Myrmica pleiorhytida

Workers were found on mountain meadows at altitudes between 2400 and 3500 m.

Identification
M. pleiorhytida belongs to the pachei species group. It is characterized by the following combination of the features: the pronotal dorsum with reticulation and sides with longitudinal rugulae; the mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with fine transversal rugae numbering > 35; lateral and occipital margins of the head with the long numerous suberect to erect hairs; the head only slightly longer than broad (CI < l.15), subsquare, with the distinctly marked occipital corners; whole head dorsum with the very dense, fine, almost straight, slightly divergent posteriorly longitudinal rugae, their number between frontal carinae level with the eyes> 30. (Radchenko and Elmes 2010)

Distribution
Yunnan Province, China.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Castes
Males are unknown.

Nomenclature

 *  pleiorhytida. Myrmica pleiorhytida Radchenko & Elmes, 2009a: 78, figs. 41-45 (w.) CHINA. See also: Radchenko & Elmes, 2010: 218.

Queen
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - The shape and sculpture of head is similar to that of workers (see also Radchenko and Elmes 2009a). Scutum and scutellum longitudinally rugose, propodeal dorsum with transversal rugosity. Petiolar node and postpetiolar dorsums, especially in their posterior half, ransversally rugulose. Propodeal spines somewhat shorter and stouter than in workers. Colour and character of pilosity - as in workers.

Etymology
Radchenko and Elmes (2010) - from the combination of the Greek words pleion = more, abundant or numerous, and rhytida = crease or wrinkle (ruga), to described the sculpture of the head and alitrunk dorsums.