Myrmecina davisoni

Fisher & Cover (2007) reported that M. davisoni (listed as Myrmecina sp.) was found in colonies of Myrmecina americana. The present discovery of a mixed colony of M. americana workers without a queen and M. davisoni with a queen and workers gives further credibility that M. davisoni is parasitic on M. americana.

Identification
Workers of Myrmecina davisoni are small (TL ≈ 2.70 mm), shiny reddish brown, have reduced carinae and other sculpture, lack a small pre-propodeal process found in many Myrmecina species, and possess a distinct ventral process on the postpetiole that projects anteriorly (Fig. 4A). Myrmecina davisoni is easily differentiated from the other North American species, Myrmecina americana, Myrmecina cooperi and Myrmecina harrisoni, by its lack of sculpture on the entire body, which gives it a shiny, glossy appearance. Myrmecina americana also differs from M. davisoni by lacking a forward projecting process on the venter of the postpetiole and being concave instead (Fig. 4B).

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States.

Nomenclature

 *  Myrmecina davisoni MacGown, 2023: 112, figs. 2A, 4A, 5, 6 (w.) UNITED STATES.

Type Material

 * Holotype worker — [United States] Alabama, Lauderdale, Wildwood Park, Florence, 34.80911 -87.69828, 27 Apr 2017, P. G. Davison & T. I. Heinkel, Plot 2, colony in artificial plaster cavity under leaf litter beneath oak trees (holotype deposited in MEM). Specimen code MEM 455,106.
 * Paratype worker — Same data as holotype except with unique specimen code: MEM 455,107.
 * Paratype dealate queen — Same data as holotype except with unique specimen code: MEM 455,108.