Myrmica wardi

Philip Ward (pers. comm.) collected this species in Kashmir at altitudes of 2190-3450 m in the same regions, but at lower altitudes than Myrmica rhytida (mean 2700 m vs. 3600 m). It lives mainly in open woodland, such as meadows with sparse trees (willow, pear, maple and fir), woody shrubs with Rosa spp., and stony grasslands and pastures having a low sward. A few nests were found in the soil, but most specimens were collected while foraging, which suggests that this species does not often use stones as nest sites (many ants are collected by people turning-over stones). Foragers freely climbed over low vegetation, perhaps being indicative of foraging habits similar to the European Myrmica rubra.

Identification
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) – A member of the cachmiriensis-complex of the rugosa species group. It most resembles Myrmica cachmiriensis, its workers differ by the much denser longitudinal rugulosity on the head dorsum with densely punctated surface between the rugae, by the darker colour of the body, by the presence of much longer, well visible subdecumbent hairs on head sides, etc. Males differ by their distinctly higher petiole (PI) = 1.33-1.36 vs. 1.40-1. 64), and by the reduced rugulosity and presence of punctures on the sides of the alitrunk (those of M. cachmiriensis are densely but not coarsely rugulose). Based on the identifications made by some of the earlier myrmecologists, we guess that this species often has been confused with other Himalayan Myrmica species.

Distribution
Known only from the type localities in India (Kashmir and Himahal Pradesh States) and Pakistan.

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

Nomenclature

 *  wardi. Myrmica wardi Radchenko & Elmes, 1999a: 38, fig. 4 (1-10) (w.q.m.) PAKISTAN. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 320.