A new species of the Ant Genus Leptanilla Emery, 1870 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from sichuan Province, China

Abstract

A new species of Leptanilla Emery, L. sichuanensis sp. nov., is described based on the worker caste from Sichuan, China. This new species is highly similar to L. macauensis Leong, Yamane & Guénard, sharing a conspicuous and strong central clypeal protuberance and clypeal lobes, along with a microspine-like subpetiolar process. The following characteristics of L. sichuanensis sp. nov. serve to distinguish it from the species: anteromedial circular disc of clypeal protuberance does not present a pair of triangular extensions on its medial margin, and instead has a complete curve; head and antennal scape longer in comparison (CI 67–70, SI 63–66); inferolateral margin of antennal toruli stretched angularly. An illustrated identification key for the Chinese Leptanilla based on the worker caste is provided.