Nylanderia yerburyi

This species is spread throughout tropical and subtropical India. It has also been reported Sri Lanka (Bingham 1903). The workers were collected in leaf litter and underneath stones. (Wachkoo and Bharti 2015)

Identification
Wachkoo and Bharti (2015) - Bicolored body of N. yerburyi resembles most to Nylanderia taylori and Nylanderia indica but can be distinguished from the latter by distinctly rounded dorsal face of propodeum, about the same length as declivitous face whilst in latter dorsal face of propodeum is dorsally angular much shorter than declivitous face.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India, Nicobar Island, Sri Lanka. Palaearctic Region: China.

Nomenclature

 *  yerburyi. Prenolepis yerburyi Forel, 1894c: 409, fig. 1 (w.q.m.) SRI LANKA. Combination in Pr. (Nylanderia): Viehmeyer, 1916a: 147; in Paratrechina (Nylanderia): Wheeler, W.M. 1921e: 112; in Nylanderia: LaPolla, Brady & Shattuck, 2010a: 127..

Worker
Wachkoo and Bharti (2015) - HL 0.65-0.75 mm; HW 0.55-0.66 mm; EL 0.19-0.22 mm; SL 0.75-0.85 mm; PW 0.42-0.45 mm; PrFL 0.58-0.65 mm; PrFW 0.16-0.18 mm; WL 0.80-0.99 mm. Indices: CI 82.81-88.24; SI 128.79-137.74; REL 28.12-29.41 (n = 20).

Head is subquadrate; longer than wide, narrowed anteriorly, lateral margins strongly convex, posterior margin weakly concave to gently convex with rounded posterolateral corners. Clypeus subcarinate in the middle; anterior clypeal margin shallowly concave. Eyes oval, weakly convex, large, covering one-third of lateral cephalic margin; three small ocelli present. Antennae long, scape surpasses posterior margin by two-fifth their length.

Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view interrupts the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum; metanotal area distinct. Dorsal face of propodeum rounded, about the same length as declivitous face; in lateral view, its highest part on the same plane to remainder of dorsum, dorsally dome-like. Petiole low triangular, inclined forward with posterior face longer than anterior face, dorsum rounded.

Head and gaster dull covered with a fine layer of pubescence; mesosoma relatively shiny with sparse pubescence. Scape with scattered erect macrosetae and a dense layer of pubescence (SMC = 35e55). Erect macrosetae of varying length abundant on head and gaster, relatively sparse on pro-mesonotum. Pronotum and mesonotum with scattered erect macrosetae of varying lengths (PMC = 3-7; MMC = 3-5).

Mesosoma are yellow brown to reddish brown, head and gaster darker brown; antennae and legs yellow brown to reddish brown.

Queen
Wachkoo and Bharti (2015) - HL 0.82 mm; HW 0.81 mm; EL 0.30 mm; SL 0.91 mm; PrFL 0.81 mm; PrFW 0.23 mm; WL 1.30 mm. Indices: CI 98.78; SI 112.35; REL 36.48 (n = 1).

Generally matches worker description, with modifications expected for caste and the following differences: head subtriangular with concave posterior margin; petiole concave above; pubescence denser than in workers; color yellowish-brown (SMC 55 = 59; PMC = 14; MMC = 57).

Male
Wachkoo and Bharti (2015) - HL 0.62 mm; HW 0.55 mm; EL 0.28 mm; SL 0.77 mm; PrFL 0.67 mm; PrFW 0.17 mm; WL 0.94 mm. Indices: CI 88.71; SI 140.00; REL 44.64 (n = 1).

Head is subtriangular; longer than wide; eyes relatively larger, subglobulose, projecting well beyond head outline in full-face view; three prominent ocelli present. Antennae filiform, scapes long, surpass posterior margin by about half their length. Mandibles slender, curved strap like with prominent, pointed apical and a small preapical tooth, remainder of masticatory margin smooth, without any teeth or denticles. Basal angle rounded, indistinct and seamlessly blends into inner mandibular margin.

Mesosoma modified for presence of a wing; propodeum indistinct, lower than remainder of notum with very short dorsal face and long declivitous face; petiole as in worker.

Genitalia: Parameres broadly rounded at apices; apical margin large finger like projection; ventral margin triangular; long setae extending off of parameres. Cuspi long and tubular with short peg-like teeth, strongly bent toward and covering digiti dorsally; digiti weakly paddle-shaped; strongly curved outward and covered with short peg-like teeth; penis valves projecting past parameres.

Head, scutum, and gaster brown remainder yellowish; sculpture and vestiture as in worker caste (SMC = 20-22; PMC = 0; MMC = 23).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Chapman, J. W., and Capco, S. R. 1951. Check list of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Asia. Monogr. Inst. Sci. Technol. Manila 1: 1-327
 * Dad J. M., S. A. Akbar, H. Bharti, and A. A. Wachkoo. 2019. Community structure and ant species diversity across select sites ofWestern Ghats, India. Acta Ecologica Sinica 39: 219–228.
 * Dias R. K. S. 2002. Current knowledge on ants of Sri Lanka. ANeT Newsletter 4: 17- 21.
 * Dias R. K. S. 2006. Current taxonomic status of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Sri Lanka. The Fauna of Sri Lanka: 43-52. Bambaradeniya, C.N.B. (Editor), 2006. Fauna of Sri Lanka: Status of Taxonomy, Research and Conservation. The World Conservation Union, Colombo, Sri Lanka & Government of Sri Lanka. viii + 308pp.
 * Dias R. K. S., H. P. G. R. C. Ruchirani, K. R. K. A. Kosgamage, and H. A. W. S. Peiris. 2013. Frequency of nest occurrence and nest density of Aneuretus simoni Emery (Sri Lankan Relict Ant) and other ant fauna in an abandoned rubber plantation (Kirikanda Forest) in southwest Sri Lanka. Asian Myrmecology 5: 59-67.
 * Dias R. K. S., K. R. K. A. Kosgamage, and H. A. W. S. Peiris. 2012. The Taxonomy and Conservation Status of Ants (Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae) in Sri Lanka. In: The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka; Conservation Status of the Fauna and Flora. Weerakoon, D.K. & S. Wijesundara Eds., Ministry of Environment, Colombo, Sri Lanka. p11-19.
 * Dias R. K. S., and K. R. K. Anuradha Kosgamage. 2012. Occurrence and species diversity of ground-dwelling worker ants (Family: Formicidae) in selected lands in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. J. Sci. Univ. Kelaniya 7: 55-72.
 * Emery C. 1893. Voyage de M. E. Simon à l'île de Ceylan (janvier-février 1892). Formicides. Annales de la Société Entomologique de France 62: 239-258.
 * Emery C. 1901. Ameisen gesammelt in Ceylon von Dr. W. Horn 1899. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 1901: 113-122.
 * Fontanilla A. M., A. Nakamura, Z. Xu, M. Cao, R. L. Kitching, Y. Tang, and C. J. Burwell. 2019. Taxonomic and functional ant diversity along tropical, subtropical, and subalpine elevational transects in southwest China. Insects 10, 128; doi:10.3390/insects10050128
 * Forel A. 1894. Les Formicides de l'Empire des Indes et de Ceylan. Part IV. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 8: 396-420.
 * Forel A. 1913. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse einer Forschungsreise nach Ostindien ausgeführt im Auftrage der Kgl. Preuss. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin von H. v. Buttel-Reepen. II. Ameisen aus Sumatra, Java, Malacca und Ceylon. Gesammelt von Herrn Prof. Dr. v. Buttel-Reepen in den Jahren 1911-1912. Zoologische Jahrbücher. Abteilung für Systematik, Geographie und Biologie der Tiere 36:1-148.
 * Guo X., Q. Lin, J. Cui, D. Gao, S. Xu, and Z. Sheng. 2014. Biodiversity and spatial distribution patterns of ant species in tea gardens of Chongqing. Chinese Journal of Eco-Agriculture DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2014.31052
 * Guénard B., and R. R. Dunn. 2012. A checklist of the ants of China. Zootaxa 3558: 1-77.
 * Leong C. M., S. F. Shiao, and B. Guenard. 2017. Ants in the city, a preliminary checklist of Formicidae (Hymenoptera) in Macau, one of the most heavily urbanized regions of the world. Asian Myrmecology 9: e009014.
 * Li Q., B. D. Hoffmann, Z. X. Lu, and Y. Q. Chen. 2017. Ants show that the conservation potential of afforestation efforts in Chinese valley-type savanna is dependent upon the afforestation method. Journal of Insect Conservation DOI 10.1007/s10841-017-0005-0
 * Li Z.h. 2006. List of Chinese Insects. Volume 4. Sun Yat-sen University Press
 * Liu X. 2012. Taxonomy, diversity and spatial distribution characters of the ant family Formicidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) in southeastern Tibet. PhD Thesis 139 pages
 * Liu X., Z. H. Xu, X. Y. Zhou, N. N. Yu, and C. L. Zhang. 2011. Ant communities of West slope of Mount Demula and Bomi Valley in Southeastern Tibet. Forest Research 24(4): 458-463.
 * Liu X., Z. Xu, C. Zhang, N. Yu, and G. Xu. 2012. Distribution patterns of ants from West slope of Mount Demula and Bomi Valley in Southeastern Tibet. Journal of Northwest Forestry University 27(4): 77-82.
 * Liu X., Z. Xu, N. Yu, and C. Zhang. 2016. Distribution patterns of ant species ( Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Galongla Mountains and Medog Valley of Southeastern Tibet. Scientia Silvae Sinicae 52(11): 88-95.
 * Liu X., Z. Xu, X. Zhou, N. Yu, and C. Zhang. 2011. Ant Communities of West Slope of Mount Demula and Bomi Valley in Southeastern Tibet. Forest Research 24(4): 458-463.
 * Liu X., Z.-H. Xu, C.-L. Zhang, N.-N., and G.-L. 2011. Distribution patterns of ants from West Slope of Mount Demula and Bomi Valley in southeastern Tibet. Journal of Northwest Forestry University 27(4): 77-82.
 * Mohanraj P., M. Ali, and K. Veerakumari. 2010. Formicidae of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Indian Ocean: Bay of Bengal). Journal of Insect Science 10: Article 172
 * Mohanraj, P., M. Ali and K. Veenakumari. 2010. Formicidae of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Indian Ocean: Bay Of Bengal). Journal of Insect Science 10:172.
 * Overbeck, H. (1924). A List of Ants from Singapore and Neighbouring Places. Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 2 (1):25-40.
 * Ran H., and S. Y. Zhou. 2012. Checklist of chinese ants: formicomorph subfamilies (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) II. Journal of Guangxi Normal University: Natural Science Edition 30(4): 81-91.
 * Song Y., Z. Xu, C. Li, N. Zhang, L. Zhang, H. Jiang, and F. Mo. 2013. An Analysis on the Ant Fauna of the Nangun river Nature Reserve in Yunnan, China. Forest Research 26(6): 773-780.
 * Tang J., Li S., Huang E., Zhang B. and Chen Y. 1995. Hymenoptera: Formicidae (1). Economic Insect Fauna of China 47: 1-133.
 * Tang Jue, Li Shen, Huang Enyou, Zhang Benyue. 1985. Notes on ants from Zhoushan Islands Zhejiang (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).  Journal of Zhejiang University (Agric.& Life Sci.) 3.
 * Tiwari R. N. 1999. Taxonomic studies on ants of southern India (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Memoirs of the Zoological Survey of India 18(4): 1-96.
 * Tiwari, R.N. 1999. Taxonomic studies on ants of southern India (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Memoirs of the Zoological Survey of India 18(4):1-96
 * Varghese T. 2004. Taxonomic studies on ant genera of the Indian Institute of Science campus with notes on their nesting habits. Pp. 485-502 in : Rajmohana, K.; Sudheer, K.; Girish Kumar, P.; Santhosh, S. (eds.) 2004. Perspectives on biosystematics and biodiversity. Prof. T.C. Narendran commemoration volume. Kerala: Systematic Entomology Research Scholars Association, xxii + 666 pp.
 * Wheeler W. M. 1921. Chinese ants collected by Prof. C. W. Howard. Psyche (Cambridge) 28: 110-115.
 * Wheeler W. M. 1928. Ants collected by Professor F. Silvestri in China. Bollettino del Laboratorio di Zoologia Generale e Agraria della Reale Scuola Superiore d'Agricoltura. Portici 22: 3-38.
 * Wheeler W. M. 1930. A list of the known Chinese ants. Peking Natural History Bulletin 5: 53-81.
 * Xu F. F., and J. Chen. 2009. Comparison of the Differences in Response to the Change of the Extrafloral Nectar-ant-herbivore Interaction System Between a Native and an Introduced Passiflora Species. Acta Botanica Yunnanica 31(6): 543-550.
 * Xu Z., Zeng G., Liu T.-Y. and He Y.-F. 1999. [A study on communities of Formicidae ants in different subtypes of vegetation in Xishuangbanna District of China.] Zoological Research 20: 118-125
 * Yu N., Z. Xu, C. Zhang, J. Chu, B. Yang, and X. Liu. 2011. Distribution patterns of ant species from Mount Sejila, southeastern Tibet. Journal of Beijing Forestry University 33(5): 75-80.
 * Yu N., Z. Xu, C. Zhang, J. Chu, B. Yang, and X. Liu. 2011. Distribution patterns of ant species from mount Sejila, southeastern Tibet. Journal of Beijing Forestry University 33(5): 75-80
 * Zhang C., Z. Xu, N. Yu, Q. He, and X. Liu. 2012. Distribution Patterns of Ant Species on East Slope of Mount Demola and Zayu Valley in Southeastern Tibet. Journal of Northeast Forestry University 40(3): 87-92