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Issue: Vol. 5652 No. 1: 24 Jun. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-06-24
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5652.1.13
Page range: 111-128
Abstract views: 51
PDF downloaded: 18

Taxonomy of the ant genus Protanilla Taylor in Bolton, 1990 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Leptanillinae) from China, with descriptions of two new species

Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University); Ministry of Education; Guilin 541004; China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology (Guangxi Normal University); Guilin 541004; China
Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University); Ministry of Education; Guilin 541004; China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology (Guangxi Normal University); Guilin 541004; China
Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University); Ministry of Education; Guilin 541004; China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology (Guangxi Normal University); Guilin 541004; China
Hymenoptera updated key Leptanillini cryptic hypogaeic

Abstract

Leptanillinae, recognized as the most phylogenetically basal ant subfamily of Formicidae, comprises the genus Protanilla—the second most species-rich lineage within this subfamily. Protanilla species exhibit strong ecological specialization, being restricted to pristine primary forests where they inhabit subterranean environments or decayed wood. These ants are characterized by their completely vestigial eyes and extremely cryptic biology, which remains poorly understood. Globally, 20 valid species have been described, with half occurring in China, indicating this region represents the center of diversity for the genus. This study systematically reviewed the Chinese species of the Protanilla Taylor in Bolton, 1990, including two new species: P. xui sp. nov. and P. shanyii sp. nov., and provided an illustrated key to the worker caste of this genus in China.

 

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How to Cite

Chen, Z., Liang, X. & Du, C. (2025) Taxonomy of the ant genus Protanilla Taylor in Bolton, 1990 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Leptanillinae) from China, with descriptions of two new species. Zootaxa, 5652 (1), 111–128. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5652.1.13