Formicidae
Guides
Polyergus topoffi
Topoff's Amazon Ant
Polyergus topoffi is a dulotic (slave-making) ant species described in 2013 as part of a global revision of the genus Polyergus. It belongs to the rufescens group, informally termed the breviceps complex, which comprises American species within this otherwise Palaearctic-centered group. Like all Polyergus species, it is an obligatory social parasite dependent on host colonies of Formica ants for survival, as its workers cannot feed themselves or excavate nests. The species is one of five newly described in the 2013 revision based on morphometric, ecological, host-association, and biogeographic characteristics.
Polyergus vinosus
Wine-red Amazon Ant
Polyergus vinosus is a species of slave-making ant in the genus Polyergus, described in 2013 as part of a global revision of the genus. It belongs to the rufescens group, informally known as the breviceps complex, and is one of five new species described in that revision. Like all Polyergus species, it is an obligatory social parasite that relies on host colonies of Formica ants for survival, as it cannot feed itself or excavate nests.
Ponerinae
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.
Proceratium crassicorne
Fat Curltail Ant
Proceratium crassicorne is a rarely encountered ant species described by Emery in 1895. It belongs to the genus Proceratium, a group of specialized predatory ants known for their distinctive elongated petiole and furtive foraging habits. The species epithet 'crassicorne' refers to its notably thick antennae. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a cryptic predator with specific habitat requirements, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Proceratium croceum
Proceratium croceum is a small, cryptic ant species in the subfamily Proceratiinae. It belongs to a genus of specialized predators that exhibit unusual foraging behaviors. The species is known from limited observations in the eastern United States. Like other Proceratium species, it likely possesses a distinctive elongated petiole and modified mandibles for capturing specific prey.
Proceratium pergandei
Pergandei-clade Hairy Curltail Ants
Proceratium pergandei is a species of ant in the subfamily Proceratiinae, endemic to the Central and Eastern United States. It belongs to a genus of small, cryptic ants commonly known as 'curltail ants' for their distinctive abdominal morphology. Members of the Pergandei-clade within Proceratium are characterized by dense pilosity (hairiness) compared to other congeners.
Pseudomyrmex apache
Apache Twig Ant
Pseudomyrmex apache is a species of twig ant in the subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, with unconfirmed reports from Florida. The species is characterized by its golden yellow coloration and wasp-like body form typical of the genus. Like other Pseudomyrmex species, it has notably large compound eyes relative to body size.
Pseudomyrmex cubaensis
Cuban Twig Ant
Pseudomyrmex cubaensis is a species of twig ant in the family Formicidae. As a member of the genus Pseudomyrmex, it exhibits the characteristic slender, wasp-like body form and large compound eyes typical of this group. The species was originally described from Cuba and has since been recorded across the Caribbean and parts of South America. Like other Pseudomyrmex species, it is associated with arboreal habitats, particularly woody vegetation.
Pseudomyrmex gracilis
graceful twig ant, Mexican twig ant, slender twig ant, elongated twig ant
Pseudomyrmex gracilis is a large, slender ant species characterized by wasp-like appearance and rapid, frenetic movement. Workers measure 8–10 mm and display distinctive bi-coloration: dark head and gaster contrasting with dull orange antennae, mouthparts, thorax, and legs. The species is native to Mexico and arid regions of the southern United States, with introduced populations established in Florida and Hawaii. It has been documented as an invasive species in the Florida Keys, where it impacts native ecosystems.
Pseudoponera stigma
Pantropical Wolf Ant
A pantropical ant species in the subfamily Ponerinae, commonly known as the Pantropical Wolf Ant. The species has been documented across tropical regions including South America and parts of the United States, with 42 iNaturalist observations supporting its broad distribution. It belongs to a genus of ground-dwelling ants characterized by solitary foraging behavior and predatory habits.
Solenopsis pergandei
Pergande's Thief Ant
Solenopsis pergandei is a small thief ant species in the genus Solenopsis, described by Forel in 1901. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus that includes both native species and the highly invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Unlike its notorious congener, S. pergandei is not considered a significant pest species. The species is part of a diverse group of Solenopsis ants commonly known as thief ants due to their habit of nesting near other ant colonies and stealing their brood.
Solenopsis picta
Northern Twig-nesting Thief Ant
Solenopsis picta is a species of thief ant in the genus Solenopsis, described by Emery in 1895. It is commonly known as the Northern Twig-nesting Thief Ant. The species belongs to a genus that includes other well-known ants such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), though S. picta is distinct in its ecology and behavior. Information specific to this species is limited in the provided sources.
Solenopsis tennesseensis
Tennessee Thief Ant
Solenopsis tennesseensis is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, described by Smith in 1951. Commonly known as the Tennessee Thief Ant, this species reaches approximately 1 mm in length and exhibits a yellow-brown coloration. It is native to North America, with documented occurrences in Mexico and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Solenopsis, which includes other well-known thief ants and fire ants.
Stenamma
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 chiricahua
Stenamma chiricahua is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Snelling in 1973. The species epithet refers to the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, indicating its type locality and geographic association with this Madrean Sky Island range. As a member of the genus Stenamma, it belongs to a cryptic ant group known for occurring in cool, wet forest habitats at mid to high elevations. The Middle American clade of Stenamma, which includes this species, underwent a major taxonomic revision in 2013 that recognized 40 species, 33 of which were newly described, revealing a previously overlooked radiation of Neotropical ants.
Stenamma impar
Stenamma impar is a species of ant in the genus Stenamma, family Formicidae. The genus Stenamma comprises cryptic "leaf-litter" ants found in moderately humid to wet forest habitats across the Holarctic region, Central America, and parts of northwestern South America. Species in this genus are generally small, slow-moving, and form small colonies. Many Stenamma species are adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, where they can be the most common ant genus in leaf-litter samples from cloud forest localities.
Stenamma meridionale
Stenamma meridionale is a species of ant in the genus Stenamma, family Formicidae, described by Smith in 1957. The genus Stenamma comprises cryptic 'leaf-litter' ants found in moderately humid to wet forest habitats across the Holarctic region, Central America, and parts of northwestern South America. Species in this genus are typically small, slow-moving, and form small colonies. Many Stenamma species are adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, often becoming the most abundant ant genus in cloud forest leaf-litter samples.
Strumigenys ananeotes
Strumigenys ananeotes is a species of miniature trap-jaw ant described in 2019 from Costa Rica. It belongs to a diverse genus of predatory ants known for their elongated mandibles that snap shut to capture prey. The species name derives from Greek, meaning 'newly emerged' or 'returning to life', possibly referencing its discovery or cryptic habits. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a specialized predator of small soil arthropods.
Strumigenys dietrichi
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
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.
Strumigenys pergandei
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.
Strumigenys pilinasis
Hairy-snouted Mustache Ant
Strumigenys pilinasis is a species of trap-jaw ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Auguste Forel in 1901. The species is characterized by its distinctive pilose (hairy) snout, which gives rise to its common name. Like other members of the genus Strumigenys, it possesses elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species has been historically classified under the genus Pyramica, which is now treated as a synonym of Strumigenys. It belongs to a diverse genus containing over 850 described species, many of which remain poorly known.
Strumigenys pulchella
Pulchella-group Mustache Ant
Strumigenys pulchella is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Emery in 1895. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated mandibles that can snap shut with remarkable speed to capture prey. The species belongs to the 'pulchella-group' of Strumigenys, informally referred to as 'Mustache Ants' due to distinctive facial pilosity. Like other Strumigenys species, it is likely a specialized predator of small soil arthropods, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Strumigenys rogeri
Roger's Pygmy Snapping Ant
Strumigenys rogeri is a small dacetine ant species first described by Emery in 1890. It is notable for exhibiting thelytokous parthenogenesis in Taiwan, where virgin queens produce female offspring without mating. This reproductive mode, combined with a short development time of approximately 39 days, may contribute to its success as a tramp ant species. The species belongs to a genus of over 850 species characterized by distinctive trap-jaw mandibles.
Strumigenys rostrata
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
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.
Tapinoma litorale
Odorous Tropical Twig Ant
Tapinoma litorale is a small ant species in the genus Tapinoma, described by William Morton Wheeler in 1905. It is native to various countries in North America, with records from the conterminous United States and San Andrés. The species is commonly known as the Odorous Tropical Twig Ant, suggesting a preference for arboreal or twig-nesting habitats in tropical or subtropical regions.
Temnothorax americanus
Slave-raiding Acorn Ant
Temnothorax americanus is an obligatory slave-making ant species endemic to the northeastern United States and adjacent Canadian regions. Adults measure 2–3 mm in length. The species does not forage for food; instead, scout workers locate nearby host colonies, raid them for larvae and pupae, and integrate these into their own colony as slave workers. A typical colony consists of a queen, two to five workers, and thirty or more slaves. The species is a member of the tribe Crematogastrini within the subfamily Myrmicinae.
Temnothorax andrei
Andre's Acorn Ant
Temnothorax andrei is a small ant species in the genus Temnothorax, commonly known as Andre's Acorn Ant. The genus Temnothorax comprises over 350 species worldwide, with approximately 60 species known from North America. These ants are typically cavity-nesting, often inhabiting hollow nuts, acorns, or twigs. The species was first described by Emery in 1895 and is part of a genus known for its ecological importance in forest floor communities and its use in studies of social insect behavior, caste differentiation, and community ecology.
Temnothorax caguatan
Temnothorax caguatan is a species of small myrmicine ant described in 2014 from California, USA. It belongs to a genus of cavity-nesting ants known for nesting in pre-existing cavities such as hollow acorns, twigs, and rock crevices. The species was one of ten new Temnothorax species described from California in a single study, effectively doubling the known species diversity of this genus in the state. Like other members of Temnothorax, it is likely a generalist scavenger with colonies of moderate size.
Temnothorax nevadensis
Nevada Acorn Ant
Temnothorax nevadensis is a species of acorn ant in the family Formicidae, originally described by Wheeler in 1903. Like other members of the genus, it is a small ant species that typically nests in preformed cavities such as hollow nuts or acorns. The species is part of a diverse genus containing over 350 species worldwide, with approximately 60 species known from North America.
Temnothorax obliquicanthus
Temnothorax obliquicanthus is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae, originally described by Cole in 1953. As a member of the genus Temnothorax, it belongs to a diverse group of small ants commonly known as acorn ants or rock ants due to their frequent nesting habits. The genus contains over 350 species worldwide, with approximately 60 species documented from North America. Like other Temnothorax species, T. obliquicanthus is likely a cavity-nesting ant that utilizes pre-existing small spaces such as hollow acorns, twigs, or rock crevices for colony establishment.
Temnothorax obturator
Temnothorax obturator is a species of small myrmicine ant in the genus Temnothorax, described by Wheeler in 1903. Like other members of this genus, it is a cavity-nesting ant that typically inhabits pre-existing hollow spaces such as acorns, twigs, or rock crevices. The species is part of a diverse genus containing over 350 species worldwide, with approximately 60 species known from North America. Temnothorax ants are frequently studied in behavioral ecology due to their manageable colony sizes and accessible nesting habits.
Temnothorax pergandei
Pergande's Acorn Ant
Temnothorax pergandei is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as Pergande's Acorn Ant. Like other members of its genus, it is a cavity-nesting species that typically inhabits pre-existing spaces such as hollow acorns, twigs, or other small plant cavities. The species was first described by Emery in 1895 and is part of a diverse genus containing over 350 species worldwide, with approximately 60 species known from North America.
Temnothorax quasimodo
Temnothorax quasimodo is a species of ant in the genus Temnothorax, family Formicidae, described in 2014 from California, USA. It was one of ten new Temnothorax species described in a study that doubled the number of species in this genus known from California. The species epithet references the hunchbacked appearance of the type specimen's petiole and postpetiole. Like other Temnothorax species, it is a small cavity-nesting ant that inhabits acorns, twigs, and other pre-existing plant cavities.
Temnothorax texanus
Texas Acorn Ant
Temnothorax texanus is a species of acorn ant in the genus Temnothorax, described by Wheeler in 1903. The species is native to Texas and surrounding regions, where it inhabits small cavities such as hollow nuts, twigs, and other pre-existing shelters. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, cavity-nesting ant with a specialized lifestyle dependent on finding and occupying suitable microhabitats. The species has been documented in entomological collections and is recognized as part of the diverse North American Temnothorax fauna.
Temnothorax whitfordi
Temnothorax whitfordi is a species of ant in the genus Temnothorax, family Formicidae. The species was described by Mackay in 2000 and is accepted as valid in taxonomic databases. Very little specific information about this species' biology, distribution, or ecology has been published in the provided sources. The genus Temnothorax comprises over 350 species worldwide, with approximately 60 species known from North America. Members of this genus are typically small ants that nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs, acorns, or rock crevices.
Tetramorium caldarium
Greenhouse Fierce Ant
Tetramorium caldarium is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Greenhouse Fierce Ant. It belongs to the genus Tetramorium, which includes many species that are morphologically similar and often difficult to distinguish. The species has been documented from several islands in the Azores archipelago. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a generalist forager with opportunistic feeding habits.
Tetramorium hispidum
Tetramorium hispidum is a species of ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae, first described by Wheeler in 1915. It is distinguished from similar ants by the structure surrounding its antennal insertions. The species possesses short, stubble-like hairs on the pronotum and frontal carinae, and has 11-segmented antennae. As a member of the genus Tetramorium, it belongs to a diverse group of ants commonly known as pavement ants.
Tetramorium immigrans
Immigrant Pavement Ant, Pavement Ant, Sugar Ant
Tetramorium immigrans is a highly successful invasive ant native to Europe that has become one of the most abundant ant species in urban North America. The species thrives in disturbed, paved environments and exhibits remarkable thermal tolerance, with workers surviving temperatures up to 46°C. Colonies are typically large, with thousands to over 10,000 workers, and are highly territorial, engaging in conspicuous inter-colony battles. The species was previously misidentified as Tetramorium caespitum until a 2017 taxonomic revision clarified its status as a distinct species within the T. caespitum complex.
Tetramorium lanuginosum
Downy Pennant Ant
Tetramorium lanuginosum is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Mayr in 1870. The species is distributed across the Caribbean region and the Galápagos Islands, with confirmed presence in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, and Spain (likely referring to the Canary Islands). It belongs to the genus Tetramorium, a diverse group of myrmicine ants commonly known as pavement ants or pennant ants. The common name "Downy Pennant Ant" refers to the species' characteristic appearance.
Tetramorium spinosum
Tetramorium spinosum is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Pergande in 1896. It belongs to the genus Tetramorium, a diverse group of myrmicine ants commonly known as pavement ants. The species is part of the Tetramorium caespitum species complex, a group of morphologically similar ants that has been subject to taxonomic revision due to cryptic species diversity.
Veromessor andrei
Andre's Harvester Ant
Veromessor andrei is a North American seed-harvester ant endemic to western North America. Formerly classified in the genus Messor, it was reclassified to Veromessor based on phylogenetic studies. The species exhibits color polymorphism, with workers varying in coloration. Like other Veromessor species, it is a granivorous ant that harvests and stores seeds, playing a significant ecological role as a keystone species in arid and semi-arid habitats. The species has been the subject of behavioral and ecological research, though less extensively studied than V. pergandei.
Wasmannia auropunctata
little fire ant, electric ant
Wasmannia auropunctata, commonly known as the little fire ant or electric ant, is a small invasive ant native to Central and South America. It has spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The species is known for its painful sting relative to its size and is listed among the world's most destructive invasive species. It exhibits facultative reproductive polymorphism, with some populations reproducing sexually and others clonally.