Keys to Ponerinae genera in and possible in Alabama and Mississippi
(based on workers)
(from Bolton, 1994, Deyrup et al, 2003)
1
 Mandibles long, linear, inserted in the middle of the anterior margin of head (as seen in full face view), with tips abruptly turned inward, and with 2 or 3 teeth present apically in a vertical series,
...2
Mandibles linear to triangular, inserted at anterolateral corners of head, no vertical series of teeth apically
...3
2(1)

Size 5.0 mm or less; petiolar node with two points (viewed from front to back); occipital region of head deeply excised in middle, corners of anterior part of head angulate-rounded (possible in AL and MS)

...Anochetus mayri Emery
Large, at least 8.0 mm; petiolar node with a single spine; occiput not deeply excised, corners broadly rounded
...Odontomachus
3(1)
 Body with abundant, appressed pale pubescence giving body a silvery appearance; petiole elongate-rectangular, longer than high (in profile view), and broadly joined to gaster (possible in AL and MS)
...Platythyrea punctata F. Smith
Body without abundant, appressed pubescence; petiole higher than long, not joined broadly to gaster, but only connected at the base
...4
4(3)
 Eyes minute; hind tibia with a single, large, pectinate spur, without a small simple one in front of it
...5
Eyes large; hind tibia with two spurs, one larger, pectinate, the other simple, small, and placed in front of the larger one
...6
5(4)
 Subpetiolar process with an acute angle posteroventrally (as seen in profile) and with a fenestra or a circular translucent thin spot anteriorly
...Ponera
Subpetiolar process a simple lobe and no anterior fenestra or thin translucent spot present
...Hypoponera
6(4)
 Basal area of mandible with a circular or almost circular pit (fovea) dorsolaterally
...Cryptopone gilva (Roger)
Basal area of mandible without a fovea dorsolaterally
...7
7(6)
 Pretarsal claws usually pectinate on inner curves (possible in AL and MS)
...Leptogenys
Pretarsal claws simple, or occasionally with 1 tooth behind apex (possible in AL and MS)
...Pachycondyla
 
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