Lasius wittmeri

Identification
Seifert (2020) - The most similar Himalayan species is Lasius lawarai from which it differs by larger eyes (EYE/CS900 0.240), smaller postocular index (PoOc/CL900 0.241), longer scape (SL/CS900 0.979) and smaller torulo-clypeal distance (dClAn/CS900 3.60%). The Tibetan Lasius schaeferi differs by a much shorter frontal pubescence (PLF900 29.6 vs. 38.8 µm) and the presence of very distinct standing setae on hind tibia, the morphology of which differs clearly from neighboring pubescence hairs. Seta counts in Lasius wittmeri are not clearly reproducible because of unclear thickness differences between elongated semierect pubescence hairs and semierect setae. Yet, this missing differentiation may be used as accessory character to distinguish Lasius lawarai also from East Tibetan populations of Lasius obscuratus. Coloration: all body parts dark brown, mandibles and tarsae slightly lighter with a yellowish tinge. (The morphometric abbreviations and ratios are defined here: Seifert 2020 Lasius characters).

Distribution
Known from two sites on the southwestern flank of the Himalayas at 34.90°N, 73.75°E, 2400 m and 34.04°N, 75.33°E, 2650 m.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India, Pakistan.

Nomenclature

 *  wittmeri. Lasius (Lasius) wittmeri Seifert, 1992b: 39, fig. 29 (w.) PAKISTAN.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Rasheed M. T., I. Bodlah, A. G. Fareen, A. A. Wachkoo, X. Huang, and S. A. Akbar. 2019. A checklist of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pakistan. Sociobiology 66(3): 426-439.
 * Seifert B. 1992. A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic members of the ant subgenus Lasius s.str. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Abhandlungen und Berichte des Naturkundemuseums Görlitz 66(5): 1-67.