Morphological and Behavioral Characters of the Two Species Groups of the Ant Genus Myrmicaria (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) from Southeast Asia

Abstract

The ant genus Myrmicaria from Southeast Asia is clearly divided into two distinct species-groups (the M. arachnoides and M. brunnea groups) based on their morphology and nesting behaviour, as was suggested by Emery in 1922. We have found many additional characters, not noticed by previous authors, that differentiate the two groups. Male genital characters have also proved useful, not only in defining the groups but also in discriminating species in some cases.