Return to list of Subfamily Formicinae genera

Adapted from Naumann et al. 1999.

1. a) Antennae 9-segmented..............................................................Brachymyrmex

b) Antennae 12-segmented..................................................................2

2. a) Mandibles sickle shaped, with numerous microscopic denticles (tooth-like processes). Petiole with prominent rounded node (not scale like). Maxillary palps 4 segmented. Slave makers found in mixed colonies with Formica spp. ................................................................Polyergus

b)Mandibles more or less triangular, masticatory margin with 5-12 teeth. Petiole usually scale-like, sometimes with a rounded node. Maxillary palps 3 or 6 segmented. Mostly free-living..........3

3. a) Maxillary palps 3-segmented and very short. Yellow to orange subterranean species....Acanthomyops

b) Maxillary palps 6-segmented and moderately to exceptionally long......................................4

4. a)Profile of the thorax (alitrunk) continuous and evenly convex, with propodeum (epinotum) not depressed below the level of the promesonotum and the meso-epinotal suture not or very slightly impressed. Alitrunk in dorsal view wedge shaped and tapering posteriorly........................Camponotus

b) Profile of alitrunk clearly discontinuous and not evenly convex, the meso-epinotal suture always distinct, and the propodeum distinctly depressed below the level of the promesonotum. Alitrunk in dorsal view not wedge shaped, usually constricted to some degree in the middle...............................................5

5. a) Larger ants; 2.5-9mm long, usually 4.5-9mm. Frontal carinae short but distinct, each a small ridge with a moderately to strongly angulate summit that is slightly reflected upwards. Lower rim of antennal socket nearly touching the posterior border of the clypeus, the distance between them less than 1/4 the maximum diameter of the antennal socket. The basal face of the propodeum usually longer than the downward-sloping(declivitous) one. Ocelli very distinct. Epinotal spiracle a narrow slit.......................................................................................................................................Formica

b) Smaller ants; 2-4.5 mm long, usually 2-3.5 mm. Frontal carinae indistinct or absent. If present. each carina is a small ridge with a distinctly rounded summit. Distancebetween the lower rim of the antennal socket and posterior clypeal border commonly 1/3 or greater the maximum diameter of the antennal socket. Downward-sloping (declivitous) face of the propodeum (epinotum) decidedly longer than the basal (anterior) face, both faces meeting so that the propodeal profile resembles a distinct upwards facing peak with a more or less rounded apex. Ocelli indistinct or absent. Abdomen often plump. Usually yellow-brown in color. Epinotal spiracle rounded.....................................................................................................Lasius