Higher classification Ant Order Hymenopterans | Rank Subfamily | |
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Tribe AmblyoponiniForel, 1893 Similar Proceratiinae, Ant, Ectatomminae, Leptanillinae, Pseudomyrmecinae | ||
Amblyoponinae is a subfamily of ants in the poneromorph subfamilies group containing 13 extant genera and one extinct genus. The ants in this subfamily are mostly specialized subterranean predators.
Contents
Identification
Amblyoponinae is characterized by these worker characters: eyes small or absent, situated behind midlength of side of head; anterior margin of clypeus with specialized dentiform setae; promesonotal suture flexible; petiole very broadly attached to abdominal segment 3 and without a distinct posterior face; postpetiole absent; sting present and well developed.
Systematics
The subfamily was formerly considered a tribe within Ponerinae, but was elevated to its own subfamily in 2003 when Barry Bolton divided Ponerinae into six subfamilies.
See here for an update on systematics and included genera.