中国细颚猛蚁属Leptogenys物种的区系、分布格局及生态位分化OA

[Objective]This study aims to investigate the fauna,distribution pattern and ecological niche of the ant genus Leptogenys in China,so as to provide a basis for the conservation and utilization of species within this genus.[Method]Based on the Leptogenys specimens collected from field investigations and relevant ecological and geographical data,morphological taxonomy,faunal analysis,collection fre-quency and Levins niche analysis were used to study the fauna,distribution patterns and ecological niches of species in the genus.[Result]A total of 28 species of the genus Leptogenys were recorded in China.Species of the genus exhibited typical Oriental Realm characteristics in world zoogeographical re-gionalization,and showed distinct Southwest China Region feature in China's zoogeographical regionaliza-tion.Distribution pattern analysis revealed that L.kitteli had the broadest ecological adaptability,while 16 species including L.yandii,L.zhuangzii and L.grohli possessed narrow ecological adaptability.Tropical rainforests supported the highest species richness of this genus.Species of Leptogenys mainly forage on the ground surface and in soil,and nest in decaying wood and soil.Niche breadth analysis revealed that L.kit-teli had the widest niche in both horizontal distribution range and habitat.L.lucidula exhibited the widest niche in vertical distribution range.For foraging sites,L.peuqueti possessed the maximum niche breadth,while L.diminuta had the widest niche among nesting sites.In terms of total niche breadth,L.kitteli ranked the highest.Based on the findings of faunl and distribution pattern analyses,we explored the niche differen-tiation of Leptogenys species.Obvious niche differentiation was detected among Chinese species of this ge-nus with respect to horizontal distribution,vertical distribution,habitat,foraging-site and nesting-site se-lection.[Conclusion]Niche differentiation is obvious among Chinese Leptogenys species.The diversifi-cation of elevation,microhabitats and vegetation,together with geographical isolation,provide ecologi-cal and geographic conditions for the niche differentiation of this genus.Approximately 57%of Leptogenys species exhibit narrow ecological adaptability,which deserves high-priority conservation attention.