Lepisiota rothneyi

This species is widespread in India. It appears to be a forest ant, restricted to relatively undisturbed areas. The workers were mostly hand collected from tree trunks and by beating vegetation. (Wachkoo et al., 2021)

Identification
The medium-sized ant closely resembles Lepisiota wroughtonii, but can be separated from it by having a sparsely pubescent and shiny body, lacking erect setae on the mesosomal dorsum. In contrast, L. wroughtonii is more pubescent with few short setae on the pronotum. (Wachkoo et al., 2021)

Distribution
Bangladesh, China, India (Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal), Myanmar, Vietnam (Wheeler 1927; Hannan 2003; Zryanin 2011, Guénard & Dunn 2012; Bharti et al. 2016; Wachkoo et al., 2021).

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

Nomenclature

 *  rothneyi. Plagiolepis rothneyi Forel, 1894c: 415 (w.) INDIA. Combination in Acantholepis (Lepisiota): Santschi, 1926a: 15; in Lepisiota: Bolton, 1995b: 228. Current subspecies: nominal plus splendida, sundaica, taivanae, watsonii, wroughtonii.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

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 * Chen Y., C. W. Luo, H. W. Li, Y. J. Liu, H. F. Zheng, and F. C. Yang. 2013. Investigation of ant species and distribution on Wuliang Mountain. Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences 42(5): 118-122.
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 * Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, 2001. Report of Rapid Biodiversity Assessments at Jianfengling Nature Reserve, Southwest Hainan, 1998 and 2001. South China Forest Biodiversity Survey Report Series (Online Simplified Version): No. 3. KFBG, Hong Kong SAR, ii + 35 pp.
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 * Li Z.h. 2006. List of Chinese Insects. Volume 4. Sun Yat-sen University Press
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 * [[Media:Wachkoo, A.A., Bharti, H. et al. 2021. Taxonomic review of the ant genus Lepisiota from India (10.20363@BZB-2021.70.2.227).pdf|Wachkoo, A.A., Bharti, H., Akbar, S.A. 2021. Taxonomic review of the ant genus Lepisiota Santschi, 1926 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae) from India. Bonn Zoological Bulletin 70(2): 227–245]].
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 * Xu F. F., and J. Chen. 2009. Comparison of the Differences in Response to the Change of the Extrafloral Nectar-ant-herbivore Interaction System Between a Native and an Introduced Passiflora Species. Acta Botanica Yunnanica 31(6): 543-550.
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