Distribution patterns and niche differentiation of Tetraponera species in China

To reveal the niche differentiation of Tetraponera species in China.

The fauna and distribution patterns of species of the genus were studied based on the specimens and data of ecology and geographical distribution of Tetraponera species accumulated in the past 30 years in our country.

A total of 13 species of the genus were found in China. The species of the genus are typical of the Oriental Region in the world zoogeographical divisions and of the South China Zone in the Chinese zoogeographical divisions. It was revealed by the study of distribution patterns that species of the genus were most abundant in Yunnan Province. In addition, T. allaborans (Walker, 1859) had the widest ecological adaptation range and niche. Meanwhile, T. notabilis Ward, 2001 had the narrowest ecological adaptation range and niche. Species of the genus were most abundant in evergreen broadleaf forests and seasonal rainforests, and they mainly foraged on plants and on the surface of the ground. Based on the results of faunal and distribution patterns studies, we further investigated the niche differentiation among species. It was found that all the species of the genus in China showed obvious niche differentiation in global and Chinese zoogeography, in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, in habitat selection, and in foraging behavior. The research on niche width showed that T. modesta (Smith, 1860) had the widest ecological niche, and T. notabilis Ward, 2001 and T. protensa Xu & Chai, 2004 had the narrowest ecological niche. The niche width of species across the 11 habitat types was generally large, indicating that the community of Tetraponera species was relatively stable and highly adaptable in the 11 habitats.

In conclusion, niche differentiation among Tetraponera species in China is obvious. This differentiation has been facilitated by diverse landscape, climate, vegetation and geographical isolation, which together provide favorable ecological and geographical conditions. The results have provided a scientific basis for the protection and utilization of the Tetraponera species in our country.