Ponerinae
Ponerinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Formicoidea
- Family: Formicidae
- Subfamily: Ponerinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ponerinae: //poʊˈnɛrɪnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Ponerinae, or ponerine ants, is a subfamily comprising about 1,600 species in 47 extant genera, known for their predacious behaviors and unique reproductive structures, including queenless colonies in some species. They are typically found in tropical regions, making nests in organic substrates like soil and logs.
Physical Characteristics
Ponerinae ants typically possess a single-node petiole with a constriction before the second gastral segment. They can be recognized by their stinging capability and the shape of their head. Female workers have twelve segmented antennae, while male workers have thirteen segmented antennae.
Identification Tips
Look for a single-node petiole and the constriction between the first and second gastral segments. Additionally, check the number of segments in the antennae, with females having 12 and males having 13.
Habitat
They typically nest in soil, forest litter, or rotting logs.
Distribution
Most species are found in tropical or subtropical regions, with some genera such as Ponera and Hypoponera reaching southeastern Canada, primarily indoors. Pachycondyla chinensis has been recorded in New York and Wisconsin.
Diet
Ponerinae ants are predominantly predacious, primarily preying on terrestrial isopods. Some genera may specialize in hunting certain millipedes or other arthropods.
Life Cycle
Reproduction typically involves winged sexuals mating outside of the nest, with females founding new colonies in small nests. Some species have queenless colonies where mated workers lay eggs.
Reproduction
Mated workers can serve as functional egg-layers in some species where traditional queens are absent. Female reproductive status can be determined through ovarian dissections.
Ecosystem Role
Predators in their respective ecosystems, helping to control populations of isopods and potentially other small invertebrates.
Evolution
Ponerinae is part of the Poneromorph subfamilies group, encompassing a significant diversity of ant species with complex reproductive behaviors.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some species are confused with wasps because a few male workers resemble braconid wasps due to the absence of elbowed antennae.
Tags
- ants
- Ponerinae
- Hymenoptera
- insects