Keys to Ponerinae genera in the southeastern United States (based on workers) (from Bolton, 1994, Deyrup et al, 2003) |
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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 |
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Mandibles linear to triangular, inserted at anterolateral corners of head, no vertical series of teeth apically | ![]() |
...3 |
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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) |
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Large, at least 8.0 mm; petiolar node with a single spine; occiput not deeply excised, corners broadly rounded | ![]() |
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...Odontomachus |
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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) | ![]() |
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Body without abundant, appressed pubescence; petiole higher than long, not joined broadly to gaster, but only connected at the base | ![]() |
...4 |
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4(3) |
Hind tibia with a single, large, pectinate spur, without a small simple one in front of it | ![]() |
...5 |
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Hind tibia with two spurs, one larger, pectinate, the other simple, small, and placed in front of the larger one | ![]() |
...6 |
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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 |
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Subpetiolar process a simple lobe and no anterior fenestra or thin translucent spot present | ![]() |
...Hypoponera |
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6(4) | Basal area of mandible with a circular or almost circular pit (fovea) dorsolaterally | ![]() |
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Mandible lacking fovea | ![]() |
...7 |
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Pretarsal claws usually pectinate on inner curves | ![]() |
...Leptogenys |
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Pretarsal claws simple, or occasionally with 1 tooth behind apex | ![]() |
...8 |
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8(7) | Mesopleurae with sculpture and/or dense pubescence | ![]() |
...Pachycondyla |
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Mesopleurae strongly shining, lacking scupture and pubescence | ![]() |