On the Description of the Larval Stages of Myrmica inezae Forel, 1902 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae), an Endemic Himalayan Species, with Notes on its Natural History

Abstract

Of the known species groups in Myrmica, the M. inezae belong to the inezae-group which is restricted between an altitude range of 1900-3000m in Himalayas. The species in question is a relic of old fauna and closely resembles the primitive ritae-group species. Herein, a detailed description of larval instars of Myrmica inezae Forel, 1902 is provided. Three larval instars are reported in this species. The larvae exhibit pheidoloid body profile which otherwise is pogonomyrmecoid in the larval stages of genus Myrmica Latreille, 1804 reported hitherto. M. inezae differs from the earlier described larval stages of M. rugosa and M. rupestris (rugosa-group) based on number of occipital hairs (six in M. inezae while these are eight in M. hecate and M. rupestris); mandibular teeth (two in M. inezae as compared to one in M. hecate and M. rupestris) and shape of maxilla (conoidal in M. inezae whereas paraboloidal in M. hecate and M. rupestris).