Ponera swezeyi

Nomenclature

Species: Ponera swezeyi (Wheeler, W.M. 1933)

Usage: valid

cotype: MCZC - ANTC8097 - CASENT0173002
Holotype: BPBM - ANTC18499 - CASENT0249094
cotype: BPBM - ANTC18499 - CASENT0249111

External links

Antweb | Antwiki

Risk statement

Not considered a significant pest species.

Diagnostic description

Diagnosis of worker among Antkey species

Antenna 12-segmented. Antennal scapes exceed posterior head margin. Anterior margin of clypeus not denticulate; flat to convex, but never forming a distinct triangle that projects anteriorly beyond the base of the mandibles. Eyes small (equal to or less than 5 facets); situated distinctly below midline of head. Frontal lobes relatively narrow. Mandibles triangular; with more than 7 teeth and denticles. Metanotum does not form a prominent convexity bordered by distinct suture lines. Hind coxae lacking dorsal spine. Hind tibia with pectinate spur, but lacking simple spur. Tarsal claws lacking subapical tooth. Waist 1-segmented. Petiole narrowly attached to gaster. Conspicuous posterior face, petiole upright and not appearing flattened. Gaster armed with sting. Abdominal segment 4 lacking deep longitudinal furrows. Distinct constriction between abdominal segments 3+4. Color yellowish to reddish brown.

Among introduced and commonly intercepted species, Ponera swezeyi is most likely confused with Hypoponera species but can be distinguished by the subpetiolar process which has a fenestra anteriorly and an acute ventral tooth posteriorly. In particular, P. swezeyi bears a close superficial resemblance to H. zwaluwenburgi, but the latter is completely blind (lacking even a single pigmented ommatidia) and has an extremely reduced subpetiolar process.

Look alikes

Hypoponera zwaluwenburgi

Distribution

Click here for updated occurrence data and map on antmaps.org
Click here for updated occurrence data and map on GBIF.org