszynski. ; paratypes: 9 workers from the holotype nest.

Etymology
This species is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Bogdan Pisarski, famous Polish myrmecologist, who collected the first specimens.