Abstract: To reveal the spatial distribution character of the ant species Lasius himalayanus Bingham in China, the spatial distribution pattern of the species was analyzed based on the specimens and related data of habitat, foraging sites, nesting sites and geographical distribution accumulated over the past 35 years using the collecting frequency method. Combined with maximum entropy model (MaxEnt), potential spatial distribution pattern of the species in China was constructed. The species was horizontally distributed in 12 provincial-level administrative regions and showed a gradient decrease from southwest to northeast China. The southwestern region, characterized by its subtropical climate, complex topography, and diverse microhabitats, served as a core distribution area of the species. Altitude range of vertical distribution of the species was 180-3 349 m with vertical height difference 3 169 m, showing a broad ecological adaptation range. In the range, 2 000-2 499 m was the core distribution altitude range, 1 500-2 999 m was the suitable altitude range, and >3 000 m high altitude interval and <500 m low altitude interval were the unsuitable range. The results showed that Lasius himalayanus Bingham was a mesophilic mid-altitude densely distributed species. The warm conifer forest and conifer-broadleaf mixed forest with stable microclimate and resource supply became the main habitat of the species. The species mainly foraged on the ground and in the soil. MaxEnt modelpredictions showed that high suitable area of species was concentrated in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains, and the edges of the Sichuan Basin. It was related to the subtropical humid climate formed under the influence of the warm and humid airflows from the Indian Ocean. Distribution pattern of the species was closely associated with the climatic gradient, vegetation types and topographic factors. Its ecological adaptability was mainly affected by temperature and moisture, and limited by the extreme environment and the availability of resources.

Key words: Lasius himalayanus Bingham, habitat, foraging, nesting, potential distribution area