Myrmica rugosa

Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - M. rugosa has been found at altitudes between 1200 and 3400 m in semi-natural habitats, but it also inhabits cultivated areas (Philip Ward, pers. comm.). Males and alate queens were collected from the end of May to the end of June, which is extremely early in the year compared to Euro-Siberian Myrmica species.

Identification
We consider that together with three other Himalayan species (Myrmica aimonissabaudiae, Myrmica hecate and Myrmica rupestris) it belongs to the rugosa species group and differs from the first two species by the much less developed reticulation on the head dorsum, and from the last by the absence of coarse short sinuous rugosity on the petiole and postpetiole. (Radchenko and Elmes 2010)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Bhutan, India, Nepal. Palaearctic Region: China.

Nomenclature

 *  rugosa. Myrmica rugosa Mayr, 1865: 19 (footnote) (w.) HIMALAYA (India?). Radchenko & Elmes, 2002: 41 (q.m.). See also: Bingham, 1903: 268; Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 242.

Type Material
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - We found 1 worker in Berlin with the labels “Himalaya” and “M. rugosa Mayr”, written by Mayr's own hand. As this specimen fully agrees with Mayr's description, we have designated it as the lectotype. Five more workers, preserved in London, Genoa and Moscow are designated as paralectotypes (see above).

Etymology
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - name derived from the Latin word rugosus = wrinkle or full of wrinkles, to describe its sculpture.