Distribution pattern of ant species in the central and southern parts of western Sichuan Plateau

In order to reveal the distribution of ant species in the central and southern part of western Sichuan Plateau,The distribution pattern of ant species in this region was studied by using the sample plot method, and the horizontal distribution, vertical distribution, habitat, foraging sites and nesting sites of ant species were analyzed respectively. The results showed that a total of 1451 ant specimens were collected from the central and southern parts of the West Sichuan Plateau. Through classification and identification, 5 ant subfamilies, 31 genera and 88 species(including 9 undetermined species) were found in the central and southern parts of the West Sichuan Plateau. By studying their distribution, the ants in this area are mostly distributed horizontally, in only one or two areas. From the vertical distribution, it can be seen that most of the ecological suitable ranges of ants in the central and southern parts of the west Sichuan Plateau are relatively narrow, and the nesting sites of ants are mainly under the soil and rocks with good concealing, while the foraging sites are in the soil and surface with abundant resources. Through the analysis of the research results, the distribution of ants is mainly affected by their own adaptability, and is also closely related to the climate characteristics, vegetation types, altitude difference and material resources in the region.