Myrmica sp.8

Japanese Name

Kita-kushike-ari

Total length of workers around 4 mm. Body color somewhat darkish brown. Anterior margin of clypeus concave in the middle. Antennal scape narrowed near the their bases, where they are bent; the angle of the dorsal margin of the bend is about 100 degrees when viewed parallel to the flexing face of the funiculus. The dorsum of the bend is margined at a right-angle to the axis, and has a small, thin, projecting, blackish-brown lamella. Third funicular segment wider than long. Rugae on dorsa of mesosoma and petiole strongly impressed. Metanotal groove impressed, with a broadly U-shaped profile. Propodeal spines shorter than in M. jessensis, and in many cases strongly directed upwards. Posterodorsal border of petiolar node angulate.

This species closely resembles M. jessensis, but is distinguished by its shorter petiole. It nests in open sites and is found in the mountains of Hokkaido up to higher elevations. Rather rare.

Hokkaido.