Manica parasitica

Distribution
This taxon was described from the United States.

This species is known from only two collections in two localities, both in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California: (1) Polly Dome, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, 8,600 feet, 13 workers, 1932 (Creighton, 1934: Type Locality); (2) three miles northeast of Clark Fork Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, Alpine County, 6,100 feet, 2 workers, 1967 (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1968). Both collections were from nests of Manica bradleyi.

Biology
Since this species has only been collected from nests of Manica bradleyi, a parasitic relationship is inferred, although little is known about parasitica. Creighton (1934) reported that parasitica workers took their share of activities and were treated as ordinary nest mates by the bradleyi host workers. Wheeler & Wheeler (1970) reported that parasitica was able to feed itself. "It was quicker in response to disturbances, had a faster gait and bounced the anterior end as it walked."

Nomenclature

 *  parasitica. Myrmica (Manica) parasitica Creighton, 1934: 185 (w.) U.S.A. Combination in Manica: Weber, 1947: 440.