Work

Synopsis of Ant Genus Proceratium Roger, 1863 from China (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), with Description of Seven New Species

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The genus Proceratium comprises rare but ecologically significant cryptobiotic predators of temperate and tropical forest litter. The group is known for its abdomen which can curl dorsally >90° relative to the body axis. Proceratium includes 130 described species worldwide. In China, seven species have been recorded, yet recent surveys repeatedly reveal morphologically distinctive undescribed taxa, indicating a still-underestimated diversity of Proceratium. In this study, seven known Chinese species of the ant genus Proceratium Roger, 1863 are reviewed: P. bruelheidei, P. itoi, P. japonicum, P. kepingmai, P. longmenense, P. shohei and P. zhaoi. The species P. longigaster is removed from the ant fauna of China. Additionally, seven new species are described: P. crassopetiolum sp. nov., P. digitospinum sp. nov., P. planodorsum sp. nov., P. quandratinodum sp. nov., P. rugiceps sp. nov., P. shanyii sp. nov., and P. spinosubum sp. nov. An illustrated key to Chinese species based on workers is also provided.

Source: Insects

DOI: 10.3390/insects16101060

Authors: Zhuojian Gu, Chen Zhang, Zhilin Chen

Institution: Guangxi Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China