Distribution Patterns of Ant Species in Southwestern Yunnan

PurposeTo reveal the distribution regularity of ants in southwestern Yunnan.

MethodDistribution patterns of ant species in southwestern Yunnan were surveyed by plot-sampling method.

ResultsTotally 188 species belonging to 10 subfamilies and 65 genera of the family Formicidae were identified. Comparing with Nangunhe National Nature Reserve, the numbers of subfamilies and species in southwestern Yunnan were similar, equal number of species but the genera were more abundant. More than half of the ant species distributed in southwestern Yunnan had narrow ecological adaptation range, limited categories of habitats, foraging and nesting sites. Nylanderia flavipes (Smith), Hypoponera sauteri Onoyama and Erromyrma latinodis (Mayr) had the widest vertical distribution range (1750 m). The monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest was richest in ant species (112 species). Most species foraged on the ground (140 species) and nested in the soil (87 species).

ConclusionDistribution pattern of ant species are mainly affected by species adaptability, altitude, climate, vegetation type and richness. Most ants like the environment with low altitude and abundant food resources. Appropriate temperature and humidity are more beneficial for their life. The results have valuable reference for the conservation of biodiversity in southwestern Yunnan.