Rossomyrmex minuchae

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Iberian Peninsula, Spain.

Biology
R. minuchae is an obligate slave-making ant that enslaves workers of Proformica longiseta. Both species are endemic to the high mountains of southern Spain, but while P. longiseta is common, R. minuchae is rare and with limited distribution (Ruano and Tinaut 1999).

Behavioural observations and limited nest excavations revealed that sexuals are not produced every year, the number of sexuals is low, and the sex ratio tends to be female biased (Ruano & Tinaut 2005). Queens typically exhibit two distinct activity periods. First, the mating period takes place in early afternoon: queens “call” near the natal nest, mate and then re-enter their nest. Second, the dispersal period takes place in late afternoon: the mated queens exit their nest and fly in search of a new, non-parasitized Proformica longiseta host nest.

Nomenclature

 *  minuchae. Rossomyrmex minuchae Tinaut, 1981: 195, figs. 1-3 (w.q.) SPAIN. Tinaut, Ruano & Fernandez Escudero, 1995: 348 (m.).