A new ant species of the genus Carebara Westwood, 1840 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) with a key to Chinese species

Abstract

A new Chinese ant species Carebara laeviceps sp. nov. is described based on the major and minor workers. This species is most similar to C. lusciosa (Wheeler, 1928) due to a spineless propodeum, the absence of horns, and a smooth head capsule. It is distinguished by the following features: (1) antenna 10-segmented; (2) katepisternum rugose-reticulate; (3) in major workers, lateral sides of head in full-face view parallel; (4) metanotal groove distinct, anterodorsal corner forming an acute tooth behind metanotal groove. Moreover, an updated key to Chinese Carebara species is presented based on major workers, with a checklist comprising a total of 36 Chinese Carebara species and subspecies. Morphological structures and scanning electron micrographs of the newly discovered species’ minor and major workers are provided.