Myrmica diffusa, Jerdon, T. C., 1851

Jerdon, T. C., 1851, A catalogue of the species of ants found in southern India., Madras Journal of Literature and Science 17, pp. 103-127 : 113

18. Myrmica diffusa , N. S ..

Worker rather more than 1 - 9 th, inch long; head wider than thorax, oblong, triangular, striated; antennas rather short, basal joint barely longer than the head, inserted near the mouth; eyes large; thorax notched, with two small spines on the posterior angles, Curving backwards; first abdominal pedicle longish, somewhat heart shaped, excavated, second obovate; both very slightly raised: abdomen triangular; head and body rufous; abdomen dark glossy brown.

Female - head not wider than the thorax, which is not spined; length 5 - 12 th. of an inch; wings not so long as abdomen.

Male - head very small, eyes large; antennae with the first joint not elongated; no spines on thorax, which is much raised; wings reach beyond abdomen - length l- 7 th of an inch.

This is a well known and widely diffused species, being found throughout India. It makes its nest in holes in branches of trees, runs with its abdomen turned upwards almost over its head espe-cially when excited, and feeds on honey and other vegetable secre-tions. Occasionally they appear to join their nest among the roots of Moss, Orchideae, and various Epiphytic plants, at least this is the case in Malabar, and I cannot detect any marked difference of spe-cies, although it is possible that the two races may be distinct. It is very pugnacious, and bites very severely, not appearing to use its sting much.