Myrmica ademonia

This is a forest species that prefers to nest in decayed wood.

Identification
Myrmica ademonia is most similar to Myrmica sulcinodis and is a member of the sulcinodis species complex of the lobicornis-group. It differs from M. sulcinodis by its longer propodeal spines, less coarsely sculptured petiole, and well-developed petiolar peduncle.(Radencko and Elmes, 2010)

Distribution
This taxon was described from the Russian Federation. It is also found in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Biology
This forest species lives in mixed and deciduous forests and nests in decayed wood, rarely in soil. In Korea it lives in mixed and deciduous forests mainly at altitudes between 600 and 1500 meters. It has also been found in relatively wet places at lower altitudes (ca.200 m). (Radchenko and Elmes, 2010).

Castes
Known from workers, queens, and males.

Nomenclature

 * aspersa. Myrmica aspersa Kupyanskaya, 1990: 105, figs. 16, 17, 18 (w.q.m.) RUSSIA. [Junior primary homonym of Myrmica aspersa Smith, F. 1865: 72, above.] Replacement name: ademonia Bolton, 1995b: 277.
 *  ademonia. Myrmica ademonia Bolton, 1995b: 277. Replacement name for aspersa Kupyanskaya, 1990: 105. [Junior primary homonym of aspersa Smith, F. 1865: 72.] See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 79.

Myrmica aspersa

One worker syntype in, one worker syntype in. Both labelled “M” (= Morotai I.). syntype has a Donisthorpe type-label.

Description
The propodeal spines are very long and sharp and are directed upwards at an acute angle.

Additional References

 * Radchenko, A.G. & Elmes, G.W. 2010. Myrmica ants of the Old World. Fauna Mundi 3: 1-789.