TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION OF ANT GENUS Aenictus IN EASTERN THAILAND

Abstract

Study on taxonomy and distribution of the ant genus Aenictus (Aenictinae: Formicidae) of Eastern Thailand, with the objectives to make known their external morphology, distributional pattern, and taxonomic characters which conducting the identification key to this ant genus. Data complied from field works were done in different plant community types of Eastern Thailand, together with the thorough investigation of ant specimens deposited in many museum collections during 2005 to 2006. It revealed the existence of 16 species, of which a key has been prepared for their specific identification. The majority of them distribute solely in natural forest, not in human habitation or agricultural areas. Severe forest destruction will certainly have an adverse effect on this ant genus. Dealing with the known distributional pattern, this genus can be separated into 3 groups. The first one including those dwelling in many plant community types at the average level less than 800 m; the second one living in specific plant community types less than 800 m; and the last one confining to the hill evergreen forest averagely above 800 m high. Furthermore, this ant genus can be beneficially applied as the pest controllers and the indicators of forest condition, also the acquired information can be used as a guideline for proper habitat management.