Myrmica draco

Little is known about ecology of this species, except that it nests under rotten wood, in the soil, in forests at altitudes of about 2000m.

Identification
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - Originally Radchenko et al. (2001) placed M. draco to the ritae species group. We discussed how the taxonomic position of this species is somewhat obscure because it shares features of both the ritae- and boltoni-complexes of this group: M. draco has sculpture of the alitrunk that is typical for the species from the ritae-complex, but sculpture of its head and waist similar to species from the boltoni-complex (see also Radchenko and Elmes 1998). However, after our more recent discovery of some similar new species from northern Vietnam, Myrmica yamanei and Myrmica schoedli, we recognized a separate draco-complex, which contains these three species.

The males of M. draco have a long scape. Previously males were known only of Myrmica serica and Myrmica indica, both of which have short scape and we assumed that this might be true for all ritae-group species. Until males from more species are discovered and described we can not take this discrepancy any further. However, we speculate that males of all the species from the draco-complex have long scapes while those of the ritae-complex are short; in which case we would probably separate the ritae-group into two groups.

Distribution
The species is known from the central and southern China (Guangxi, Shaanxi and Yunnan Provinces).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Nomenclature

 *  draco. Myrmica draco Radchenko, Zhou & Elmes, 2001: 214, figs. 11-26 (w.q.m.) CHINA. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 122.

Type Material
Holotype, w, "S. China, NE Guangxi Prov., Mao Er Shan, 1930 m, MES-125, 22.viii.1998, leg. J. Fellowes" (LONDON); paratypes: 1 w from the same nest as holotype; 1 g, 1 m, same label, but No. MES-122; 4 w, same label, but No. MES-124; 1 w, 1 g (alate), same label, but No. MES-128 (all leg. J. Fellowes); 6 w, same location, 29.viii.1997, No.4, leg. S. Zhou; 5 w, same location, 8.ix.1997, No.3, leg. S. Zhou (KIEV, GUILIN, ELMES);

Etymology
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - this species is named for the dragon of Chinese mythology. Draco is a Latin word derived from the Greek dracon or dragon.