Myrmica curiosa

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Radchenko et al. (2008) - M. curiosa possesses many features that are intermediate between those of different species groups, and we cannot assign it to any of them. Its relatively large size, slender and long alitrunk and scape recall species of the ritae-group, but it clearly differs from them by its not-notched anterior clypeal margin, a much shorter petiolar node, not-pointed upper latero-ventral corners of the head, and rounded propodeal lobes. On the other hand, M. curiosa resembles species from the inezae-group by the shape of its petiole, but differs by its much shorter propodeal spines. In addition, in many respects it has some features found in several species of the rubra-group (e.g. shape of frontal lobes and clypeus, etc.). Moreover, the long, multi dentate, masticatory margin of mandibles, with more than ten teeth, is one of the diagnostic features of the sister genus – Manica. This feature distinguishes M. curiosa from all other known Myrmica species except for the Himalayan Myrmica hecate, from which it differs by having frontal carinae that curve outwards to merge with the rugae that surround antennal sockets (see also Radchenko and Elmes 2001b).

Distribution
The species is known from the type series, collected in Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces of China.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Castes
Males are unknown.

Nomenclature

 *  curiosa. Myrmica curiosa Radchenko, Zhou & Elmes, in Radchenko, Zhou, et al. 2008: 769, figs. 1-10 (w.q.) CHINA. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 115.

Type Material
Holotype, w, China, Sichuan Prov., Hailugou Nat. Park, 29°37'N, 102°05'E, 1700 m, 14x.SS, leg. C. Carpenter et N. J. Nordensten (HARVARD); paratypes: 1 W with the same label as the holotype; 1 w, China, Hunan Prov., Ba Da Gong Mountain, No.9, 15.x.2003, leg. J. Huang; 1 queen, China, Yunnan, Hobasan Mts., 2S00-3150 m, 5-13.vii.2002, 27°20'N, 100009'E, leg. S. Becvar and R. Fougue (KIEV, GUILIN, MILAN).

Etymology
From the Latin word curiosa (f.) = curious, inquisitive, taken to describe the unusual combination of morphological features.