Key to Ponera of China

This worker key is based on: Xu, Zheng-hui. 2001. Four new species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Yunnan, China. Entomotaxonomia. 23:217-226.

1

In dorsal view, anterior and lateral borders of petiolar node not formed a single arch, the two borders separated by a roundly prominent corner . . . . . 2

In dorsal view, anterior and lateral borders of petiolar node formed -a single arch, the two borders not separated by a roundly prominent corner . . . . . 5

2

return to couplet #1

In profile view, petiolar node rectangular, with anterior and posterior faces parallel . . . . . 3

In profile view, petiolar node trapezoid, with anterior and posterior faces not parallel . . . . . 4

3

return to couplet #2

Anterior margin of clypeus with a distinct blunt median tooth. Apex of scape surpassed occipital corner by about 1/12 of its length. Subpetiolar process with a large posteroventral tooth (Figs. 1-3) (China: Taiwan Province) . . . . . Ponera alisana

Anterior margin of clypeus without a median tooth. Apex of scape failed to reach occipital corner by about 1/10 of its length. Subpetiolar process without posteroventral tooth (Figs. 4-:-6) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera nangongshana

Xu 2001 Ponera figs. 1-15.

4

return to couplet #2

Head distinctly narrowed forward. Anterior margin of clypeus with a weak median tooth. Subpetiolar process with large fenestra and a large posteroventral tooth (Figs. 7-9) (China, Taiwan Province) . . . . . Ponera chiponensis

Head not distinctly narrowed forward_. Anterior margin of clypeus without amedian tooth. Subpetiolar process with small fenestra and a minute posteroventral tooth (Figs. 10- 2) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera baka

5

return to couplet #1

In dorsal view, petiolar node very thick, roughly triangular, length / width much more than 1/2 (Figs. 13-15) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera xantha

In dorsal view, petiolar node relatively thin, roughly semicircular or crescent, length / width equal to or less than 1/2 . . . . . 6

6

return to couplet #5

Mandible with 5 subequal large teeth (Figs. 16-18) China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera pentodontos

Mandible with 3 enlarged apical teeth followed by a row of small to minute dentides . . . . . 7

Xu 2001. Ponera figs. 16-27

7

return to couplet #6

In profile view, posteroventral border of subpetiolar process without acute tooth, at most bluntly angled . . . . . 8

In profile view, posteroventral border of subpetiolar process with an acute tooth . . . . . 9

8

return to couplet #7

Head much longer than broad, CI 80. Anterior margin of clypeus bluntly angled. In profile view, petiolar node with anterodorsal corner as high as posterodorsal corner. In dorsal view, petiolar node semi-circular, with posterior border straight (Figs.19-21) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera bawana

Head broader, CI 89. Anterior margin of clypeus roundly convex. In profile view, petiolar node with high anterodorsal corner, posterodorsal corner indistinct. In dorsal view, petiolar node crescent, with posterior border concave (Figs. 22-24) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera menglana

Ponera menglana

9

return to couplet #7

In profile view, petiolar node weakly narrowed upward, posteroventral border of subpetiolar process with 2 teeth. In dorsal view, petiolar node semicircular, with posterior border straight (Figs. 25-27) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera diodonta

In profile view, petiolar node distinctly narrowed upward, posteroventral border of subpetiolar process with 1 tooth. In dorsal view, petiolar node crescent, with posterior border concave . . . . . 10

10

return to couplet #9

In profile view, petiolar node roughly triangular, posterodorsal corner indistinct (Figs. 28-30) (China: Hong Kong) . . . . . Ponera sinensis

In profile view, petiolar node roughly trapezoid, posterodorsal corner roundly prominent . . . . . 11

Xu 2001. Ponera figs. 28-39.

11

return to couplet #10

Head roughly rectangular, distinctly longer than broad, with CI 77. Antennal club with 5 segments (Figs. 31-33) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera pianmana

Head roughly square, slightly longer than broad, with CI 90. Antennal club with 4 segments (Figs. 34-36) (China: Yunnan Province) . . . . . Ponera longlina