Myrmica elmesi (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) a new species from Himalaya

Abstract

Myrmica elmesi sp. n. is described from Himalaya. This species belongs to the pachei group of Myrmica species and is distinct from the species described in this group hitherto, which is represented by 14 species including three from Indian Himalaya. Myrmica elmesi is the fourth species of the diverse pachei group found in Himalaya; it was collected from the transitional zone and is described with notes on its ecology, this gains significance in the sense that ecology of most of the old world Myrmica is either unknown or poorly known.