Myrmica sculptiventris

Two workers were found on mountain meadows at an altitude 2175 m.

Identification
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - A member of the pachei species group and by the general shape, character of the sculpture and pilosity is quite similar to M. schulzi, but it well differs from that species by its frontal carinae which merges with rugae that extend to the posterior third of head dorsum, do not curve outwards and do not merge with rugae that surround antennal sockets. However, the main diagnostic feature of M. sculptiventris is the rather unusual sculpture of its gaster: the basal third of the first gastral tergite is densely punctated and longitudinally ruguloso-striated; this sculpture gradually reduces posteriorly and the rest of the surface of the tergite has a clear superficial hexagonal microsculpture (seen under magnification > 50 x). It is interesting to note that there are only two other known Myrmica species in the Palaearctic Region with a sculptured gastral tergite: Myrmica luteola and Myrmica brancuccii, but both differ from M. sculptiventris by the absence of the transversal rugosity on the alitrunk dorsum.

Distribution
Sichuan Province, China.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  sculptiventris. Myrmica sculptiventris Radchenko & Elmes, 2009a: 72, figs. 11-15 (w.) CHINA. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 274.

Type Material
Holotype, w, “China, N Sichuan Prov., W Pingwo, 15 km NW Muzuocangzuxian, Doubuhe riv., 32°41'32"N, 104°22'52"E, 2175 111, 30.vii.2005, leg. Belousov and Kabak” (Petersburg); paratype: 1 w with the same label as the ho!otype (Kiev).

Etymology
From a combination of the Latin words sculptus = carved or sculptured, and ventris = belly (gaster), to describe the unusual sculpture of the gaster.