Corresponding author: Shanyi Zhou (
Academic editor: Brian Fisher
Seven new species of the genus
Chen ZL, Zhou SY, Huang JH (2016) Seven species new to science and one newly recorded species of the ant genus
The first Chinese species of the genus
In this paper, seven new and one newly recorded
This study is based on the specimens deposited in the Insect Collection of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China. Digital images of the specimens were taken with a Nikon AZ100 microscope. All measurements are in millimeters. Standard measurements and indices are mostly defined by
length of the head in full face view, measured in a straight line from the middle of anterior clypeal margin to the middle of posterior margin
maximum width of the head in full face view behind the eyes
minimum distance of frons between the frontal carinae
maximum distance between the outer borders of the frontal lobes
maximum straight length of the antennal scape in profile view
maximum width of pronotum in dorsal view
length of mesosoma in profile, measured from the point at which the pronotum meets the cervical shield to the posterior basal angle of the metapleuron
maximum length of petiole in dorsal view
maximum height of petiole in profile view
straight length of propodeal spine in profile view, from its tip to the deepest point of the propodeal constriction at the base of the spine
HL/HW
ESL/HW
FW/HW
FLW/FW
SL/HL
SL/HW
A list of species of
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As
5 workers, Xiaowutai Mountain, Hebei province, China,
This species is similar to
Mesosoma robust, promesonotum in profile view slightly convex, promesonotal suture in dorsal view indistinct. Metanotal groove distinct, wide, but shallow. Propodeal lobes rounded. Propodeal spines relatively short, straight, sharp, directly backwards at an angle of less than 45º. Petiole high, with very short peduncle; petiolar node in profile view cylindric, anterior surface concave, dorsum of node slightly convex, with a distinct broad dorsal plate, posterior surface steep. Postpetiole subglobular, with anterior and dorsal surfaces forming a regular arch. Spurs of middle and hind tibiae well-developed and pectinate. Frons with dense, fine, slightly sinuous, longitudinal rugae, number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes
Head without subdecumbent pilosity at lateral margins, posterior margin with erect to suberect long hairs, genae with a few long hairs; dorsum of mesosoma with long hairs; petiole with 5−6 long hairs and a few short hairs. Antennal scapes and tibiae with subdecumbent hairs. Body colored blackish-brown, appendages somewhat lighter.
Found foraging on the ground of alpine meadow at the altitudes of 3437m. Nesting site unknown.
The specific epithet is the last name of a famous Chinese artist in the Ming Dynasty, Qichang Dong.
This species belongs to the
This species is also closely related to
Mesosoma in profile view weakly convex; promesonotal suture in dorsal view visible, metanotal groove very weak or absent. Propodeal lobes rounded. Propodeal spines short, blunt, directly backward and downward. Petiole with anterior surface concave, meeting the dorsal one to form a blunt angle, dorsum of node somewhat convex and steeply sloping backward, without dorsal plate. Postpetiole shorter than high, with convex dorsum. Spurs on middle and hind tibiae well-developed and pectinate.
Head with coarse longitudinal rugae on the whole dorsum, number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes < 20. Posterior part and lateral sides of the head coarsely reticulated. Clypeus with coarse longitudinal rugae. Frontal triangle with a few longitudinal rugae, space between rugae shiny.
Dorsum and sides of mesosoma with less sinuous longitudinal rugae, space between rugae smooth and shiny. Petiole and postpetiole with short rugae, and densely punctate.
Head with abundant, long, suberect hairs at lateral margins; dorsum of mesosoma with longer hairs, petiole with 6−8 long and some shorter hairs. Antennal scape and tibiae with subdecumbent hairs. Head and gaster colored dark brown, mesosoma reddish-brown, appendages lighter.
This species nests in the soil in alpine meadow, at elevation 2573m.
The specific epithet is the Chinese name Gongquan Liu, who was a famous Chinese calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty.
This species belongs to the
This species also is similar to
Mesosoma robust, promesonotum in profile view distinctly convex, promesonotal suture in dorsal view indistinct. Metanotal groove distinct, deep and abrupt. Propodeal lobes rounded. Propodeal spines straight, thin, acute, directly backward at an angle of approximately 30º. Petiole with distinct peduncle, anterior surface slightly concave, and dorsum of node broadly rounded, with a distinct dorsal plate. Postpetiole subglobular, with anterior and dorsal surfaces forming a regular arch. Spurs of middle and hind tibiae well-developed and pectinate. Frons with dense, fine, slightly sinuous longitudinal rugae, number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes > 25, posterior part and lateral sides of the head with fine reticulation, space between rugae dull, densely and coarsely punctate. Clypeus with longitudinal rugae, spaces between them shiny, frontal triangle smooth and shiny.
Pronotal dorsum reticulate, lateral sides reticulate-punctate. Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum each with more than ten moderately coarse sinuous transverse rugae. Lower parts of mesopleura and sides of propedeum with longitudinal rugae. Space between rugae on mesosoma with fine punctures, though appearing quite shiny. Petiole and postpetiole dull, densely punctate and reticulated. Anterior third of first gastral tergite with fine superficial hexagonal sculpture, the rest of the tergite smooth and shiny.
Head with short subdecumbent hairs at lateral margins above the eyes, posterior part of the head without additional long hairs, genae with a few long hairs; dorsum of mesosoma with long hairs; petiole with 4−6 long and a few short hairs. Antennal scape and tibiae with decumbent hairs. Gaster with short suberect hairs. Head and gaster blackish-brown, mesosoma yellowish-brown, appendages somewhat lighter.
Found foraging on the ground in coniferous forest at an altitude of 1927 m. Nesting site unknown.
The specific epithet is the Chinese name Su Huai, who was a famous Chinese calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty.
This species belongs to the
Mesosoma relatively robust, promesonotum in profile view convex, promesonotal suture in dorsal view well-developed. Metanotal groove distinct, very deep. Propodeal lobes triangular apically. Propodeal spines moderately long, straight, sharp, directly backward at an angle of about 45º. Petiole high, with very short peduncle, its anterior surface slightly concave, dorsum of node with a distinct dorsal plate, slightly convex, posterior surface steep, so that petiolar node appears sharply cylindroid (seen in profile). Postpetiole subglobular, its anterior and dorsal surfaces forming a regular arch. Spurs of middle and hind tibiae well-developed and pectinate.
Head with very dense, fine, almost straight, slightly posteriorly diverging longitudinal rugae on the whole dorsum, number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes < 25. Posterior part and lateral sides of the head with reticulation, surface between reticulation densely superficially punctate, appearing more or less shiny and not dull. Clypeus with longitudinal rugae, surface between them shiny. Frontal triangle smooth and shiny.
Pronotal dorsum reticulated, lateral sides reticulate-punctate; mesonotal dorsum with 8−10 coarse sinuous transverse rugae; dorsum of propodeum with several finer transverse rugae; lower parts of mesopleura and sides of propodeum with fine longitudinal rugae. Space between rugae on mesosoma smooth and shiny. Petiole high, and with a strongly triangular ventral process. Petiole and postpetiole with short irregular rugae, densely though not coarsely punctate, appearing dull.
Margins of head with long suberect hairs; dorsum of mesosoma with longer hairs, petiole with 6−8 long hairs. Antennal scape and tibiae with subdecumbent hairs. Body colored blackish-brown, appendages somewhat lighter.
Found in mountain meadows at an altitude of 3020 m. Nesting site unknown.
The specific epithet is the name of a famous calligrapher in the Northern Song Dynasty.
This species belongs to the
Mesosoma relatively short (compared to related species), promesonotal dorsum in profile view finely convex, promesonotal suture in dorsal view indistinct; mesonotum abruptly curved down to propodeum to form distinct, deep and wide metanotal groove. Propodeal lobes projecting to form short and blunt triangle. Propodeal spines relatively long, widened at the base, directly backward and downward. Petiole relatively long and narrow, with strongly concave of anterior surface, dorsum of node feebly convex, with distinct dorsal plate; postpetiole as shown in figures, slightly shorter than high.
Head with fine, almost straight, posteriorly diverging longitudinal rugae on the whole dorsum, eight rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes. Posterior part and sides of the head without reticulations, spaces between rugae densely punctate, dull. Clypeus with longitudinal rugae, surface between rugae shiny. Frontal triangle smooth and shiny.
Dorsum of mesosoma with coarse reticulation, lateral sides with coarse sinuous longitudinal rugae. Lower part of mesopleuron and sides of propodeum with coarse longitudinal rugae. In dorsal view, dorsum of propodeal behind the metanotal groove with a distinct U-shaped coarse rugae (seen in Fig.
Head posterior margin with long suberect hairs; mesosoma dorsum with longer hairs, petiole with 6−8 long hairs. Antennal scape with suberect hairs. Tibiae with subdecumbent hairs. Head, gaster and petiole and postpetiole brownish-red, dorsum of head with some dark patches. Mesosoma black to blackish-brown.
This species nests under litter layer and soil layer in the broadleaf forests, at elevation 1202m.
The specific epithet is the last name of a famous Chinese artist in the Tang Dynasty, Yanxun Ou.
This species belongs to the
Promesonotal dorsum in profile view convex, promesonotal suture in dorsal view indistinct; mesonotum abruptly curved down to propodeum to form distinct, deep and wide metanotal groove. Propodeal lobes projecting to form short blunt triangle. Propodeal spines relatively long, widened at the base, directly backward and slightly downward. Petiole relatively short and wide, with anterior surface strongly concave, dorsum of node feebly convex; postpetiole somewhat shorter than high (Fig.
Head with fine, almost straight, posteriorly diverging longitudinal rugae on the whole dorsum extending back to posterior margin, eight rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes. Posterior part of the head with reticulations, space between rugae finely superficially micro−punctate. Clypeus with longitudinal rugae, space between them shiny. Frontal triangle smooth and shiny.
Dorsum of mesosoma with coarse reticulation, lateral sides with coarse sinuous longitudinal rugae. Petiole with coarse, short, sinuous longitudinal rugae, postpetiole with less coarse longitudinal, slightly sinuous rugae. Space on body between rugae smooth and shiny.
Posterior margin of head with up to two long suberect hairs; mesosoma dorsum with longer hairs, petiole with 1−6 long hairs. Antennal scape with suberect hairs. Tibiae with subdecumbent hairs. Head, gaster and petiole and postpetiole brownish-red, mesosoma black to blackish-brown.
This species nests inside decayed wood in the broadleaf and coniferous forests, at elevation 1667m.
The specific epithet is the last name of a famous Chinese artist in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Xizhi Wang.
Promesonotum in profile view slightly convex, promesonotal suture in dorsal view indistinct. Metanotal groove distinct, deep and abrupt. Propodeal lobes rounded. Propodeal spines quite short, straight, thin, acute, directly backward at an angle of about 30º. Petiole with distinct, but short peduncle, anterior surface slightly convex, meeting the dorsal one to form a blunt, narrowly rounded angle, dorsal surface short, gradually sloping posteriorly, without dorsal plate. Postpetiole subglobular, anterior and dorsal surfaces forming a feeble arch. Spurs of middle and hind tibiae well-developed and pectinate. Frons with dense, fine, slightly sinuous longitudinal rugae, number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes is >20; posterior third dorsum of head densely punctate; posterior part of the head densely micropunctate and dull. Clypeus almost smooth, at most with some fine longitudinal rugae, space between rugae shiny. Frontal triangle smooth and shiny.
Mesosoma with fine transverse rugae in the whole of dorsum, space between rugae with micropunctures and dull. Posterior of petiole with fine short rugae, the rest of petiole and postpetiole densely punctate, appearing dull.
Head with abundant long hairs at margins, genae with a few long hairs; dorsum of mesosoma with long hairs; petiole with 4−6 long hairs and a few short hairs. Antennal scape and tibiae with subdecumbent hairs. Body colored yellowish brown, appendages somewhat lighter.
This species nests inside decayed wood in the broadleaf and coniferous forests, at elevation 1667m.
The specific epithet is the last name of a famous Chinese artist in the Tang Dynasty, Zhenqing Yan.
*The key is modified from
1 | Lateral portion of clypeus raised into a sharp ridge in front of the antennal insertions, so that the antennal sockets are distinctly separated from the clypeal surface (similar to that of |
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− | Lateral portion of clypeus not raised into a sharp ridge in front of the antennal insertions, so that the antennal sockets lay on the same level with the clypeal surface ( |
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2 | Antennal scape at the bend having the same width as at its mid−length; the base of the scape having a longitudinal groove and lateral ridges ( |
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− | Antennal scape at the bend distinctly narrower than at its mid−length; the base of the scape without longitudinal groove and lateral ridges ( |
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3 | Frontal carinae curved outward to merge with the rugae that surround the antennal socket ( |
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− | Frontal carinae merging with the rugae that extend to the posterior margin, not curved outward to merge with the rugae that surround the antennal socket ( |
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4 | First gastral tergite finely but distinctly longitudinally striated. Spurs on tibiae of the middle and the hind legs reduced, simple ( |
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– | First gastral tergite smooth and shiny. Spurs on tibiae of the middle and the hind legs well-developed and pectinate |
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5 | Mesonotal dorsum partly with transverse rugae ( |
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− | Mesonotal dorsum with various sculpture, but never with transverse rugae ( |
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6 | Lateral margins of head either without pilosity or with short (≤0.03mm) decumbent hairs; if any long erect to suberect hairs present, then restricted to the posterior margin and genae ( |
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− | Lateral and posterior margins of head with numerous long (≥0.07mm) erect to suberect hairs ( |
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7 | Propodeal spines long, |
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− | Propodeal spines shorter, |
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8 | Basal third of the first gastral tergite with superficial hexagonal fine sculpture. Posterior margin without any erect to suberect long hairs; dorsum of petiolar node with a distinct broad dorsal plate (figs 17–19). |
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− | First gastral tergite smooth and shiny; posterior margin with abundant short erect to suberect long hairs; dorsum of node quite narrowly rounded ( |
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9 | Head distinctly elongate, |
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− | Head slightly longer than broad, |
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10 | Anterior surface of the petiole almost straight, dorsum of node broadly rounded. Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with finer transverse rugae, number of rugae on this area >25, number of rugae between frontal carinae level the eyes >30. Gaster with very fine superficial microsculpture ( |
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− | Anterior surface of the petiole concave, dorsum of node with a distinct dorsal plate, slightly convex, posterior surface steep. Only mesonotal dorsum with fine transverse rugae, number of rugae on this area < 20, number of rugae between frontal carinae level the eyes ≤ 20. Gaster smooth and shiny (Figs |
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11 | One of the largest known |
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− | Smaller species, |
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12 | Masticatory margin of the mandible with 11−13 teeth ( |
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− | Masticatory margin of the mandible with ≤ 9 teeth |
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13 | Petiolar node with rounded dorsum, completely without a dorsal plate, node of the petiole and the postpetiole smooth, at most very finely striated. Pronotal dorsum with sinuous longitudinal rugae, never with coarse reticulation ( |
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− | Petiolar node with a dorsal plate developed to various extents (except for |
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14 | Petiole and postpetiole almost smooth, with few punctures ( |
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− | Petiole and postpetiole with rugae or dense punctures |
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15 | Antennal scape longer (SI2 > 0.93), with more abundant suberect hairs ( |
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− | Antennal scape shorter (SI2 < 0.91), with less abundant subdecumbent hairs ( |
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16 | Petiolar node with rounded dorsum, completely without a dorsal plate, node of petiole smooth, at most very finely striated ( |
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− | Petiolar node with a dorsal plate, node of petiole with quite coarse striated |
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17 | Petiolar node with a distinct, sharply flattened dorsal plate, and having quite coarse, short sinuous longitudinal rugae on the lateral parts ( |
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− | Dorsum of the petiolar node slightly convex, dorsal plate not sharply flattened, lateral surfaces with finer short longitudinal rugae ( |
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18 | Dorsum of the mesosoma entirely or partially with transverse rugae ( |
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− | Dorsum of the mesosoma with various sculptures, but never with transverse rugae ( |
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19 | Dorsum of the mesosoma entirely with fine transverse rugae (figs 29–34) |
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− | Dorsum of the mesosoma partially with transverse rugae |
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20 | Lateral and posterior margins of the head with numerous long erect to suberect hairs |
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− | Lateral margins of the head either without pilosity or with short decumbent hairs; if any long erect to suberect hairs present, then restricted to the posterior margin and genae |
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21 | Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with finer transverse rugae, number of rugae on this area ≥ 25 ( |
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− | Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with relatively coarser transverse rugae, number of rugae on this area ≤ 20 |
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22 | Head slightly longer than broad, |
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− | Head distinctly elongate, |
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23 | Petiole low, PI1 1.68, its node with elongate flattened dorsum. Body color reddish brown ( |
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− | Petiole higher, PI1 < 1.55, its node with a short, slightly convex, gradually sloping posteriorly dorsum. Body color blackish brown ( |
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24 | Basal third of first gastral tergite densely punctate and longitudinally ruguloso−striated; this Basal third of first gastral tergite densely punctate and longitudinally rugulose-striate; this sculpture gradually petering out posteriorly, the rest of the surface of first tergite with well visible superficial hexagonal microsculpture ( |
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− | Whole surface of first gastral tergite smooth |
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25 | Head dorsum posterior to the eyes with reticulation, rest of head dorsum with longitudinal rugosity ( |
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− | Head dorsum posterior to the eyes with longitudinal rugosity; reticulation, if present, restricted to temples and/or posterior part of occiput |
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26 | Rugosity on the head dorsum partly reduced. Frons level with the eyes with < 15 fine, slightly sinuous longitudinal rugae, only some of them running unbroken to the posterior margin. Propodeal dorsum with transverse rugosity. Scape longer than head width ( |
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− | Rugosity on the head dorsum not reduced. The frons level with the eyes with > 20 longitudinal rugae that run unbroken to the posterior margin; surface between rugae very finely superficially punctate but appearing more or less shiny. Propodeal dorsum with short, slightly sinuous longitudinal rugae. Scape shorter than head width ( |
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27 | Antennal scape strongly angled at the base, with horizontal lobe, or a vertical lobe (that can be inclined anteriorly), or denticles |
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− | Antennal scape gradually curved or angled at the base, never with a vertical, or inclined lobe, or denticles |
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28 | Antennal scape strongly angled at the base, with horizontal lobe |
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− | Antennal scape strongly angled at the base, with a vertical lobe (that can be inclined anteriorly), or with denticles |
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29 | Hairy species, petiole with more than 10 (usually with 12−20) long, thin and often curved hairs. Dorsum of the mesosoma entirely with longitudinal, slightly sinuous rugae, without reticulation; dorsum of the postpetiole with partly reduced sculptures. Anterior clypeal margin shallowly but distinctly notched medially. Spurs on the middle and the hind tibiae at least partly reduced and usually not pectinate ( |
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− | Less hairy species, petiole with less than 10 (usually not more than 8) long, straight, thick hairs. Dorsum of the mesosoma with strong sinuous longitudinal rugae and often with reticulation; dorsum of the postpetiole with coarse sculptures. Anterior clypeal margin not notched medially. Spurs on the middle and the hind tibiae as a rule well-developed and pectinate. |
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30 | Frontal lobes less expanded, mean |
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− | Frontal lobes more expanded, mean |
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31 | Propodeal spines thick and blunt, directed backward and upwards, and strongly curved inward; petiole with very short peduncle, anterior surface steep, meeting the dorsal one through an acute angle, so that the petiolar node appearing sharply angled in profile ( |
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− | Propodeal spines thin and sharp apically, not curved inward; petiole with various shapes (seen in profile), but if sharply angled, then the minimum distance between the frontal carina narrower ( |
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32 | Lobe of the antennal scape forming shield−like dorsal plate along the basal surface of the scape |
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− | Lobe of the antennal scape not forming shield−like dorsal plate along the basal surface of the scape |
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33 | Dorsum of head with sinuous longitudinal rugae, never with reticulation. Petiolar node and postpetiole densely punctuated ( |
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− | Dorsum of head with reticulation at the posterior part. Petiolar node and postpetiole finely superficially punctate |
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34 | Frontal carinae strongly curved, minimum distance between the frontal carinae narrower, |
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− | Frontal carinae less curved, minimum distance between the frontal carinae wider, |
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35 | Mesosoma with almost straight longitudinal rugae. Frontal lobes less extended, |
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− | Mesosoma with sinuous longitudinal rugae or reticulation. Frontal lobes more extended, |
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36 | Antennal scape with small denticles or an even ridge at the base. Petiole in profile with an almost straight, steep anterior face, node with a posteriorly-inclined dorsal plate, appearing subtriangular ( |
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− | Antennal scape with small but distinct lobe at the base. Petiole in profile with concave anterior face, node with a flattened or somewhat convex dorsal plate ( |
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37 | Propodeal spines long, |
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− | Propodeal spines shorter, |
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38 | Surface between rugae on the head and the dorsal surface of the petiole and postpetiole shiny and smooth or at most very superficially micropunctate; head, mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole usually with similar coarse rugae |
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− | Surface between rugae on the petiole and postpetiole dull, always distinctly and often coarsely punctate; surface of head usually with similar punctures (except for |
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39 | Dorsum of head entirely with almost straight, subparallel rugae, completely lacking reticulation, more than 6 rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes |
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− | Dorsum of head with distinctly sinuous rugae and reticulation, if reticulation not developed, less than 6 rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes. |
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40 | Seen at magnification x l00, fine sculpture on surface of the head completely invisible. Pronotum with longitudinal rugae. Head yellow, strongly contrasting with the darker mesosoma ( |
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− | Seen at magnification × 100, surface of head weakly micropunctate. Pronotum coarsely reticulate. Head brownish red, not strongly contrasting with mesosoma ( |
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41 | Posterior dorsal surface of the head (from above in the level of the eyes) with coarse reticulations |
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− | Posterior dorsal surface of the head with sinuous rugae; coarse reticulations, if present, then also restricted to the posterior part |
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42 | Frons between frontal carinae level with the eyes with only 4 coarse rugae. Petiolar node, postpetiole, and sides of mesosoma with coarse reticulation ( |
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− | Frons between frontal carinae level with the eyes with ≥ 6 coarse rugae. Petiolar node, postpetiole and sides of mesosoma with coarse rugae ( |
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43 | Frons between frontal carinae level with the eyes with 4 very coarse rugae ( |
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− | Frons between frontal carinae level with the eyes with ≥ 6 fine rugae ( |
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44 | Petiole and postpetiole with fine sculptures, distinctly contrasting with much coarser sculptures on the mesosoma |
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− | Petiole and postpetiole with coarser sculptures, similar to those on the mesosoma | 46 |
45 | Frontal carina extending back to behind the eyes, posterior part of the head with reticulation; posterior and lateral margins of head with long hairs; propodeal lobes projecting apically, forming long and pointed triangles; petiole and postpetiole dull, with dense punctures ( |
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− | Frontal carina extending back to the posterior margin of the head, occiput without reticulation; only posterior margins of head with 0−2 long suberect hairs; propodeal lobes projecting apically, forming short and blunt triangles; petiole and postpetiole shiny, with fewer punctures (figs 26–28) |
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46 | Dorsum of propodeum behind the metanotal groove with a distinct U−shaped coarse rugae; first gastral tergite with clear superficial hexagonal microsculpture (figs 23–25) |
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− | Dorsum of propodeum behind the metanotal groove without an U−shaped coarse rugae; Gaster smooth and shiny |
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47 | Dorsal surface of the head between rugae not punctate ( |
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− | Dorsal surface of the head between rugae dull and punctate ( |
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48 | Antennal scape distinctly angled at the base. Propodeal spines directed backward and upwards, and distinctly curved inward. Anterior surface of petiole steep, meeting the dorsal one through a sharp acute angle, dorsal plate flat, well-developed, strongly inclined backward ( |
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− | Antennal scape gradually curved at the base or at most very slightly angled. Propodeal spines not curved inward. Anterior surface of petiole meeting the dorsal one at most through a slightly rounded or obtuse angle, never sharp acute angle |
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49 | Antennal scape always with ridge on the inner margin at the base |
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− | Antennal scape at most very slightly angled at the base, usually without a ridge on the inner margin |
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50 | Sides of petiolar node with coarse rugae very similar to those on the mesosoma. Metanotal groove distinct, often deep. Petiole with short peduncle, anterior surface almost straight, meeting the dorsal one through a right or somewhat obtuse angle; dorsal plate well-developed, flattened, not inclined posteriorly ( |
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− | Sides of petiolar node with punctures and short rugae less coarse than those on the mesosoma. Metanotal groove very weak or absent. Anterior surface of petiole concave, meeting the dorsal one through a rounded angle, dorsum of node somewhat convex and steeply sloping backward (figs 14–16) |
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51 | Smaller species: |
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− | Bigger species: |
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52 | Dorsum of head with very dense, but not coarse longitudinal rugae and reticulation, surface between rugae dull and densely punctate ( |
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− | Dorsum of head with not so dense rugae, never with reticulation, surface between rugae somewhat shiny and more sparsely punctuated ( |
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1 | Basal third of first gastral tergite densely punctated and longitudinally ruguloso-striated |
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− | Whole surface of first gastral tergite smooth |
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2 | Whole mesosoma dorsum with straight transversal rugae |
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− | Only part of mesosoma dorsum with straight transversal rugae |
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3 | Head distinctly elongate, suboval, with narrowly rounded posterior corners; posterior third of head dorsally without longitudinal rugae and reticulation, but densely punctuate |
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− | Head slightly longer than broad, subsquare, with distinctly marked posterior corners; whole head dorsally with longitudinal rugae |
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4 | Lateral and posterior margins of the head with long numerous suberect to erect hairs. Colour lighter, head dorsum dark reddish brown, mesosoma and gaster brownish red |
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− | Lateral margins of head with short decumbent hairs, long suberect hairs present only on the posterior margin and genae. Colour darker, whole body dark reddish brown |
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5 | Lateral and posterior margins of head with long numerous suberect to erect hairs |
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− | Lateral margins of head either glabrous or with short decumbent hairs; if long erect to suberect hairs occur, they are restricted to the posterior margin and genae |
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6 | Head slightly longer than broad ( |
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− | Head distinctly elongate ( |
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7 | Number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes >30; mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with > 35 fine transverse rugae |
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− | Number of rugae between frontal carinae level with the eyes ≤ 25; mesonotal and propodeal dorsum fine transverse rugae < 20. |
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8 | Petiole with a stronger triangular ventral process; propleuron with rugose; mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with about 20 moderately coarse transverse sinuous rugae |
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− | Petiole with a normal triangular ventral process; propleuron only with densely punctuated; mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with 8−10 coarse sinuous transverse rugae |
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9 | Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with ≤20 coarser transverse rugae |
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− | Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with ≥ 25 finer transverse rugae |
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10 | Petiole low, PI1 1.68, its node with elongate flattened dorsum |
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− | Petiole higher, PI1 < 1.55, its node with short, slightly convex, gradually sloping posteriorly dorsal surface |
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11 | Frontal carinae merge with the rugae that extend back to the posterior head margin. Surface of head dorsum between rugae appears shiny |
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− | Frontal curved outwards to merge with the rugae that surround antennal sockets. Surface of the head dorsum between rugae appears dull, coarsely and densely punctuated |
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12 | Propodeal spines long ( |
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− | Propodeal spine shorter ( |
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13 | Head dorsum densely punctate, dull |
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− | Head dorsum not punctate, shiny |
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14 | Head distinctly elongate ( |
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− | Head slightly longer than broad ( |
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15 | Basal third of first gastral tergite with fine superficial hexagonal sculpture; posterior margin without any erect to suberect long hairs; dorsum of petiolar node with a distinct broad dorsal plate |
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− | Whole gastral tergite smooth and shiny; posterior margin with erect to suberect long hairs; dorsum of petiolar node without a distinct broad dorsal plate |
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16 | Lateral margins of head posterior to eyes with abundant short decumbent hairs; Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with > 25 moderately thin (not coarse) transverse sinuous rugae; Petiole with relatively short but distinct peduncle, its anterior surface concave, dorsum of node quite narrowly rounded |
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− | Lateral margins of head posterior to the eyes without short decumbent hairs; Mesonotal and propodeal dorsum with < 20 quite coarse transverse sinuous rugae; petiole low, with distinct peduncle, its anterior surface concave, dorsum of node widely rounded. |
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17 | Propodeal dorsum with fine longitudinal striations |
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− | Propodeal dorsum with transverse rugae. |
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18 | Propodeal dorsum with transverse rugosity, mesonotal dorsum with short, broken irregular rugae and reticulation |
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− | Propodeal dorsum with sinuous longitudinal rugae, mesonotal dorsum with transverse rugosity. |
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We thank Libin Ma (College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University) for providing us the paratype specimens of