Thin Ants
Small ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae with primarily Holarctic distributions. The genus is distinguished by widespread social parasitism, with many species dependent on host workers during part or all of their life cycles. Some species exhibit complex social behaviors including dominance hierarchies and queen usurpation.
Linepithema is a genus of small ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, comprising approximately 20 described species. The genus is native to the Neotropics, ranging from northern Mexico through the Caribbean to northern Argentina, with species occurring from sea level to 4,000 meters elevation in the Andes. Two species, L. humile (the Argentine ant) and L. iniquum, have been introduced globally through human activity. L. humile is among the most successful invasive ant species worldwide, forming massive supercolonies in Mediterranean-type climates.
Lomechusini is a tribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) within the subfamily Aleocharinae. The tribe contains approximately 202 genera organized into two subtribes: Lomechusina and Myrmedoniina, plus several genera of uncertain placement. It includes the relatively large genus Zyras, though most genera are small. Members are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants.
Manica is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, family Formicidae. The genus contains six described species. These ants are distributed across the Holarctic region, with species found in North America and Eurasia. Manica ants are known to inhabit cool, montane environments and are among the few ant genera capable of surviving at high latitudes and elevations where conditions are challenging for most ant species.
Trailing, Pharaoh, and Timid Ants
Monomorium is a large and morphologically diverse genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, containing approximately 396 species as of 2013. The genus exhibits remarkable variation in worker size, eye development, and caste polymorphism, with species ranging from minute to relatively large. It includes several significant pest species, notably the pharaoh ant (M. pharaonis) and the flower ant (M. floricola), which have achieved global distribution through human commerce. The genus is considered taxonomically problematic, lacking distinct morphological synapomorphies and currently recognized as paraphyletic, with several subgroups recently elevated to separate genera based on molecular evidence.
Bull and Dinosaur Ants
Myrmeciinae is a subfamily of ants in the family Formicidae, currently restricted to Australia and New Caledonia but with a fossil record indicating former worldwide distribution during the Eocene. The subfamily is notable for possessing gamergates—female workers capable of mating and reproducing to sustain colonies after queen loss. It includes two extant tribes (Myrmeciini and Prionomyrmecini) with living genera Myrmecia and Nothomyrmecia, plus multiple fossil genera from Eocene deposits in North America and Europe. Myrmeciinae is considered sociobiologically primitive, exhibiting ancestral traits such as simple colony organization and the absence of worker behavioral subcastes in studied species.
Mite-eating Ants
Myrmecina is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae containing approximately 51-53 species. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Europe, northern Africa, India, Korea, Japan, and Australia. Species exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including both winged gynomorphs and wingless intermorphs, with some populations demonstrating polygynous reproduction by ergatoid (worker-like) queens. The common name 'Mite-eating Ants' suggests a specialized dietary niche, though this has not been extensively documented.
Myrmelachistine Ants
Myrmelachistini is a tribe of ants in the subfamily Formicinae, resurrected in 2016 from synonymy under Plagiolepidini. The tribe contains two genera: Brachymyrmex (rover ants) and Myrmelachista. Together these genera comprise at least 50 described species. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological and molecular distinctions that separate it from other formicine tribes.
Furrowed Ants
Myrmica is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae containing approximately 200 described species. The genus is widespread across temperate regions of the Holarctic and occurs in high mountain habitats of Southeast Asia. Myrmica species exhibit diverse colony structures, including both monogynous and polygynous forms. The genus is notable for its complex ecological relationships, including associations with parasitic butterflies, inquiline ant species, and various other organisms.
A facultatively polygynous ant species in the genus Myrmica, native to the Rocky Mountain region of North America. Population-level sex ratios show pronounced temporal variation across years, with female-biased sexual production in odd-numbered years and male-biased production in even-numbered years. Individual colonies tend to maintain consistent sex ratio patterns across consecutive years. The species has been studied primarily at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado.
Myrmoecia is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini, subfamily Aleocharinae. The genus contains nine described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants. The genus was established by Mulsant and Rey in 1873.
Legionary Ants
Neivamyrmex is a genus of New World army ants comprising approximately 129 species. Colonies are nomadic, establishing temporary bivouacs nightly rather than constructing permanent nests. Most species are predominantly subterranean, with occasional surface foraging at night or during overcast conditions. The genus is distinguished from related army ants by workers lacking a subapical tooth on the tarsal claw.
Neoponera Panther Ants
Neoponera is a genus of ponerine ants restricted to the Neotropics, ranging from southern Texas to southern Brazil. Workers are slender and medium to large in size (6.5–19 mm), while queens are larger and winged. The genus exhibits diverse nesting behaviors, including ground nests in soil and decaying wood, as well as arboreal ant gardens. Some species, such as those in the N. laevigata species-group, are specialized termite predators.
Nesomyrmex is a genus of myrmicine ants distributed across the Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Malagasy regions. Most species inhabit arid climates, though some occur in rainforest environments. They nest in soil or arboreally. The genus was established by Wheeler in 1910, and recent taxonomic work has described new species from Colombian tropical dry forest.
Crazy ants
Nylanderia is a large genus of formicine ants with over 130 described species and a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, notably absent from Europe. The genus was resurrected from synonymy with Paratrechina in 2010 based on molecular phylogenetics and morphological reassessment. Species range from small to medium in size (1–4 mm) and exhibit coloration from pale yellow to black. Several species are significant invasive pests, including N. fulva (tawny crazy ant) and N. bourbonica, which form massive supercolonies and cause ecological and economic damage.
Field Crazy Ant
Nylanderia vividula is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, commonly known as the Field Crazy Ant. Workers are morphologically similar to N. terricola, requiring examination of males for definitive identification. The species was originally described by Nylander in 1846 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with the subspecies N. vividula mjobergi synonymized under the senior name. It is native to the Nearctic region and has been recorded from multiple countries including Cuba and Cyprus.
Obeza is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eucharitidae containing eight described species. Members of this genus are parasitoids of ants, with Obeza floridana specifically documented as parasitizing Camponotus abdominalis floridanus in Florida. The genus was established by Heraty in 1985.
Ochetellus is a genus of small black ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, established by Steve Shattuck in 1992 to accommodate species previously placed in Iridomyrmex. The genus contains seven described species and three subspecies, predominantly native to Australia with some Asian distributions. Several species have been introduced outside their native range, including O. glaber which has established populations in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the continental United States. These ants occupy diverse habitats from sclerophyll woodlands to urban environments.
trap-jaw ants
Odontomachus is a genus of ants commonly known as trap-jaw ants, characterized by their extraordinary spring-loaded mandibles that can snap shut at speeds among the fastest recorded for animal movements. The genus contains approximately 84 valid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. These ants are active predators that use their powerful jaws for hunting, defense, and in some species, locomotion via jumping. Several species have been introduced to new regions, including the southeastern United States, where they are expanding their ranges.
Panther Ants
Pachycondyla is a genus of ponerine ants found in the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision by Schmidt & Shattuck (2014), the genus was drastically reduced from hundreds of species to eleven extant species, with many former members moved to revived genera. The genus now contains primarily Neotropical species distributed from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Some species, such as P. chinensis (Asian needle ant), have become invasive beyond their native ranges. The genus includes both ground-nesting and arboreal species, with some forming mutualistic relationships with plants.
Walnut Aphid, Large Walnut Aphid
Panaphis juglandis, the large walnut aphid, is a phloem-feeding pest of walnut trees (Juglans regia). It colonizes exclusively the upper (adaxial) surface of walnut compound leaves, forming dense colonies along the main vascular veins of the outer leaflets. Native to the Old World (Central Asia and southeastern Europe), it has spread across Europe and was introduced to California in the early 20th century. The species reduces tree vigor, nut yield, and quality, and excretes honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. It forms mutualistic relationships with ant species that tend and protect colonies from predators.
longhorn crazy ants
Paratrechina is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae containing six described species. The genus underwent major taxonomic revision in 2010 when it was discovered to be paraphyletic, resulting in the elevation of Nylanderia to generic status and reducing Paratrechina to a single species. Subsequent revisions between 2013 and 2016 restored the genus to six species through new descriptions and transfers from Prenolepis. The longhorn crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis) is the most widely distributed species, having become a pantropical invasive pest through human-mediated transport. Most species are native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, with one species (P. umbra) native to Southeast Asia.
Pella is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Lomechusini. These beetles are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants. The genus was established by Stephens in 1833 and contains species that are adapted to life within ant colonies, where they exploit resources and protection provided by their hosts.
Bearded Big-headed Ant
Pheidole barbata is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Wheeler in 1908. The common name "Bearded Big-headed Ant" refers to distinctive pilosity characteristic of this species. As with other members of its hyperdiverse genus, it exhibits the characteristic dimorphic worker caste system with minor workers and major soldiers bearing disproportionately enlarged heads. The species belongs to the Myrmicinae subfamily and is part of the Attini tribe, though it is not a fungus-growing ant like the true attines.
California Big-headed Ant
Pheidole californica is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, characterized by the presence of dimorphic worker castes including small workers and large-headed soldiers. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine ant fauna of western North America. Like other Pheidole species, it exhibits the classic soldier-worker caste system where soldiers possess disproportionately enlarged heads and mandibles used for defense and food processing. The species was described by Mayr in 1870 and includes two recognized subspecies: P. c. californica and P. c. oregonica.
Pheidole constipata is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Wheeler in 1908. The genus Pheidole is hyperdiverse, containing at least 1,000 species in the New World alone, and is characterized by a worker caste polymorphism that includes minor workers and soldier ants with disproportionately large heads. As with other members of this genus, P. constipata exhibits this distinctive soldier caste, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Desert Big-headed Ant
Pheidole desertorum is a desert-dwelling ant in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, characterized by large colony sizes and pronounced worker polymorphism. Colonies contain 2,460–24,814 adult workers, making them exceptionally large for the genus. The species exhibits nocturnal foraging during summer months and employs multiple nests as an anti-predator defense strategy. Mating occurs following summer rainfall, with males forming aerial swarms prior to sunrise. Colony foundation is typically haplometrotic, though pleometrotic associations with workers occur.
Pheidole floridana is a species of ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Carlo Emery in 1895. The species is part of the highly diverse and ecologically significant genus Pheidole, which is characterized by its distinctive worker caste polymorphism featuring minor workers and major workers (soldiers) with enlarged heads. Specific biological details for P. floridana are limited in available sources.
Pheidole subarmata is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Mayr in 1884. The species belongs to one of the most diverse ant genera globally, with over 1,000 described species in the New World alone. As with other Pheidole species, it exhibits a dimorphic worker caste system with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) distinguished by head size. The species has been documented across South America and the Caribbean.
Platythyrea is a genus of predatory ants in the subfamily Ponerinae and the sole member of the tribe Platythyreini. Workers range from 4–20 mm in size. The genus exhibits remarkable reproductive diversity: most species have gamergates (reproductive female workers), though P. conradti has ergatoid queens instead. Some species with gamergates also produce alate queens. The genus has a worldwide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions.
Pogonomyrmecini is a tribe of myrmicine ants established in 2015, containing three extant genera: Pogonomyrmex, Hylomyrma, and Patagonomyrmex. The tribe was erected following phylogenetic revision of the subfamily Myrmicinae. Members include the well-known harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex), which are conspicuous seed-collecting ants in arid regions of the Americas. The tribe represents a relatively recent taxonomic reorganization based on molecular and morphological evidence.
Hoelldobler's Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex hoelldobleri is a seed-harvesting ant species described in 2013 from the Mohave and Sonoran Deserts of North America. It was previously confused with P. magnacanthus but differs in having normally sized eyes, cephalic rugae that converge posterior to the eyes near the vertex, mandibles with seven teeth, and moderately to strongly granulate interrugal spaces on pronotal sides. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supports its close relationship with P. magnacanthus and P. mohavensis within the P. californicus species group.
ponerine ants
Ponerinae is a diverse subfamily of ants containing approximately 1,600 species in 54 extant genera. Members are characterized by a single-segmented petiole and often a constricted gaster. The subfamily exhibits remarkable social flexibility, including multiple independent origins of gamergate reproduction where mated workers replace queens as functional egg-layers. Ponerines are primarily predatory and include some of the largest ants, such as Dinoponera gigantea. They serve as important model systems for studying the evolution of social behavior, foraging ecology, and morphological innovation.
Winter Ants and Allies
Prenolepis is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae with a wide geographic distribution spanning southeastern Asia, southern China, North America, southern Europe, Anatolia, Cuba, Haiti, and West Africa. The genus is best known for P. imparis, commonly called the winter ant or false honey ant, which exhibits unique cold-adapted activity patterns and serves as a model organism for thermal physiology research. Most Prenolepis species are small, ground-nesting ants that inhabit woodland and forest environments.
Proceratiine Ants
Proceratiinae is a subfamily of ants in the poneromorph group, established by Barry Bolton in 2003 when Ponerinae was divided into six subfamilies. It contains three extant genera—Discothyrea, Proceratium, and Probolomyrmex—plus one extinct genus (Bradoponera). Most species are tropical or subtropical with worldwide distribution. These ants are characterized by their cryptobiotic lifestyle, small colony sizes, and specialized predatory habits.
Hairy Curltail Ants
Proceratium is a rare genus of ants in the subfamily Proceratiinae and the type genus of tribe Proceratiini. These ants are distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide but are infrequently collected due to their cryptobiotic lifestyle. Colonies are small, typically containing fewer than 200 individuals. Some species are specialist predators of arthropod eggs, particularly spider eggs. The genus is notable for its ability to curl the abdomen dorsally more than 90 degrees relative to the body axis.
Twig Ants, Acacia Ants
Pseudomyrmex is a genus of stinging ants in the subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae, comprising approximately 180-209 species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the New World. The genus is characterized by large compound eyes, slender wasp-like bodies, and diurnal activity patterns. Most species are generalist twig nesters that inhabit hollow stems and dead wood, though several species have evolved obligate mutualistic relationships with myrmecophytic plants, most famously with bullhorn acacias (Acacia spp.). These mutualistic species provide aggressive defense of their host plants against herbivores and competing vegetation in exchange for nesting sites and specialized food sources.
Pseudoponera Wolf Ants
Pseudoponera is a small genus of ponerine ants established by Emery in 1900. The genus comprises five species, all native to the Neotropics. Pseudoponera stigma has been introduced to Oceania and parts of east and Southeast Asia. The genus is commonly referred to as "Pseudoponera Wolf Ants."
Djirries
Rogeria is a genus of small ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus contains approximately 40 described species, most of which inhabit leaf litter and soil in tropical forests. Workers are minute to small in size and often exhibit reduced eyes or eyelessness. The genus is distinguished by specialized mandibular structures and reduced pilosity compared to related myrmicine ants.
cryptic leaf-litter ants
Stenamma is a genus of cryptic ants in the family Formicidae, subfamily Myrmicinae. The genus was long thought to be restricted to temperate regions, but extensive Neotropical collections have revealed a major radiation in Middle America with 40 recognized species, 33 of them newly described. Species are notably adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, where they can become the dominant ant genus in leaf-litter samples—contrary to the typical ant pattern of decreasing diversity with elevation.
Stenamma schmittii is a species of ant in the genus Stenamma, described by Wheeler in 1903. The genus Stenamma comprises cryptic "leaf-litter" ants found in moderately humid to wet forest habitats across the Holarctic region, Central America, and northwestern South America. Species in this genus are adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, often becoming the most common ant genus in cloud forest leaf-litter samples. Stenamma species exhibit diverse life history strategies and nesting behaviors, including the use of clay "door-pebbles" for nest protection in some species.
Dracula ants
Stigmatomma is a genus of ants in the subfamily Amblyoponinae with worldwide distribution. The genus was revived from synonymy with Amblyopone by Yoshimura & Fisher (2012) based on worker mandible morphology. Species are specialized predators with a cryptobiotic lifestyle, inhabiting soil and rotten wood in humid forests.
Mustache and Pygmy Snapping Ants
Strumigenys is a hyperdiverse genus of small predatory ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, comprising over 880 species. Members are characterized by specialized mandible morphology ranging from gripping to trap-jaw mechanisms, and cryptic lifestyles primarily in leaf litter and soil habitats. The genus exhibits remarkable diversity in nesting strategies, including solitary nesting, xenobiosis, and social parasitism. Several species reproduce via thelytokous parthenogenesis, a rare trait among ants that facilitates colonization of new environments.
Dietrich's Mustache Ant
Strumigenys dietrichi is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Smith in 1931. Like other members of this genus, it possesses elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species has been placed in synonymy with Pyramica dietrichi in some taxonomic treatments, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions within this ant group. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be naturally rare or undercollected.
Strumigenys hexamera is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, first described by Brown in 1958 under the basionym Epitritus hexamerus. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine ant genus Strumigenys, which comprises over 850 species known for their specialized predatory mandibles. It has been recorded from the conterminous 48 United States.
Pergande's Mustache Ant
Strumigenys pergandei is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Carlo Emery in 1895. The species belongs to a diverse genus of small myrmicine ants known for their specialized mandible morphology. It is native to North America and is one of many species in a genus containing nearly 1,000 described taxa.
rostrata-group Mustache Ants
Strumigenys rostrata is a species of trap-jaw ant in the family Formicidae, originally described by Emery in 1895. It belongs to a species complex characterized by specialized mandible morphology. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources listing it as a synonym of related species while others maintain its accepted status. Members of this species group are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Malagasy, Oriental, Malesian, East Palaearctic and Nearctic regions.
Strumigenys superstes is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Booher and Uhey in 2020. The species name 'superstes' is Latin for 'survivor,' referencing its persistence in a challenging environment. Like other members of its genus, this ant possesses specialized elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine ant fauna, with the genus Strumigenys containing over 850 described species worldwide.
Syscia is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dorylinae, containing 38 described species. The genus was established by Roger in 1861, later treated as a subgenus of Cerapachys, and resurrected as valid by Borowiec (2016). It has a discontinuous distribution across Eastern Asia, North America, and South America, and is part of the cryptic leaf-litter ant fauna.
Tapinoma is a moderately diverse genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, comprising approximately 87 described species (81 extant, 6 fossil) with a crown age estimated at 34–49 million years. Species occur worldwide in tropical and temperate regions, exhibiting generalized foraging behavior and flexible nesting habits. Several species, including T. sessile and T. melanocephalum, are notable as household pests and invasive species associated with human disturbance.