Myrmica zojae

A rather xerophylous species, inhabiting steppes where it builds nests in soil.

Identification
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - A member of the lobicornis species group and differs from Myrmica lobicornis by its wider frons, by the shape of petiole, by the shorter propodeal spines, by the shape of the lobe at the base of scape, which is directed upward and somewhat forward, etc. From other sympatric species from the lobicornis-group it also well differs by the shape and bigger size of the scape lobe.

Key to Myrmica of species of East Siberia, Russian Far East, Mongolia, Korean Peninsula, northern China, and Japan

Distribution
SE Altai and S. Ural Mountains, Russia.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Russian Federation.

Nomenclature

 *  zojae. Myrmica zojae Radchenko, 1994h: 210, figs. 13-22 (w.q.m.) RUSSIA. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 330.

Etymology
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - this species was dedicated to the collector, our friend and colleague, the Russian myrmecologist Dr. Zoja Alexandrovna Zhigulskaya from Magadan.