A revision of Chinese Probolomyrmex Mayr, 1901 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Proceratiinae), with descriptions of two new species and a global key to species

Based on morphological evidence, the ant genus Probolomyrmex Mayr, 1901 in China is revised, indicating the presence of at least five confirmed species, with an additional taxon (P. longinodus Terayama & Ogata, 1988) requiring further clarification. In addition to the previously recorded P. dammermani Wheeler, 1928, P. longiscapus Xu & Zeng, 2000, and P. vieti Eguchi, 2006, two new species are described herein: P. bispinatus sp. nov. from Tibet and P. similis sp. nov. from Guangxi.

The new species P. bispinatus sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to P. procne, but can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: (1) propodeal posterodorsal denticles sharper and spine-like; (2) posterodorsal corner of petiole in lateral view sharper and points posterodorsally (in P. procne points posteroventrally); and (3) in dorsal view, lateral margins of petiole slightly convex (not straight).

The new species P. similis sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to P. longiscapus, but can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: (1) larger body size; (2) posterior head margin nearly straight; (3) propodeal declivity with bordered, straight or slightly curved dark lines laterally; and (4) petiole bearing a pair of broad and distinct teeth. A global identification key to Probolomyrmex species based on queen and worker morphology is provided.