Myrmecina flava

Japanese Name

Kiiro-kadofushi-ari

Terayama, M. (1985a) Two new species of the ant genus Myrmecina from Japan and Taiwan. Edaphologia 32: 35-40.

Total length of workers around 2.5 mm. Body color yellow to yellowish brown; gaster darker; legs yellow. Eyes small, consisting of several facets; their greatest diameter far less than the length of the 10th antennal segment. Basal portion of each antennal scape with a semibulbous lamella covering the articulation condyle. No median process on anterior margin of clypeus. Propodeal spines directed backwards. Subpetiolar process more or less distinct, with acute apex, pointed forwards. Head and mesosoma irregularly longitudinally rugulose, with punctate interspaces; the spaces between the eyes and the ventral extensions of the longitudinal carinae extending from the occipital region punctuate, not rugulose.

The species is easily distinguished by its yellow body color, and the unique structure of its antennal bases. Nests in soil. Rare. The type-locality is Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Honshu, Shikoku (Ehime [F. Takechi leg.]), Kyushu.