A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE ANT GENUS BRACHYPONERA EMERY IN SOUTHWESTERN CHINA(HYMENOPTERA FORMICIDAE PONERINAE)

Three species of the ant genus Brachyponera Emery in Southwestern China are reported. B. chinensis(Emery) and B. luieipes(Mayr) are recorded m this area for the first time. B. brevidorsa Xu sp. nov. is described as new to science. A key is provided for the 3 known species. Figures and known distributions are given to each species. Brachyponera brevidorsa Xu, sp. nov. is close to B. luteipes(Mayr), but the new one with the dorsal surface of propodeum slightly convex, distinctly shorter than the apical surface; occipital margin of the head straight; mandibles, flagella of antennae and legs yellowish brown. Holotype worker, CHINA:Baoshan(99.1°E, 25.1°N), 1880 m, Yunnan Prov., 11. X. 1991, no, A91-1022(Xu Zheng-hui). Paratypes:17 workers, with the same data as the holotype; 2 workers, with the same data as holotype, but no. A91~1053. The type specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Department of Forest Protection, Southwest Forestry College, Kunming, Yunnan, China.