Updated information on distribution and ecology of Himalayan Myrmica species is provided. Altitudinal ranges for most of the Myrmica species in Himalaya are redefined.

A new socially-parasitic species, Myrmica latra sp. n. is described based on a queen and male from Indian Himalaya. Its queen differs from other species by the distinctly narrower petiole and postpetiole, blunt and non-divergent propodeal spines, and a darker body colour. The taxonomic position of the three known Himalayan socially-parasitic Myrmica species is discussed, and Myrmica ereptrix Bolton 1988 is transferred to the smythiesii species-group. It is supposed that Myrmica nefaria Bharti 2012 is a temporary social parasite, but Myrmica ereptrix and Myrmica latra sp. n. are permanent social parasites, and a key for their identification is provided.

Taxonomy of Temnothorax simlensis stat. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with first description of sexual castes along with a mention of its plesiobiotic association with Himalayan species of genus Myrmica IntroductionThe genus Temnothorax Mayr is represented globally by 388 extant species and 47 extant subspecies (Bolton, 2016). From India, 10 species and 2 subspecies have been reported so far (Bharti et al., 2016) and a comprehensive outline of the Indian Temnothorax was provided by Bharti et al. (2012) along with the description of three new species from Himalaya. Temnothorax rothneyi simlensis was described by Forel (1904) as a subspecies of Temnothorax rothneyi (Forel, 1902) based on the worker caste. The queen and male castes were unknown till date. Here Temnothorax rothneyi simlensis (Forel) is accorded species status, with reports of hitherto un-described queen and male caste. In addition, we provide first-hand information about the plesiobiotic association of this species with Himalayan species of genus Myrmica. A revised key to the worker caste of known Indian species of Temnothorax is also provided. AbstractThe subspecies Temnothorax rothneyi simlensis (Forel) is raised to species rank as Temnothorax simlensis stat. nov. All three castes are recorded, with the queen and male castes described for the first time. This revision is based on the comparative data from morphometry, descriptions, digital images and distribution. In addition, we provide first-hand information about the plesiobiotic association of this species with Himalayan species of genus Myrmica. A revised key to the worker caste of known Indian species of Temnothorax is also provided.