Genus Myrmecina Curtis, 1829

Myrmecina Curtis, 1829:265.

Type-species: Formica graminicola Latreille, 1802.

Worker. Head square; clypeus bicarinate, the carinae terminating as two blunt teeth projecting from the anterior margin. Mandibles broad, fully denticulate, but leaving a free space basally when closed. Palp formula 4:3; antennae 12 segmented. The head has paired carinae ventrally. Propodeum with 2 small tubercules dorsally, anterior to the strongly developed propodeal spines. The holarctic members of this genus have the petiole and postpetiole quadrangular, joined broadly to propodeum and gaster respectively, without noticeable peduncle.

Queen. As worker but with more developed alitrunk; wings blackish, covered with short adpressed dark hairs.

Male. Antennal scape very short; petiole and postpetiole quadrangular; wings dark; mandibles very reduced, non-functional. Notauli distinct.

The genus includes several Indo-Malayan and holarctic species of which one only occurs in North Europe.