Analysis on the Fauna of Formicidae Insects from Southwestern Yunnan

PurposeTo completely reveal the ant fauna character of southwestern Yunnan.

MethodThe ant fauna of southwestern Yunnan was investigated through plot-sampling and fauna analysis methods from June to July, 2020, and June 2021.

ResultsTotally 220 species belonging to 74 genera and 10 subfamilies of Formicidae were recorded. It was most dominant in Oriental region distributed species (220 species, 100.0%), followed by Palearctic region distributed species (88 species, 40.0%). In Chinese zoogeographical divisions, the ant fauna of southwestern Yunnan had typical character of South China zone (220 species), closest to Southwest China zone (150 species), and farthest from Northeast China zone (6 species).

ConclusionFrom north to south with the latitude decreasing, the ratio of Palearctic distributed species successively decreases, and the ratio of Oriental distributed species successively increases. Southwestern Yunnan has an advantageous hydrothermal condition which provides a favorable condition for survive and reproduce of ant community. Plentiful tropical and south subtropical vegetation have provided fine habitats for the South China zone species.