Solenopsis papuana

  • Synopsis
  • Diagnostic Characters
  • Comparison Chart
  • Images
  • Video
  • Nomenclature
  • References & Links

Threat Level: Low

Solenopsis papuana is a minute pale yellow species with 10-segmented antennae, two-segmented antennal clubs, no antennal scrobes, minute eyes, no propodeal spines, unsculptured heads and bodies, abundant thin and erect pilosity, and a monomorphic worker caste. Like all myrmicines, S. papuana has a two-segmented waist and a gaster armed with a stinger.

The other two Solenopsis included in PIAkey are easily distinguishable from S. papuana by their larger sizes, larger and multifaceted eyes, and polymorphic worker caste.

Several small and pale Monomorium species can be mistaken for S. papuana because both genera lack propodeal spines. However, the PIAkey Monomorium all have 12-segmented antennae with three-segmented antennal clubs, and PIAkey Solenopsis all have 10-segmented antennae with two-segmented antennal clubs.

Solenopsis papuana is a small species, but nests will recruit in vigorous force to baits and food resources. They can defend the bait from competing ants with use of their stings. The species occurs both in urban landscapes and natural forests. For a more complete review of the biology, impacts and management of S. papuana, users are referred to the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) web page.

  • Waist with two segments (petiole & postpetiole)
  • Propodeal spines absent
  • Antennal scrobe absent
  • Antennae with a total of ten segments
  • Antennal club with two segments
  • Eyes small with few facets
  • Worker caste monomorphic
Solenopsis papuana vs. S. geminata, S. invicta, Monomorium species

S. papuana S. geminata S. invicta Monomorium spp.
Head
Profile
Number of antennal club segments
two
two

two

three
Eyes
small with few facets
large with many facets
large with many facets
 (not applicable)
Worker caste
monomorphic
(workers all of same size)
polymorphic
(workers of different sizes)
polymorphic
(workers of different sizes)		 (not applicable)
Size

Small
(<2mm)
Moderate (>2mm)
Moderate (>2mm)		 (not applicable)
S. papuana S. geminata S. invicta Monomorium spp.

Solenopsis geminata
CASENT0171089
(head, worker)

Solenopsis papuana
CASENT0171089
(profile, worker)
,
Solenopsis papuana
CASENT0171089
(profile, worker)

Solenopsis papuana
CASENT0171089
(label)

Solenopsis papuana at peanut butter bait (Suva, Fiji). Notice the small size, slow movement and pale color of these ants. Unlike the other species of Solenopsis included in PIAkey, S. papuana is monomorphic, meaning the workers are all the same size.

Subfamily Myrmicinae

Solenopsis papuana. Solenopsis papuana Emery, 1900c: 330 (w.q.) NEW GUINEA. Senior synonym of cleptis, dahlii, vitiensis: Wilson & Taylor, 1967: 60
  • Antweb: specimen images, data & maps

  • Global Invasive Species Database: information about ecology, distribution, impacts, management, references, links and contacts

  • Bolton, B. (1995) A new general catalogue of the ants of the world. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 504 pp.

  • Wilson, E.O. & Taylor, R.W. (1967) The ants of Polynesia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Pacific Insects Monograph, 14, 1-109.