1

The Subfamilies of Ants

Myrmecology

2

Subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae “Stinging ants”. Large eyes. Short scape. Frontal carinae

closely spaced. Insertion of

antenna exposed.

3

Subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae Petiole and postpetiole well developed. Stinger well developed.

4

Subfamily Ponerinae Large “stinging ants”. Postpetiole fused with gaster. Sting well developed

5

Subfamily Ponerinae Insertions of antennae exposed or not

exposed.

6

Subfamily Ecitoninae “Army ants”. Petiole and postpetiole well developed. Stinger well developed.

7

Subfamily Ecitoninae Eye of worker small or even absent.

8

Subfamily Ecitoninae Insertions of antennae

exposed. Note small eyes.

9

Subfamily Cerapachyinae Postpetiole broadly

attached to gaster. Stinger well

developed. Insertions of

antennae exposed.

10

Subfamily CerapachyinaePygidium (last tergum of gaster)

with teeth

11

Subfamily Myrmicinae “Common ants” Postpetiole well developed. Stinger present

12

Subfamily Myrmicinae Insertions of antenna usually hidden by

frontal carina. Eyes large (usually).

13

Subfamily Dolichoderinae “Stink ants” Postpetiole forms part of gaster. Cloacal orifice slit shaped.

14

Subfamily Formicinae “Formic acid” ants. Postpetiole fused with gaster. Acidopore surrounded with ring of hairs.

15