Msstate Logo

Keys to Ponerinae genera in the southeastern United States
(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 (only known in Southeast from FL)

Large, at least 8.0 mm; petiolar node with a single spine; occiput not deeply excised, corners broadly rounded
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 (only known in Southeast from FL)
Body without abundant, appressed pubescence; petiole higher than long, not joined broadly to gaster, but only connected at the base
...4
4(3)
 Hind tibia with a single, large, pectinate spur, without a small simple one in front of it
...5
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
Subpetiolar process a simple lobe and no anterior fenestra or thin translucent spot present
6(4) Basal area of mandible with a circular or almost circular pit (fovea) dorsolaterally
  Mandible lacking fovea
...7
7(6)
 Pretarsal claws usually pectinate on inner curves
Pretarsal claws simple, or occasionally with 1 tooth behind apex
...8
8(7) Mesopleurae with sculpture and/or dense pubescence
  Mesopleurae strongly shining, lacking scupture and pubescence