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Original article
Taxonomic review of ant genus Nylanderia Emery, 1906
(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in India
Aijaz Ahmad Wachkoo
a
,
*
, Himender Bharti
b
a
Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
b
Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
article info
Article history:
Received 27 February 2015
Received in revised form
21 April 2015
Accepted 29 April 2015
Available online 9 May 2015
Keywords:
India
Formicinae
New species
Nylanderia
abstract
In this paper, Indian Nylanderia fauna is revised for the first time. Seven species are recognized, of which
Nylanderia himal ayana sp. nov. is described as new. Hitherto undescribed female and male castes of
N. birmana are described for the first time. Photomontage images and comparative diagnosis by workers
are provided. Information on the distribution of Indian Nylanderia is given. A revised key to the workers
of Nylanderia for the Indian region is provided.
Copyright Ó 2015, National Science Museum of Korea (NSMK) and Korea National Arboretum (KNA).
Production and hosting by Elsevier. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Introduction
The Indian Nylanderia fauna has been poorly known since most
species were described in the 19
th
century, outside of a comparative
framework and, apart from treatment by Bingham (1903), the fauna
has been neglected taxonomically. LaPolla et al (2010) elevated the
formerly synonymized ant subgenus Nylanderia to genus rank
based on both morphological and molecular data. Nylanderia in-
cludes many species formerly assigned to Paratrechina (LaPolla et al
2010). It currently includes 108 extant species, 26 subspecies, and
two fossil species, distributed worldwide, but reaches its highest
diversity in the tropics (LaPolla et al 2010; Bolton 2014).
Although, species of the genus Nylanderia are routinely found in
leaf litter, under stones, rotten wood, on the ground, and over
plants, with nests built in all of these places as well as under flakes
of tree bark (Ward 2000; LaPolla et al 2011a, 2011b); the taxonomy
of this genus in India has been in an disorganized state (Bharti and
Wachkoo 2014a; Wachkoo and Bharti 2014a). Recently, Bharti and
Wachkoo (2014a) transferred Nylanderia aseta (Forel 1902)to
Paraparatrechina, while Wachkoo and Bharti (2014a) described the
worker caste of Nylanderia smythiesii (Forel 1894) for the first time
and considered Nylanderia assimilis (Jerdon 1851) a species inquir-
enda to decrease the taxonomic impediment that has gripped In-
dian Nylanderia.
While the majority of regions are awaiting taxonomic revision,
as part of a world monographic series addressing the species-level
taxonomy of the ant genus Nylanderia, the regional revisions
include LaPolla et al (2011b) for Afrotropics; Kallal and LaPolla
(2012) for Nearctic, and Sarnat and Economo (2012) for Fiji. Sig-
nificant taxonomic contributions to this genus from Southeast Asia
include, Forel (1894, 1902); Morisita et al (1991); Wu and Wang
(1995); Terayama (1999, 2009) and Zhou (2001).
Here we present the first species level taxonomic treatment of
the Indian Nylanderia with the hope of correcting some of the
taxonomic neglect that has beset the Indian Formicinae (Bharti and
Wachkoo 2012, 2014b, 2015; Wachkoo and Bharti 2014b, 2015). A
total of seven species are revealed of which N. himalayana sp. nov. is
described as new. Hitherto undescribed sexuals of
N. birmana are
described for the first time. Images, comparative diagnosis by
workers, and information on the distribution of Indian Nylanderia is
given. A revised identification key to the Nylanderia species of India
is also provided.
Material and methods
The specimens were collected through Winkler’s extractor,
pitfall traps, honey bait, beating vegetation, soil core, and hand
*
Corresponding author. Tel.: þ09 419 026340.
E-mail address: aijaz_shoorida@yahoo.co.in (A.A. Wachkoo).
Peer review under responsibility of National Science Museum of Korea (NSMK) and
Korea National Arboretum (KNA).
HOSTED BY
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity
journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/japb
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2015.04.007
2287-884X/Copyright Ó 2015, National Science Museum of Korea (NSMK) and Korea National Arboretum (KNA). Production and hosting by Elsevier. This is an open access
article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120
searching methods. The taxonomic study was conducted on a
Nikon SMZ 1500 stereomicroscope (Nikon Instruments Inc., Mel-
ville, NY, USA). For digital images, an MP evolution digital camera
(Media Cybernetics, Inc., Washington Street, Rockville, MD, USA)
was used on the same microscope with Auto-Montage (Syncro-
scopy, Division of Synoptics, Ltd., Cambridge, UK) software. Sub-
sequently, the images were cleaned with Photoshop CS5 (Adobe
Systems Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). Specimens examined for this study
are deposited in the following institutions: BMNH, Natural History
Museum, London, UK; CASC, California Academy of Sciences, SA,
USA; MHNG, Muséum d’ Histoire Naturelle, Geneva, Switzerland;
PUAC, Punjabi University Ant Collection, Punjab, India; UZMH,
Universitetets Zoologiska Museum, Helsinki, Finland.
Morphological terminology for measurements (given in mm)
and indices include: HL (head length), maximum length of head in
full-face view, measured in a straight line from the anterior most
point of the median clypeal margin to a line drawn across the
posterior margin from its highest points (to accommodate species
where the posterior margin is concave); HW (head width),
maximum width of head in full-face view; EL (eye length),
maximum length of the eye as measured normally in oblique view
of the head to show full surface of eye; SL (scape length), maximum
length of the scape excluding the basal neck and condyle; PW
(pronotal width), maximum width of the pronotum in dorsal view;
WL (Weber’s length), in lateral view, the distance from the poste-
riormost border of the metapleural lobe to the anteriormost border
of the pronotum, excluding the anterior cervical flange; PrFL
(profemur length), maximum length of the profemur from its
margin with the trochanter to its margin with the tibia; PrFW
(profemur width), maximum width of the profemur; SMC (scape
macrosetal count), the number of erect macrosetae on the scape.
Scape macrosetae can be difficult to count and the scape may need
to be rotated to get an accurate count. This count does not include
the terminal cluster of setae often found around the joint of the
scape and the funiculus; PMC (pronotal macrosetal count), the
number of erect macrosetae on the pronotum to one side of the
sagittal plane; MMC (mesonotal macrosetal count), the number of
erect macrosetae on the mesonotum to one side of the sagittal
plane; CI (Cephalic index), HW/HL 100; SI (Scape index), SL/
HW 100; and REL (Relative Eye Length Index), EL/HL 100.
The lateral cephalic margin used in descriptions is the
maximum length of the head in lateral view, measured in a straight
line from the mandibular articulation to the posterior margin.
Systematic accounts
Order Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae
Genus Nylanderia Emery, 1906
Type species: Formica vividula Nylander, 1846
Worker diagnosis. Mandible with six teeth; maxillary palps 6-
segmented; labial palps 4-segmented; erect macrosetae on the
dorsum of the head randomly placed; typically with abundant erect
macrosetae on the head, scapes, legs, and dorsum of mesosoma.
Eyes typically well developed and placed midlength and laterally
on the head. Dorsal mesosomal macrosetae arranged loosely in
pairs; propodeum lacking erect setae; propodeum with a low- to
high-domed dorsal face; generally overall mesosoma shape
compact (LaPolla et al 2010, 2011a). The diagnoses provided apply
only for identifying Nylanderia in India.
Distribution. Worldwide in distribution but the genus reaches its
highest diversity in the tropics, but in many temperate areas
Nylanderia form important components of the fauna (Ward 2000).
Key to Indian species of Nylanderia (workers)
(1) Dorsal face of propodeum distinctly rounded, about the same
length as declivitous face; in lateral view, propodeum on the
same plane to remainder of dorsum, dorsally dome-like ---2
- Dorsal face of propodeum shorter than declivitous face; in
lateral view, propodeum lower than remainder of dorsum,
dorsally angular or gently rounded --------------------------5
(2) Entire body unicolorous dark brown to black ---------------3
- Body color variable with various shades of brown----------4
(3) Head and mesosomal dorsum covered with a dense network
of microreticulate sculpture -------- N. birmana (
Forel, 1902)
- Head and mesosomal dorsum not microreticulate, either
smooth or covered with fine punctulae ----------------------
------------------------------------- N. bourbonica (Forel, 1886)
(4) Gastral dorsum without a layer of pubescence underneath
erect macrosetae -------------------N. smythiesii (Forel, 1894)
- Gastral dorsum with a layer of pubescence underneath erect
macrosetae--------------------------- N. yerburyi (Forel, 1894)
(5) Dark brown color overall, covered by a dense layer of pubes-
cence concealing cuticular sculpture --N. himalayana sp. nov.
- Lighter yellow brown color overall, covered by a relatively
thin layer of pubescence not concealing cuticular sculpture
------------------------------------------------------------------6
(6) Head subquadrate; compound eye small, taking 1/4
th
the
length of lateral cephalic margin------ N. indica (Forel, 1894)
- Head oval; compound eye large, taking 1/3
rd
the length of
lateral cephalic margin---------------- N. taylori (Forel, 1894)
Nylanderia birmana (Forel, 1902)
(Figures 1e3)
Prenolepis birmana Forel, 1902:291
Burma. Combination in
Paratrechina (Nylanderia): Emery 1925:219;LaPolla et al., 2010:
127.
Diagnosis. The workers of this species can be immediately
recognized from other Southeast Asian congeners by the presence
of a microreticulate sculpture on head and mesosoma.
Worker measurements: HL 0.67e0.81 mm; HW 0.53e0.65 mm;
EL 0.16e0.20 mm; SL 0.81e0.95 mm; PW 0.41e0.48 mm; PrFL
0.67e0.77 mm; PrFW 0.16e0.18 mm; WL 0.86e1.01 mm. Indices: CI
78.01e81.44; SI 140.35e154.16; REL 23.61e24.66 (n ¼ 20).
Head is subrectangular; distinctly longer than wide, equally
wide anteriorly and posteriorly, lateral margins gently convex,
posterior margin shallowly concave to convex with rounded
posterolateral corners. Clypeus subcarinate in the middle; ante-
rior clypeal margin feebly concave to convex. Eyes moderately
large, oval, convex, covering approximately three-tenths of
lateral cephalic margin; three small ocelli present. Antennae
long, scape surpasses posterior margin by more than two-fifths
their length.
Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view in-
terrupts the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum;
metanotal area distinct. Dorsal face of propodeum distinctly
rounded, about the same length as declivitous face; in lateral view,
its highest part on the same plane to remainder of dorsum,
dorsally d ome-like. In lateral view, peti ole triangular, inclined
forward, with pos terior face longer than anterior fa ce; dorsum
rounded.
Cuticle mostly dull to feebly shiny and finely microreticulate;
reticulations more pronounced on head followed by mesosoma and
gaster; propodeum relatively smooth and shiny; petiole smooth
and shiny; pubescence absent on head, very sparse on mesosoma
and relatively denser on gaster; scape with erect macrosetae and
abundant pubescence (SMC ¼ 30e40); pronotum and mesonotum
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120106
with scattered, erect macrosetae of varying lengths (PMC ¼ 2e4;
MMC ¼ 2e4).
Body color is blackish brown to black, antennae and legs brown;
procoxae brown, mesocoxae and metacoxae yellowish brown; tarsi
yellowish.
Queen measurements: HL 0.95 mm; HW 0.90 mm; EL 0.30 mm;
SL 1.07 mm; PrFL 0.98 mm; PrFW 0.25 mm; WL 1.54 mm. Indices: CI
94.74; SI 118.89; REL 31.39 (n ¼ 1).
Generally, matches worker description, with modifications ex-
pected for caste and the following differences: head subtriangular
Figure 1. Worker; Nylanderia birmana (Forel, 1902): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
Figure 2. Queen; Nylanderia birmana (Forel, 1902): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 107
with concave posterior margin; anterior clypeal margin nearly
straight; petiole concave above; coloration pattern similar to adult
workers; body covered with a more dense pubescence than in
workers; overall microreticulate sculpture feebler than in workers
(SMC 40 ¼ 45; PMC ¼ 6; MMC ¼ 51).
Male measurements: HL 0.59e0.67 mm; HW 0.48e0.58 mm; EL
0.23e0.25 mm; SL 0.77e0.85 mm; PrFL 0.67e0.74 mm; PrFW 0.15e
0.17 mm; and WL 0.87e0.95 mm. Indices: CI 81.48e89.28; SI
145.28e159.09; and REL 37.70e41.07 (n ¼ 3).
Head oval; longer than wide; eyes large, subglobulose, slightly
projecting beyond head outline in full-face view; three prominent
ocelli present. Antennae filiform, scapes long, surpass posterior
margin by about half their length. Mandibles slender with promi-
nent, pointed apical and small preapical tooth, remainder of
masticatory margin smooth, with indistinct, rounded basal angle
that seamlessly blends into inner mandibular margin.
Mesosoma modified for the presence of a wing; in lateral view
scutum and scutellum flat; propodeum indistinct, not higher than
remainder of notum with very short dorsal face and long declivi-
tous face; petiole as in worker.
Genitalia: Parameres triangular, turning slightly inward toward
midline of body posteriorly; long setae extending off of parameres.
Cuspi small, indistinct dorsally; digiti smooth, as long as para-
meres; strongly curved toward parameres. Penis valves projecting
but not extending parameres.
Sculpture very much reduced than in worker caste; body mostly
smooth and shiny at most with fine punctations; scutum micro-
reticulate. Vestiture and color as in worker caste, but head sparsely
pubescent (SMC 25 ¼ 30; PMC ¼ 0; MMC ¼ 25e28).
Material examined. Syntype
from Burma (CASENT0911000) in
MHNG. Other materials. 25
,1\,2_, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh,
India (1200 m, 32.1109
N 76.5430
E), 18 vi 2010 (leg. AA Wachkoo);
41
,2_, FRI, Uttarakhand, India (640 m, 30.3416
N 77.9903
E), 30
ix 2008 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 37
, FRI, Uttarakhand, India (640 m,
30.3416
N 77.9903
E), 1 x 2008 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 44 , Selaqui,
Uttarakhand, India (670m, 30.3720
N 77.8605
E) 3 x 2008 (leg. AA
Wachkoo).
Distribution. India, Myanmar.
Remarks. This species is infrequent in collections and seems to
be restricted to the Himalayas. It was encountered underneath a
stone along a roadside at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, and was
collected on honey bait in subtropical, semi-evergreen forests of
Uttarakhand. This species is also distributed in Myanmar (Forel
1902; Bingham 1903).
Nylanderia bourbonica (Forel, 1886)
(Figures 4e6)
Prenolepis nodifera r. bourbonica Forel, 1886:210
,\,_ Reunion I.
Combination in Pr. (Nylanderia): Forel, 1912:73;Emery, 1925:
219; Wheeler, 1936:16;Trager, 1984:147;LaPolla et al., 2010:
127. Raised to species: Forel, 1891: 82. Senior synonym of ben-
galensis, hawaiensis, skottsbergi: Wilson and Taylor, 1967: 88.
Diagnosis. Propodeum is on the same plane to remainder of
dorsum and unicolorous dark body resembles those of N. birmana,
but N. bourbonica can be easily distinguished by smooth or fine
punctulae on head and mesosomal dorsum whilst in N. birmana
head and mesosomal dorsum are covered with a dense network of
microreticulate sculpture.
Worker measurements: TL 2.11e3.04 mm; HL 0.58e0.83 mm;
HW 0.50e0.74 mm; EL 0.15e0.23 mm; SL 0.62e0.97 mm; PW
0.35e0.53 mm; PrFL 0.51e0.79 mm; PrFW 0.16e0.20 mm; WL
0.69e1.08 mm; GL 0.83e1.14 mm. Indices: CI 87.03e89.84; SI
123.11e135.38; REL 26.42e28.00 (n ¼ 20).
Head is subquadrate; slightly longer than wide, distinctly wider
posteriorly than in front, lateral margins convex, posterior margin
shallowly concave to convex with rounded posterolateral corners.
Clypeus carinate in the middle; anterior clypeal margin, medially
nearly straight to strongly concave. Eyes large, broadly rounded
and weakly convex; covering approximately one-third of lateral
Figure 3. Male; Nylanderia birmana (Forel, 1902): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120108
Figure 4. Worker; Nylanderia bourbonica (Forel, 1886): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
Figure 5. Queen; Nylanderia bourbonica ( Forel, 1886): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 109
cephalic margin; three ocelli present. Antennae long, scape sur-
passes posterior margin by about two-fifths their length.
Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view interrupts
the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum; metanotal
area distinct. Dorsal face of propodeum rounded, about the same
length as declivitous face; in lateral view, its highest part on the
same plane to remainder of dorsum, dorsally dome-like. Petiole low
and transverse, subtriangular in lateral view, inclined forward, with
posterior face longer than anterior face.
Cuticle smooth and shining covered with fine punctulae. Body
covered with fine pubescence, which is lacking on propodeal de-
clivity and petiole. Scape with scattered erect macrosetae and a
dense layer of pubescence (SMC ¼ 45e60). Mesosoma with erect
macrosetae of varying lengths concentrated on posterior pronotum
and mesonotum (PMC ¼ 8e12; MMC ¼ 3e6).
Body is brown to black.
Queen measurements: HL 0.69e0.71 mm; HW 0.68e0.72 mm;
EL 0.21e0.22 mm; SL 0.67e0.68 mm; PrFL 0.61e0.63 mm; PrFW
0.18e0.20 mm; WL 1.42e1.47 mm. Indices: CI 98.55e101.41; SI
94.44e98.53; REL 30.43e30.99 (n ¼ 2).
Generally, matches worker description, with modifications ex-
pected for caste and the following differences: head subtriangular
with feebly concave posterior margin; anterior clypeal margin
strongly concave; petiole concave above; coloration pattern similar
to adult workers; body covered with much dense pubescence than
in workers (SMC 50 ¼ 65; PMC ¼ 4e6; MMC ¼ 45e54).
Male measurements: HL 0.59e0.62 mm; HW 0.48e0.51 mm; EL
0.23e0.25 mm; SL 0.75e0.78 mm; PrFL 0.65e0.69 mm; PrFW 0.14e
0.16 mm; WL 0.86e0.91 mm. Indices: CI 81.36e 82.26; SI 152.94e
156.25; REL 38.98e40.32 (
n ¼ 3).
Head is oval; longer than wide; eyes large, subglobulose, pro-
jecting beyond head outline in full-face view; three prominent
ocelli present. Antennae filiform, scapes long, surpass posterior
margin by about half their length. Mandibles slender with promi-
nent, pointed apical and small preapical tooth, remainder of
masticatory margin smooth, with indistinct, rounded basal angle
that seamlessly blends into inner mandibular margin.
Mesosoma modified for the presence of wing; propodeum
indistinct, lower than remainder of notum with very short dorsal
face and long declivitous face; petiole as in worker.
Genitalia: Parameres strongly emarginate with apical and
ventral margins produced as finger like projections; long setae
extending off of parameres. Cuspi rounded distally with many short
peg-like teeth; digiti weakly paddle-shaped, about double the
length of the digiti; penis valves projecting past parameres with
apices of each penisvalva directed posterolaterally.
Sculpture very much reduced than in worker caste; body mostly
smooth and shiny at most with fine punctations. Vestiture and
color as in worker caste (SMC 22 ¼ 28; PMC ¼ 0; MMC ¼ 27e32).
Material examined. Syntype
from West Bengal, India
(CASENT0910997) in MHNG. Other materials. 5
, Gundlupet, Kar-
nataka, India (800 m, 11.8044
N 76.6923
E) 12 x 2010 (leg. SA
Akbar); 8
, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India (1500 m, 9.4625
N
77.2352
E), 12 x 2012 (leg. SA Akbar); 7 , Trivandrum, Kerala, India
(36 m, 8.5374
N 76.9985
E), 20 ix 2010 (leg. SA Akbar); 15 ,2\,3_,
Meghamalai, Tamil Nadu, India (1400 m, 9.7136
N 77.3833
E), 11 iii
2002 (leg. H Bharti); 17
, Nicco Park, West Bengal, India (7 m,
22.5713
N 88.4213
E), 13 iii 2012 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 9 , Royal
Botanical Garden, West Bengal, India (15 m, 22.5567
N 88.3041
E),
14 iii 2012 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 6
, Alipore zoological garden, West
Bengal, India (12 m, 22.5365
N 88.3320
E), 14 iii 2012 (leg. AA
Wachkoo).
Distribution. India, Chagos, Easter Island, Hawaii, Mauritius,
Reunion Island, and Seychelles Islands.
Remarks. This is a tramp species commonly encountered in the
tropics and subtropics and has spread across large areas by human
commerce, and is associated with human disturbance (Klotz et al
1995; Wilson and Taylor 1967; Wetterer 1998). It is commonly
found in most parts of India, however, it was not found in North-
west Himalaya. The workers were collected in leaf litter, rotting
Figure 6. Male; Nylanderia bourbonica (Forel, 1886): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dors al view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120110
wood, underneath stones, on walls of buildings and other
establishments.
Nylanderia himalayana sp. nov. LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.
org:act:B3A3706C-FAE8-46C1-B133-4BAC16E09A19
(Figure 7)
Types. Holotype:
, Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, India (1360 m,
31.6345
N 76.8343
E), 30 vi 2010, hand collecting (leg. AA Wach-
koo) (PUAC). Paratypes: 4
, same data as holotype (PUAC, CASC).
Diagnosis. The uniform dark body color and a layer of pubes-
cence resemble those of N. bourbonica, but N. himalayana can be
easily distinguished by propodeum lower than remainder of
dorsum in lateral view with dorsal face of propodeum shorter than
declivitous face whilst in N. bourbonica propodeum is on the same
plane to remainder of dorsum with dorsal face of propodeum about
the same length as declivitous face. N. himalayana is characterized
by a thick layer of pubescence hiding the sculpture of the body,
whilst in N. bourbonica pubescence is relatively thin and does not
hide the sculpture. In N. himalayana scape surpasses posterior
margin by one-third their length and eyes distinctly occupy less
than one-third of lateral cephalic margin whilst, in N. bourbonica
scape surpasses posterior margin by two-fifths their length and
eyes occupy one-third lateral cephalic margins.
Worker measurements: HL 0.66e0.74 mm; HW 0.58e0.66 mm;
EL 0.16e0.18 mm; SL 0.66e0.73 mm; PW 0.43e0.48 mm; PrFL
0.55e0.63 mm; PrFW 0.15e0.18 mm; WL 0.77e0.87 mm. Indices:
CI 88.33e92.31; SI 108.33e114.23; REL 23.88e25.00 (n ¼ 5).
Head is subquadrate; slightly longer than wide, narrowed
anteriorly, lateral margins strongly convex, posterior margin almost
straight to convex with rounded posterolateral corners. Clypeus
carinate in the middle; anterior clypeal margin weakly concave in
middle. Eyes round, flattened to weakly convex, moderately large,
covering approximately three-tenths of lateral cephalic margin;
three small ocelli present. Antennae relatively shorter, scape sur-
passes posterior margin by about one-third their length.
Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view interrupts
the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum; metanotal
area long. Dorsal face of propodeum shorter than declivitous face;
in lateral view, propodeum lower than remainder of dorsum;
dorsally gently rounded, declivity steep. Petiole low triangular, in-
clined forward with posterior face longer than anterior face,
dorsum rounded.
Overall cuticle dull and opaque covered with fine punctulae.
Body covered by a dense layer of pubescence hiding sculpture,
giving a pruinose appearance to the head and gaster, less so to the
mesosoma; mesopleuron and propodeum smooth and shining.
Macrosetae shorter on head, posterior to eyes and gaster, longer on
anterior of head. Scape with scattered erect macrosetae and a dense
layer of pubescence (SMC ¼ 10e15). Pronotum and mesonotum
with scattered erect to suberect macrosetae (PMC ¼ 3e5;
MMC ¼ 2e4).
Body is uniformly dark brown.
The queen and male castes are currently unknown for this
species.
Distribution. India (endemic).
Remarks. This species collected in the Shivalik range of North-
west Himalaya seems to be rare and was collected underneath a
stone from a nonforested region along the edge of the Rewalsar
Lake.
Etymology. The species is named after the collection area,
Himalaya.
Figure 7. Worker; Nylanderia himalayana sp. nov.: A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 111
Nylanderia indica (Forel, 1894)
(Figures 8e10)
Prenolepis indica F or el, 1 894 : 409 Figure 4 as in taxonomic history of
other species
,\,_ India. Imai et al., 1984: 9 (k.). Combination in
Paratrechina (Nylanderia): Emery 1925:220;LaPolla et al.,20 10:127.
Diagnosis. N. indica is similar to N. taylori (Forel,1894), but can be
separated from the latter by small eyes occupying only one-fourth
of the lateral cephalic margin and subquadrate head whilst eyes are
large, covering one-third of the lateral cephalic margin in N. taylori
with oval head.
Worker measurements: HL 0.52e0.72 mm; HW 0.43e0.63 mm;
EL 0.13e0.17 mm; SL 0.53e0.81 mm; PW 0.35e0.48 mm; PrFL
0.51e0.66 mm; PrFW 0.13e0.18 mm; WL 0.56e0.90 mm. Indices: CI
82.98e87.69; SI 123.08e133.34; REL 21.43e24.07 (n ¼ 20).
Head is subquadrate; longer than wide, equally wide anteriorly
and posteriorly, lateral margins gently convex, posterior margin
shallowly concave to weakly convex with rounded posterolateral
corners. Clypeus carinate; anterior clypeal margin medially
concave. Eyes small, oval, weakly convex; covering one-fourth of
lateral cephalic margin; three small ocelli present. Antennae long,
scape surpasses posterior margin by about two-fifth their length.
Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view interrupts
the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum; metanotal
area distinct. Dorsal face of propodeum much shorter than decliv-
itous face, in lateral view, propodeum lower than remainder of
dorsum, dorsally angular to gently rounded. Petiole low, triangular
in lateral view, inclined forward, with posterior face longer than
anterior face; dorsum rounded.
Cuticle feebly shining covered with fine pubescence. Scape with
scattered erect macrosetae and a dense layer of pubescence
(SMC ¼ 35e50). Erect macrosetae of varying length abundant on
head and gaster, relatively sparse on pro-mesonotum. Pronotum
and mesonotum with scattered erect macrosetae of varying lengths
(PMC ¼ 5e8; MMC ¼ 2e5).
Body is yellowish brown to reddish brown with antennae and
legs usually a shade lighter.
Queen measurements: HL 0.82e0.83 mm; HW 0.75e0.79 mm;
EL 0.29
e0.31 mm; SL 0.92e0.93 mm; PrFL 0.81e0.83 mm; PrFW
0.21e0.23 v; WL 1.37e1.38 mm. Indices: CI 91.27e96.00; SI 117.36e
123.53; REL 37.33e37.58 (n ¼ 8).
Generally, matches worker description, with modifications ex-
pected for caste and the following differences: head subtriangular
with shallowly concave posterior margin; anterior clypeal margin
nearly straight to shallowly concave; petiole concave above; color
brown with antennae and legs usually a shade lighter; body
covered with much dense pubescence than in workers (SMC ¼ 44e
62; PMC ¼ 7e11; MMC ¼ 48e62).
Male measurements: HL 0.60e 0.62 mm; HW 0.51e0.56 mm; EL
0.25e0.26 mm; SL 0.67e0.72 mm; PrFL 0.61e0.66 mm; PrFW 0.17e
0.18 mm; WL 0.86e0.91 mm. Indices: CI 83.64e91.07; SI 127.45e
132.61; REL 40.18e41.87 (n ¼ 8).
Head is subquadrate; longer than wide; eyes large, convex,
slightly projecting beyond head outline in full-face view; three
prominent ocelli present. Antennae filiform, scapes long, surpass
posterior margin by about half their length. Mandibles slender with
prominent, pointed apical and small preapical tooth, remainder of
masticatory margin smooth, with indistinct, rounded basal angle
that seamlessly blends into inner mandibular margin.
Mesosoma modified for presence of a wing; in lateral view
scutum and scutellum flat; propodeum indistinct, not higher than
remainder of notum with very short dorsal face and long declivi-
tous face; petiole as in worker.
Genitalia: Parameres broadly rounded at apices curving
dorsally; apical margin large finger like projection; ventral margin
small triangular; long setae extending off of parameres. Cuspi bent
toward digiti, long and tubular reaching digiti dorsally with short
peg-like teeth; digiti weakly paddle-shaped; covered with short
peg-like teeth. Penis valves projecting but not extending
parameres.
Figure 8. Worker; Nylanderia indica (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120112
Color is yellowish-brown with darker gaster; sculpture and
vestiture as in worker caste (SMC ¼ 18e22; PMC ¼ 0; MMC ¼ 18e
23).
Material examined. Syntype
from Pune, India
(CASENT0911008) in MHNG. Other materials. 9
, Dakpathar,
Himachal Pradesh, India (750 m, 30.5164
N 77.7848
E), 20 viii 2009
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 13
,3_, Lwasa, Himachal Pradesh, India
(1200 m, 30.7394
N 77.1528
E) 27 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 5 ,
Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, India (760 m, 30.5596
N 77.2960
E), 27
ix 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 5
, Terrace, Himachal Pradesh, India
Figure 9. Queen; Nylanderia indica (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
Figure 10. Male; Nylanderia indica (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 113
(420 m, 31.9234
N 75.9294
E), 24 ix 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 10 ,
5\, Rajaji Forest Area, Uttarakhand, India (660 m, 30.2483
N
77.9878
E), 5 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 9 , Selaqui, Uttarak-
hand, India (670 m, 30.3720
N 77.8605
E) 9 viii 2009 (leg. AA
Wachkoo).
Compared material. Nylanderia vividula (Nylander, 1846), Lecto-
type _ (CASENT0102536), Paralectotype \ (CASENT0102537),
Paralectotype
(CASENT0102538; CASENT0102539) from Poland
in UZMH.
Distribution. India (endemic).
Remarks. This species seems to be generally distributed in India.
It has been reported through most parts of India and Sri Lanka
(Forel 1894; Bingham 1903). The workers were collected in leaf
litter, rotting wood, and underneath stones.
Nylanderia smythiesii (Forel, 1894)
(Figures 11e13)
Prenolepis smythiesii Forel, 1894:410,Figure 5 \,_ India. Combina-
tion in Paratrechina (Nylanderia): Emery, 1925: 220; LaPolla
et al., 2010:127,Wachkoo & Bharti, 2014a:6
.
Diagnosis. The worker caste of this species can be easily distin-
guished from other Southeast Asian congeners by the combination
of characters: bicolored body with oval shape of head, and smooth
and shiny cuticle without any pubescence.
Worker measurements: HL 0.60e 0.68 mm; HW 0.47e0.56 mm;
EL 0.14e0.19 mm; SL 0.70e 0.77 mm; PW 0.37e0.43 mm; PrFL
0.56e0.64 mm; PrFW 0.13e0.17 mm; WL 0.73e0.88 mm. Indices:
CI 77.68e82.26; SI 137.25e151.16; REL 23.64e27.42 (n ¼ 20).
Head is broadly oval; distinctly longer than wide, slightly wider
posteriorly, lateral margins strongly convex, posterior margin
shallowly concave to gently convex with rounded posterolateral
corners. Clypeus subcarinate in the middle; anterior clypeal margin
weakly concave. Eyes oval, weakly convex, large, covering one-third
of lateral cephalic margin; three small ocelli present. Antennae long,
scape surpasses the posterior margin by two-fifth their length.
Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view interrupts
the regular pro-mesonotal convexity from propodeum; metanotal
area long. Dorsal face of propodeum rounded, about the same
length as declivitous face; in lateral view, its highest part on the
same plane to remainder of dorsum, dorsally dome-like. In lateral
view, petiole triangular with dorsum of the petiole well below the
dorsum of propodeum, rounded above with posterior face much
longer than anterior face.
Overall cuticle very smooth and shiny. Pubescence on body very
sparse; almost entirely absent. Scape with scattered erect macro-
setae and a dense layer of pubescence (SMC ¼ 40e55). Erect
macrosetae of varying length cover head, pronotum, mesonotum
and gaster. Macrosetae very densely spaced on head and gaster.
Pronotum and mesonotum with scattered erect macrosetae of
varying lengths (PMC ¼ 3e5; MMC ¼ 2e4).
Head is brown; gaster brown to black; mesosoma, antennae, and
legs yellowish brown.
Queen measurements: HL 0.84 mm; HW 0.80 mm; EL 0.30 mm;
SL 0.93 mm; PrFL 0.82 mm; PrFW 0.23 mm; WL 0.88 mm. Indices:
CI 95.59; SI 115.82; REL 35.71 (n ¼ 1).
Generally matches worker description, with modifications ex-
pected for caste and the following differences: body covered with
dense pubescent and fine punctulae; head subtriangular, posterior
margin concave; petiole with flat dorsum; head yellow brown,
gaster brown, a shade lighter than in workers (SMC 47 ¼ 50;
PMC ¼ 13; MMC ¼ 34).
Figure 11. Worker; Nylanderia smythiesii (Forel, 1894 ): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120114
Figure 12. Queen; Nylanderia smythiesii (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
Figure 13. Male; Nylanderia smythiesii (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 115
Male measurements: HL 0.52e0.55 mm; HW 0.42e0.46 mm; EL
0.22e0.24 mm; SL 0.66e0.72 mm; PrFL 0.56e0.62 mm; PrFW 0.13e
0.15 mm; WL 0.75e0.85 mm. Indices: CI 80.00e85.42; SI 146.34e
157.89; REL 41.67e44.44 (n ¼ 8).
Head is broadly oval; longer than wide; eyes large, subglobulose,
slightly projecting beyond head outline in full-face view; three
prominent ocelli present. Antennae filiform, scapes long, surpass
posterior margin by about half their length. Mandibles slender,
curved strap like with prominent, pointed apical and a small pre-
apical tooth, remainder of masticatory margin smooth, without any
teeth or denticles. Basal angle rounded, indistinct and seamlessly
blends into inner mandibular margin.
Mesosoma enlarged to accommodate flight muscles; in lateral
view scutum and scutellum flat; propodeum indistinct, lower than
remainder of notum with very short dorsal face and long declivi-
tous face; petiole as in worker.
Genitalia: Parameres paddle-shaped, rounded apically, turning
strongly inward toward midline of body posteriorly, as long as
digiti; long setae extending off of parameres. Cuspi long and tubular
reaching digiti dorsally; bent toward digiti; digiti weakly anvil-
shaped; directed upward and covered with short peg-like teeth;
digiti visible in lateral view; penis valves projecting barely past
parameres.
Sculpture, vestiture and color as in worker caste (SMC ¼ 16e21;
PMC ¼ 0; MMC ¼ 17e22).
Material examined. Syntype \ from Dehradun, India
(CASENT0911010) in MHNG. Other materials. 13
, Andretta, Hima-
chal Pradesh, India (940 m, 32.0744
N 76.5856
E), 21 vi 2010 (leg.
AA Wachkoo); 110
, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India (1125 m,
32.0527
N 76.6500
E), 17 vi 2010 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 1 , Bakhra,
Himachal Pradesh, India (650 m, 31.4087
N 76.4327
E), 7 x 2008
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 99
, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India (520 m,
31.3423
N 76.7616
E), 1 vii 2010 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 204 , Chanaur,
Himachal Pradesh, India (600 m, 31.9067
N 76.1428
E) 20 x 2008
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 1
, Chohal, Himachal Pradesh, India (450 m,
31.6666
N 76.0666
E), 8 x 2008 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 11 , Dakpathar,
Himachal Pradesh, India (750 m, 30.5164
N 77.7848
E), 20 viii 2009
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 19
, Kotla, Himachal Pradesh, India (500 m,
31.8821
N 75.9963
E), 30 ix 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo), 9 , Kotla,
Himachal Pradesh, India (500 m, 31.8821
N 75.9963
E), 13 vii 2010
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 20
, Lwasa, Himachal Pradesh, India (1200 m,
30.7394
N 77.1528
E), 27 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 6 , Nagabari,
Himachal Pradesh, India (420 m, 32.3004
N 75.8901
E), 18 vi 2009
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 3
, Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, India (760 m,
30.5596
N 77.2960
E), 27 ix 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 216 , Poanta
Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, India (420 m, 30.4384
N 77.6239
E), 9 v
2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 171
, Poanta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh,
India (420 m, 30.4384
N 77.6239
E),19 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo);
8
, Renuka, Himachal Pradesh, India (600 m, 30.6083
N 77.4615
E),
26 viii 2009 (leg. AAWachkoo); 5
, Terrace, Himachal Pradesh, India
(420 m, 31.9234
N 75.9294
E), 13 vi 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo), 2 ,
Terrace, Himachal Pradesh, India (420 m, 31.9234
N 75.9294
E), 24
ix 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo), 4
, Terrace, Himachal Pradesh, India
(420 m, 31.9234
N 75.9294
E), 19 vii 2010 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 3 ,
Mansar, Jammu & Kashmir, India (690m, 32.6979
N 75.1489
E), 13
vii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 12
, Surinsar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
(700 m, 32.7009
N 75.1512
E),14 vii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 204 ,
Assan Barrage, Uttarakhand, India (750 m, 30.4417
N 77.6754
E), 3
vi 2010 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 12
, FRI, Uttarakhand, India (640 m,
30.3416
N 77.9903
E), 30 ix 2008 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 1 , FRI,
Uttarakhand, India (640 m, 30.3416
N 77.9903
E), 2 x 2008 (leg. AA
Wachkoo), 16
, FRI, Uttarakhand, India (640 m, 30.3416
N
77.9903
E), 31 vii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 5 ,1\,9_, Rajaji Forest
Area, Uttarakhand, India (660 m, 30.2483
N 77.9878
E), 5 viii 2009
(leg. AA Wachkoo), 21
, Rajaji Forest Area, Uttarakhand, India
(660 m, 30.2483
N 77.9878
E), 11 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo), 18 ,
Rajaji Forest Area, Uttarakhand, India (660 m, 30.2483
N 77.9878
E),
7 ix 2010 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 7
, Selaqui, Uttarakhand, India (670 m,
30.3720
N 77.8605
E), 8 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo).
Compared material. Nylanderia flavipes (Smith, 1874), Lectotype
from Hyogo, Japan (CASENT0903130) in BMNH.
Distribution. India (endemic).
Remarks. This species is generally in distribution in low altitude
areas of Northwest India. Nests can be found easily underneath
stones and leaf litter whilst foraging workers are fairly frequent on
trees and fallen trunks (Wachkoo and Bharti 2014a).
Nylanderia taylori (Forel, 1894)
(Figures 14e15)
Prenolepis taylori Forel,1894:410,Figure 2
,\,_ India. Combination
in Pr. (Nylanderia): Forel, 1913: 438; Emery, 1925: 220; LaPolla
et al., 2010:127
Diagnosis. N. taylori resembles most to Indonesian Nylanderia
kraepelini (Forel, 1905), but can be easily separated from latter by
larger eyes (facets > 50) and darker brown body whilst
N. kraepelini is characterized by small eyes (facets < 25) and pale
brown body.
Worker measurements: HL 0.55e0.63 mm; HW 0.46e0.53 mm;
EL 0.15e0.17 mm; SL 0.52e0.61 mm; PW 0.32e0.40 mm; PrFL
0.40e0.50 mm; PrFW 0.12e0.16 mm; WL 0.63e0.72 mm. Indices:
CI 80.00e84.00; SI 111.90e120.45; REL 26.31e28.00 (n ¼ 15).
Head is mostly oval; distinctly longer than wide, lateral margins
strongly convex, posterior margin concave to convex with rounded
posterolateral corners. Clypeus subcarinate in the middle; anterior
clypeal margin shallowly concave. Eyes oval, weakly convex, large,
covering one-third of lateral cephalic margin; three small ocelli
present. Antennae relatively shorter, scape surpasses the posterior
margin by not more than one-third their length.
Metanotal groove relatively weakly developed, in lateral view
interrupts the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum;
metanotal area short. Dorsal face of propodeum much shorter than
declivitous face; in lateral view, propodeum lower than remainder
of dorsum, dorsally angular; declivity steep. Petiole low, inclined
forward with rounded dorsum.
Overall cuticle dull and opaque covered with fine punctulae;
clypeus and mesosoma relatively shining. Body covered with dense
pubescence on the head and gaster, less so on the mesosoma. Scape
with erect macrosetae and abundant appressed to decumbent pu-
bescence (SMC ¼ 30e45). Mesosoma with erect macrosetae of
varying lengths (PMC ¼ 3e6; MMC ¼ 2e4).
Head and gaster are brown; mesosoma varies from yellow to
brown; antennae and legs yellow to yellowish brown.
Queen measurements: HL 0.73e0.74 mm; HW 0.69
e0.72 mm;
EL 0.24e0.25 mm; SL 0.72e0.74 mm; PrFL 0.65e0.68 mm; PrFW
0.20e0.21 mm; WL 1.20e1.30 mm. Indices: CI 94.31e97.01; SI
102.94e103.53; REL 32.84e33.15 (n ¼ 2).
Generally matches worker description, with modifications ex-
pected for caste and the following differences: head subquadrate
with concave posterior margin; petiole concave above; coloration
pattern lighter than in workers with yellow brown head, mesosoma
and antennae; legs yellow; gaster brown (SMC 60 ¼ 65; PMC ¼ 9e
11; MMC ¼ 47e54).
Male caste for this species not examined.
Material examined. Syntype
from Orissa, India
(CASENT0911011) in MHNG, Geneva, Switzerland. Other materials.
4
, Dakpathar, Himachal Pradesh, India (750 m, 30.5164
N
77.7848
E), 20 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 1 , Lwasa, Himachal
Pradesh, India (1200 m, 30.7394
N 77.1528
E), 27 viii 2009 (leg. AA
Wachkoo); 6
,3\, Kushinagar, Himachal Pradesh, India (760 m,
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120116
32.3010
N 75.8913
E), 17 vi 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 3 ,Rajaji
Forest Area, Uttarakhand, India (660 m, 30.2483
N 77.9878
E), 5
viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo); 1 , Selaqui, Uttarakhand, India (670 m,
30.3720
N 77.8605
E), 9 viii 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo).
Compared material. Nylanderia flavipes (Smith, 1874), Lectotype
from Hyogo, Japan (CASENT0903130) in BMNH.
Distribution. India (endemic).
Remarks. This species is widespread in India. It has been re-
ported through most parts of India and Sri Lanka (Forel 1894;
Bingham 1903). The workers were collected in leaf litter, rotting
wood and underneath stones.
Nylanderia yerburyi (Forel, 1894)
(Figures 16e18)
Figure 14. Worker; Nylanderia taylori (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
Figure 15. Queen; Nylanderia taylori (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view; B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 117
Prenolepis yerburyi Forel, 1894: 409, Figure 1 ,\,_ Sri Lanka.
Combination in Pr. (Nylanderia): Viehmeyer, 1916:147;Wheeler,
1921:112;LaPolla et al., 2010:127.
Diagnosis . Bicolored body of N. yerburyi resembles most to
N. taylori and N. indica but can be distinguished from the latter
by distinctly rounded dorsal face of propodeum, about the
same lengt h as declivitous face whilst in latter dorsal face of
propodeum is dorsally angular much shorter than declivitous
face.
Worker measurements: HL 0.65e0.75 mm; HW 0.55e0.66 mm;
EL 0.19e0.22 mm; SL 0.75e0.85 mm; PW 0.42e0.45 mm; PrFL
Figure 16. Worker; Nylanderia yerburyi (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
Figure 17. Queen; Nylanderia yerburyi (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120118
0.58e0.65 mm; PrFW 0.16e0.18 mm; WL 0.80e 0.99 mm. Indices:
CI 82.81e88.24; SI 128.79e137.74; REL 28.12e29.41 (n ¼ 20).
Head is subquadrate; longer than wide, narrowed anteriorly,
lateral margins strongly convex, posterior margin weakly concave
to gently convex with rounded posterolateral corners. Clypeus
subcarinate in the middle; anterior clypeal margin shallowly
concave. Eyes oval, weakly convex, large, covering one-third of
lateral cephalic margin; three small ocelli present. Antennae long,
scape surpasses posterior margin by two-fifth their length.
Metanotal groove strongly developed, in lateral view interrupts
the regular promesonotal convexity from propodeum; metanotal
area distinct. Dorsal face of propodeum rounded, about the same
length as declivitous face; in lateral view, its highest part on the
same plane to remainder of dorsum, dorsally dome-like. Petiole low
triangular, inclined forward with posterior face longer than anterior
face, dorsum rounded.
Head and gaster dull covered with a fine layer of pubescence;
mesosoma relatively shiny with sparse pubescence. Scape with
scattered erect macrosetae and a dense layer of pubescence
(SMC ¼ 35e55). Erect macrosetae of varying length abundant on
head and gaster, relatively sparse on pro-mesonotum. Pronotum
and mesonotum with scattered erect macrosetae of varying lengths
(PMC ¼ 3e7; MMC ¼ 3e5).
Mesosoma are yellow brown to reddish brown, head and gaster
darker brown; antennae and legs yellow brown to reddish brown.
Queen measurements: HL 0.82 mm; HW 0.81 mm; EL 0.30 mm;
SL 0.91 mm; PrFL 0.81 mm; PrFW 0.23 mm; WL 1.30 mm. Indices:
CI 98.78; SI 112.35; REL 36.48 (n ¼ 1).
Generally matches worker description, with modifications ex-
pected for caste and the following differences: head subtriangular
with concave posterior margin; petiole concave above; pubescence
denser than in workers; color yellowish-brown (SMC 55 ¼ 59;
PMC ¼ 14; MMC ¼ 57).
Male measurements: HL 0.62 mm; HW 0.55 mm; EL 0.28 mm;
SL 0.77 mm; PrFL 0.67 mm; PrFW 0.17 mm; WL 0.94 mm. Indices: CI
88.71; SI 140.00; REL 44.64 (n ¼ 1).
Head is subtriangular; longer than wide; eyes relatively larger,
subglobulose, projecting well beyond head outline in full-face
view; three prominent ocelli present. Antennae filiform, scapes
long, surpass posterior margin by about half their length. Mandi-
bles slender, curved strap like with prominent, pointed apical and a
small preapical tooth, remainder of masticatory margin smooth,
without any teeth or denticles. Basal angle rounded, indistinct and
seamlessly blends into inner mandibular margin.
Mesosoma modified for presence of a wing; propodeum indis-
tinct, lower than remainder of notum with very short dorsal face
and long declivitous face; petiole as in worker.
Genitalia: Parameres broadly rounded at apices; apical margin
large finger like projec tion; ventral margin triangular; long setae
extending off of parameres . Cuspi long and tubular with short
peg-like teeth, strongly bent toward and covering digiti dorsally;
digiti weakly paddle-shaped; strongly curved outward and
covered with short peg -like tee th; penis valves projecting past
parameres.
Head, scutum, and gaster brown remainder yellowish; sculpture
and vestiture as in worker caste (SMC ¼ 20e22; PMC ¼ 0;
MMC ¼ 23).
Material examined. Syntype
from Sri Lanka (CASENT0911013)
in MHNG, Geneva, Switzerland. Other materials. 7
, Terrace,
Himachal Pradesh, India (420 m, 31.9234
N 75.9294
E), 24 v 2009
(leg. AA Wachkoo); 18
,1\,1_, Terrace, Himachal Pradesh, India
(420 m, 31.9234
N 75.9294
E), 26 v 2009 (leg. AA Wachkoo).
Compared material. Nylanderia flavipes (Smith 1874), Lectotype
from Hyogo, Japan (CASENT0903130) in BMNH.
Distribution. India, Sri Lanka.
Figure 18. Male; Nylanderia yerburyi (Forel, 1894): A, Head in full-face view B, Body, lateral view; C, Body, dorsal view.
AA Wachkoo, H Bharti / Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 8 (2015) 105e120 119
Remarks. This species is spread throughout tropical and sub-
tropical India. It has also been reported Sri Lanka (Bingham 1903).
The workers were collected in leaf litter and underneath stones.
Acknowledgments
Financial assistance rendered by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests (Grant No. 14/10/2007-ERS/RE), Government of India,
New Delhi is gratefully acknowledged. We are thankful to the
AntWeb team (www.antweb.org) for their work. Sincere thanks to
the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable input.
References
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