FIRST RECORDS OF TWO SPECIES OF GENUS MESSOR FOREL, 1890 (F ORMICIDAE: MYRMICINAE) ALONG WITH TROPHIC ASSOCIATIONS WITH APHIDS FROM POTHWAR REGION OF PAKISTAN

Authors: I. Bodlah, M. T. Rasheed, X. Huang, A. Gull-E-Fareen J. A. Siddiqui, M. A. Bodlah
Journal: Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences (JAPS)
ISSN: 1018-7081 (Print), 2309-8694 (Online)
Volume: 29  Issue: 4  Pages: 992-997
Year: 2019
DOI: NA
URL: https://doi.org/NA
Publisher: Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum

Abstract:
<p>Two species of genus&nbsp;<em>Messor&nbsp;</em>Forel, 1890, namely&nbsp;<em>Messor instabilis&nbsp;</em>(Smith<em>,</em>&nbsp;1858) and&nbsp;<em>Messor himalayanus&nbsp;</em>(Forel, 1902) have been recorded for the first time from Pothwar region of Pakistan.&nbsp; Trophic associations of both species with aphid partners are reported for the first time from Pakistan. Main identification characters supported with micro-photographs, measurements and distribution are given. A key to both species based on worker caste has also been given.</p>

Keywords: New records, Messor, Hymenoptera, Myrmicinae, Trophic associations, Pothwar, Pakistan