Myrmica semiparasitica

The fact that the species was found in a colony of Myrmica punctiventris with the two female forms and males, and that it performed nuptial flights support the probability of a temporary parasitic ant in nature. S. Cover collected his specimens from a hickory nut in a rich oak woods of the East Farm Preserve. The host species, as well as Myrmica pinetorum, are found in red oak stands on and around Mont Rigaud, Québec. (Francoeur, 2007)

Identification
This is the smallest species of the group. The reduced size is more obvious in the queens and males. The sternal process of the petiole comports with the parasitic syndrome of Wilson (1971). The frontal lobes are similar to the ones of Myrmica punctiventris while the general size of worker, shorter scapes and spines, the relative proportions of the waist, the delicate rugulate sculpture are closer to Myrmica pinetorum. (Francoeur, 2007)

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

Nomenclature

 *  semiparasitica. Myrmica semiparasitica Francoeur, 2007: 161, figs. 14  19 (w.q.m.) U.S.A.